Over 1 Million Dental Checks have Teens Flashing Pearly Whites
Over one million dental checks have left Aussie teens with brighter smiles as a result of the Australian Government’s Medicare Teen Dental Program.
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Joint Release
The Hon Nicola Roxon MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Human Services
29 November 2010
Over one million dental checks have left Aussie teens with brighter smiles as a result of the Gillard Government’s Medicare Teen Dental Program.
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Human Services Minister Tanya Plibersek today welcomed the release of these milestone figures from Medicare as proof that the Gillard Government is getting on with the job of delivering important health services to the community, and helping families meet the cost of dental care.
“The delivery of over one million services under the Teen Dental Program, shows that health reform is starting to make a difference on the ground,” Ms Roxon said.
“And the Medicare Teen Dental is providing significant financial relief to families with teenagers,” Ms Plibersek said.
The Government reminded young people who haven’t had a check-up to make an appointment before the end of the year as vouchers are only valid for a single calendar year.
“Families with eligible teenagers should have already received their dental voucher in the mail and should take it, along with their Medicare card, to the dentist and get a check-up,” Ms Plibersek said.
“We want to kick start a lifetime habit of regular dental checks to reduce the risk of major dental problems later in life,” Ms Roxon said.
Families can claim up to $157 each year for teens having a preventative dental check consisting of an oral examination that may include X-rays, a scale and clean, fluoride treatment, oral hygiene instruction, dietary advice and fissure sealing.
As at 31 October 2010, the Medicare Teen Dental Plan had provided 1,016,103 dental checks to teens aged 12-17 years who are receiving government benefits individually or as part of a family.
For more information about the Medicare Teen Dental Plan and eligibility, go to www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or call Medicare Australia on 132 011.
For all media inquiries, please contact the Minister's Office on 6277 7220
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