Frequently Asked Questions


A selection of the questions often asked at our clinics, together with some handy and helpful answers


I’m not with a private health fund, but your advertisement says Bulk billing for Medicare, how does that work?

Correct we do bulk bill through Medicare. But as you read on you’ll establish it says bulk billing for Medicare referrals from your family doctor or Teen Dental Plans.



However, this does not mean that you can claim directly through Medicare for free, if you only request a simple referral from your doctor, just to say you have a toothache or hole in your tooth and need to see a dentist.



Unfortunately if we did that then we wouldn’t be able to offer our beneficial no gaps policy.



What a lot of people don’t know about Medicare, is the Medicare EPC Program (Enhanced Primary Care Program). This is the referral letter we require from your doctor.

The Enhanced Primary Care Program is available to patients suffering with chronic medical conditions such as those listed below and have complex care needs requiring the ongoing care of a team of at least two other health care providers apart from your GP (e.g. an allied health professional or medical specialist) and whose oral health is impacting on, or likely to impact on their general health.

Those individuals are issued an amount of $4250 to use on most dental procedures. Some of the medical conditions include, but are not limited to the following: 

  • Cancer
  • High blood pressure
  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Mental illness
  • Stroke
  • Cardiovascular illness
  • Musculoskeletal conditions

And many others (your doctor will advise you if you are eligible)

Your doctor will also need a few simple details from us such as our clinic name and a specific provider number to proceed with the referral. So just give us a call on (02) 9150 6826 and we’ll happily pass them onto you.

Note: A Chronic medical condition is one that has been or is likely to be present for at least six months. For further reading on the EPC Plan, visit: 
 http://www.health.gov.au/epc

 

What is a Teen Dental Plan?

On 1 July 2008, the Australian Government introduced the Medicare Teen Dental Plan to help with the cost of an annual preventative dental check. This program aims to make it more affordable for families to keep their teenager’s teeth in good health.

If you‘re eligible, a letter and voucher advising you, of your eligibility for a preventative dental check will be sent to you or your family or carer. If you are in equal shared care arrangements, a letter and voucher will be sent to each parent or carer. If the teenager is in equal shared care arrangements, the first family to claim the service with Medicare Australia will be entitled to the full dental benefit.


The voucher gives you entitlement to claim a benefit from Medicare Australia of up to the amount of $153.45 per year, once you have seen one of our dentists and had a preventative dental check.

Vouchers are only valid for the person named on the voucher and unfortunately cannot be transferred to another person. The voucher must be used within the calendar year it is issued.


For More Information feel free to visit:
http://www.health.gov.au/dental
Brochure (PDF, 279Kb)
DC1-Dental benefit claim for Medicare Teen Dental Plan form (PDF, 222Kb)


Or book an appointment at NO GAPS DENTAL now (02) 8007 6727

 

What is a preventative dental check?

A preventative dental check at any of our No Gaps Dental clinics can consist of:

  • Taking two small x-rays
  • A scale and clean
  • Fluoride applications

If needed one of our dentists will provide dietary advice and oral hygiene instructions Fissure Sealing – This means sealing pits or cracks in a tooth, if necessary.

 

If I need a root canal do I also need a crown?

A root canal is the process by which the dentist drills into the pulp chamber of an infected tooth and removes the pulp tissue.

After root canal treatment, the tooth can become weak and prone to breakage over the short term. This tooth may need to be protected with a crown to prevent breaking and to restore the tooth to full function. If the tooth previously had a large restoration, was badly damaged, or if a large amount of tooth structure was removed as a result of treatment, a crown may be required.

 

Why should I spend the money on a root canal? Why not just pull the tooth out?

Losing a tooth can be the beginning of many more lost teeth. Saving the tooth maintains space, keeps other teeth from moving, and eliminates the need and cost of a bridge. Although seemingly expensive, it is actually quite cost effective in the long term.

 

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Not necessarily, it depends on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: Improper 'scrubbing' instead of gentle, using a hard bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and / or tartar build-up below the gum line, periodontal disease. If the problem persists despite correcting your brushing and flossing methods, contact our clinic for an examination.

 

Do I really have to floss every day?

Flossing is the only way to completely remove accumulated plaque between the teeth. If it's not removed, it ultimately leads to decay and periodontal disease.

 

What can be done for missing teeth?

Bridges and Partial Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth. Not only will they fill the spaces left by lost teeth, but they also help support the teeth adjacent to, and directly opposite, the missing teeth. Please speak to one of our dentist to find the best solution for you.

 

Can adults also benefit from orthodontic treatment?

Definitely. Although the ideal time to have orthodontics is whilst the patient is still growing, age isn’t a barrier. Adults who missed the opportunity to have orthodontic treatment during childhood, or who have more recently developed problems, are now able to benefit from the improvements in technique and aesthetic materials, making orthodontic care acceptable whatever the age.

 

Do I have to live with poorly fitting dentures?

You may not notice it but as years go by, the supporting ridges that remain after natural teeth have been removed gradually change and get smaller. Also, a large change in weight can also change the shape of the mouth, causing changes in the fit of your dentures. In most cases, our dentists can adjust or realign your dentures so that they conform to the changing ridge. It is also important for patients to have their dentures checked regularly by a dentist.