As the end of the year is quickly approaching, now is a great time to make sure your family’s dental health is on track and make the most of any remaining dental benefits. Good oral health not only keeps your family smiling bright, but plays a crucial role in everyone’s overall wellbeing, from young children to older adults.
With the clock ticking on health fund benefits, it’s the perfect time to prioritise those check-ups and prevent dental issues before they turn into bigger problems.
Why Dental Care Is Essential for the Whole Family
Oral health goes beyond keeping teeth clean—it’s essential to your family’s health. For kids especially, untreated dental issues can lead to serious health problems, potentially requiring hospital care. In Australia, recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows that children aged 5 to 9 have the highest rates of preventable hospitalisations for dental conditions.
Without early intervention, minor dental issues like tooth decay can turn into painful conditions that are expensive to treat. Regular dental care can prevent these problems and keep everyone in the family healthy and comfortable.
Addressing the Cost of Dental Care
For many families, cost is a major barrier to timely dental care, leading to delays that can cause minor issues to worsen. In fact, nearly one in three Australians reported delaying or avoiding dental visits due to financial concerns last year. This delay often leads to more complicated and costly treatments.
One in seven children in Australia avoids certain foods because of dental discomfort, which can impact their nutrition and overall health. By catching issues early with regular dental check-ups, you can avoid these problems, keep treatment more affordable, and protect your family’s health.
Maximising Dental Insurance and Government Benefits for Children
If your family has private dental insurance, regular dental visits can help you get the most from your benefits and avoid missing out on valuable coverage before the end of the year. Additionally, many Australian families can access the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which provides essential dental care for around 3.3 million eligible children.
However, only a third of eligible kids accessed the CDBS between 2018 and 2021. Using these benefits before they expire can save you from unexpected expenses and ensure your child’s oral health is prioritised.
Regular Check-ups: Essential for Your Family’s Wellbeing
Routine dental check-ups help catch issues before they worsen, and for children, early intervention is key. Many families delay dental care due to cost or wait times, but delaying treatment often leads to avoidable hospital visits and more invasive procedures. Preventative care can save time, money, and discomfort down the line, helping your child maintain a healthy smile and avoid disruptions in their eating, sleeping, and daily activities.
Don’t Lose Out on Your Benefits—Book Now!
With the end of the year fast approaching, make the most of your family’s dental benefits before they reset. Many health fund policies roll over on 1 January, so any unused benefits may not carry forward.
Schedule a check-up at The Dental Junction today to ensure your family’s dental needs are met without additional out-of-pocket costs in the new year.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.