I have a 6yo who is autistic, adhd and extremely anxious. We have had to take her to a paediatric dentist and they have said the work she needs done will require general anaesthetic. The quote is considerably out of my budget as I’m a single working parent already struggling to make ends meet. Private health also isn’t an option. Is there any other services that can assist?
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Do you have a health care card? If you receive carer allowance for your child they will have a health care card in their name. With a health care card your child can be seen at the oral health unit at Qld children’s hospital, but I would assume it would be the same at all children’s hospitals around Australia. As long as you have a Medicare and health care card there is no out of pocket expense for treatment at the hospital. There is a waiting list, and you will need a referral. The other option would be a payment plan through the private dentist.
If your aboriginal, contact you local aboriginal medical centre. They often get specialists in for things like this. You may have to travel to the closest supporting hospital for the work to get done, but they can cover full coast, travel and accomodations if needed
Often a payment plan is available
Are you eligible for the child dental benefits? Do you have a dental hospital near you? I'd have a look there. My sister needed work done on her child's tooth and was told it'd be $10,000 with GA and overnight stay. She was so distraught. She did not realise she was eligible for the dental scheme until we did some research and logged into her Medicare account. She made an appointment at a local dental clinic that's associated with a health service. Her son's treatment cost her about $100 out of pocket all up and that's because she needed to pay for like 3 visits that were $30 each.
Have a look and go public 👌