Help paying for dental or optical

Your state or territory government may provide support to get cheaper dental or optical services for you or your children.

Help paying for dental costs

A trip to the dentist can be expensive, especially in an emergency. If you have private health insurance, your dental costs may be covered or reduced depending on your private health care cover.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule can help pay for some of your child’s dental costs if you get a Centrelink payment. The schedule includes teenagers who are turning 18. Find out who can get it on the Services Australia website.

State and territory governments have schemes to help pay for dental costs. Some people may also be able to visit a public dental clinic. Find out what you can get in your state or territory from their website. These links will take you away from myGov.

State or territory Resources
ACT Dental services
NSW Public dental services
NT Dental services
Qld Public dental services
SA Dental schemes
Tas Health
Vic Dental health
WA Dental health services

Help paying for optical costs

Private health insurance may help cover some optical costs, like contact lenses and new glasses. Check your policy and find out if you’re covered.

There are government schemes to help eligible patients access subsidies for prescription glasses. Find out about subsidised spectacle schemes on the Optometry Australia website.

You may also get help if you’re a veteran and hold a Veteran Gold Card or Veteran White Card. Find out more about optical services on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.


Page last updated: 26 March 2024