The Medicare Teen Dental Plan (MTDP) voucher is worth up to $157.50 towards a preventative dental check. The voucher will provide a dental check, and if required, x-rays, scale and clean, fluoride treatment, oral hygiene instruction, dietary ad-vice and fissure sealants.

“Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) employs registered dental therapists who can provide dental treatment to people up to the age of 18,” Oral Health Clinical Network Manager, Sue Winders said.

“Medicare Teen Dental Vouchers for 2010 will be sent to eligible clients shortly and can be used at public dental clinics or with private dentists who are registered with Medicare Australia.

“If you choose to use a public dental clinic in GSAHS you will need to call the oral health intake service to register. The telephone number for the GSAHS oral health intake service is 1800 450 046.

“You need to advise staff that you have a Medicare Teen Dental Plan voucher. You will need to take your voucher and your Medicare card to your appointment. The public dental clinic will bulk bill so you won’t have to pay.

“The priority for treatment in the public health dental clinic is for clients who are experiencing pain. There are some clinics where you may be placed on a waiting list,” Ms Winders said.