Medicare dentists in Melbourne?

[mudkicker]

Am googling this as well, but wonder if any Melbourne Dopers could give me some insight about whether there are Medicare (ie, inexpensive) dentists in Oz or if it's all/mostly private like the UK?

I arrive in Melbourne on Wednesday 4th on a year long tourist visa, and had a tooth pulled on Friday 31st. I'm hoping I should be OK by the time I leave for Oz, but at the minute am in a fair bit of pain and would like to know in advance about dentists I can access once I arrive, just in case.

I have an Irish passport so have reciprocal health care, but AFAIK this doesn't cover dental treatment. In NI/UK we have NHS/Medicare dentists as well as private ones - if you're not entitled to free treatment with an NHS dentist it's still fairly reasonable, but the private ones are sky high and would be well out of my budget. Not sure if it's the same type of setup in Oz?

Any info would be appreciated, cheers.

[madrabbitwoman]

I think you are out of luck. There is free dental care available (sort of) to holders of pension/healthcare cards. There is this: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ma...+Care+Services
Otherwise it is all private.

[mudkicker]

Eek. Figured it would be something like that. Thanks anyway.

[bluezooky]

Originally Posted by madrabbitwoman

I think you are out of luck. There is free dental care available (sort of) to holders of pension/healthcare cards. There is this: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ma...+Care+Services
Otherwise it is all private.

Even if you qualify the waiting lists are so long your practically wasting you time applying.I believe you will find most dentists are private but reasonably priced.