Keeping their children’s teeth healthy is a top priority for parents, but the cost of dental care can be disconcerting. The dental services from Bellarine Community Health (BCH) are free to children under 13 years old.
This is fantastic news for families. They can get free services that include the whole gamut of general dentistry – check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure seals, root canals and extractions.
Children aged 13 to 17 may be eligible for free dental services as well, through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule or if they or their parents have a health care card.
The team of professionals at the Point Lonsdale state-of-the-art BCH Dental Clinic employs the latest technology and operates with three dental chairs.
Dentists, Oral Health Therapists and Dental Assistants are all on board to deliver dental care and oral health at a high standard.
Help for patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Launched last year, an innovative program for people with ASD has proven a big success.
The first of its kind, the program was fully evaluated and found to be successful in helping people with ASD access dental care.
The clinic’s team has undertaken extensive training in how to make a trip to the dentist a relaxed one for ASD and other patients.
The initial consultation with patient or carer entails completing a “My Story” template to outline their individual needs, which enables BCH to tailor the service for each patient.
A special set up is provided to meet individual sensory needs, such as light-dimmers and minimal furnishings, along with squishy toys, iPads to watch a movie or listen to music and noise-cancelling ear phones. And each patient is given a “Time Out” card to signal if they need a break.
Quality Innovation Performance (QIP) accreditation
The clinic proudly bears QIP recognition, an independent evidence-based endorsement that BCH meets the National Safety and Quality Health Service standards, and follows stringent infection prevention – never more vital than through COVID-19’s duration.
Every precaution is taken to ensure the health and safety of patients and staff.
Both public and private
BCH Dental provides general and emergency dental care for public and private patients. Private health funds are supported for immediate claim (check with your fund provider).
Bellarine Community Health, 2 Nelson Road, Point Lonsdale. Opens 8.30am-5pm Monday-Friday. Inquiries: 1800 007 224 or www.bch.org.au
