Teen Dental Program Rules released

The Dental Benefit Rules 2008 set out detailed requirements relating to a number of provisions under the Dental Benefits Act 2008, specifically in relation to the Government's Medicare Teen Dental Plan. An Explanatory Statement has also been issued to accompany the Rules.

The Rules include the definition of the Medicare Dental Benefits Schedule Item 88000, worth $150, which is described as follows

"Preventative dental check, provided to an eligible dental patient by, or on behalf of, a dental provider, consisting of an oral examination and, if clinically necessary, any of the following services:
(a) radiological examination and interpretation;
(b) removal of plaque or stain;
(c) removal of calculus;
(d) topical application of re-mineralising agent;
(e) dietary advice;
(f) oral hygiene instruction;
(g) fissure sealing;

Limit of 1 preventative dental check for an eligible dental patient each calendar year."