Affordable Dental Care in Bunbury
We Welcome Country Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme Patients
What Is the Country Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme (CPDSS)?
Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Smile
Are you ready to prioritise your oral health? Book a consultation with our friendly team to discuss your needs and explore suitable treatment options.
Helping Regional Patients Across the South West
How the CPDSS Works at Eversmile Dental
Get Referred
Book Appointment
Bring Your Form
Receive Treatment
Claim Processed
CPDSS Eligibility: What to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CPDSS cover all dental costs?
If you’re wondering whether the Country Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme covers every dental expense, here’s what you need to know:
- The CPDSS helps eligible patients with some dental treatment costs. It does not cover every procedure or service provided.
- Your referral from WA Country Health Service (WACHS) helps determine which dental treatments may receive a subsidy. Subsidised care also depends on the specific funding guidelines that apply at the time of your referral.
- The scheme may help cover essential services like checkups, fillings, extractions, or dentures when clinically necessary. A WACHS referral and clinical assessment determine whether these treatments qualify for subsidy under the program.
- Cosmetic procedures, such as whitening or veneers, are typically not included in the subsidy.
- Patients usually pay the difference between the subsidy amount and the full cost if the treatment exceeds the subsidy limit. This may result in some out-of-pocket expenses, depending on the type of care and what is included in the referral.
- Before treatment begins, you’ll receive a quote that explains what the CPDSS subsidy may help cover. It also shows any remaining costs you may need to pay, allowing you to plan your treatment with confidence.
Understanding the limits of the CPDSS helps you plan your dental care with realistic expectations. It also helps you choose the right treatment for your needs and access the support available to eligible regional patients.
What is a gap payment, and how much is it?
A gap payment is an out-of-pocket amount a patient may need to pay beyond what CPDSS covers for treatment. This happens when the dental service cost exceeds the amount approved by the scheme for a particular service. Each treatment has a set subsidy; if fees exceed it, the patient pays the remaining amount. The gap can vary depending on the treatment and the clinic’s private fee schedule.
At our dental clinic, we explain any potential gap payments before treatment so there are no surprises for our patients. We base gap amounts on the difference between our fees and the scheme’s set subsidy per service. Some patients may not need to pay a gap at all, depending on the treatment and eligibility. Our team is happy to give a detailed quote before your visit so you know exactly what to expect.
Can I use the CPDSS for emergency dental treatment?
Yes, eligible regional patients can access the CPDSS for emergency dental care in specific situations. Here’s how it works:
- It depends on the nature of the emergency:
The CPDSS can apply to emergency dental care if the situation is urgent and clinically necessary. This might include severe pain, swelling, infection, or trauma that needs immediate attention. - You’ll need a current CPDSS form:
Before your emergency visit, you must already have an approved CPDSS form from the WA Country Health Service. If you’re unsure, contact your local public hospital or health clinic first. They can guide you through what’s required. - Pre-approval may still be needed:
Even in urgent situations, the dental clinic must confirm that the service is covered under your CPDSS approval. Without the right approval, you may need to cover the cost yourself. It’s a smart move to check with your local health service or our team before your appointment. - We can help you understand your cover:
At our dental clinic, we understand how the CPDSS works and regularly support patients who use the scheme. While we can’t approve forms, we can help make the process less confusing.
While emergency care may be covered under CPDSS, the key is having the right documentation in place beforehand. It’s worth calling your local hospital or our Bunbury team before your appointment.
How far do I need to travel to be eligible?
To be eligible for the Country Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme (CPDSS), you must reside in a regional or remote area of Western Australia where there is no reasonable access to a public dental clinic. CPDSS does not use a fixed travel distance as a requirement for eligibility. Instead, your residential address is the key factor. The scheme is designed to support patients in communities that lack nearby public dental services by allowing access to participating private dentists at subsidised rates.
If you’re unsure whether your location qualifies, our team can assist by checking your address against the scheme’s eligibility areas. It’s also a good idea to contact the WA Country Health Service or your local public dental clinic to confirm your eligibility before making any appointments.
Can I choose which dental clinic I visit?
Yes, you can choose which dental clinic you visit, but it must be approved under the CPDSS program. Clinics must meet specific requirements and agree to participate in the scheme. Before making an appointment, confirm that the clinic accepts CPDSS referrals and has approved subsidies. This helps you receive subsidised care without delays or out-of-pocket surprises.
You’ll also need to secure an approval form from WACHS before your appointment at the selected clinic. Your local health service must arrange the referral and confirm eligibility. While clinics can explain the general process, the official approval comes from WACHS. Selecting a participating clinic with experience in CPDSS simplifies the process for eligible patients.
How can I check my CPDSS eligibility?
You can take a few simple steps to check if you qualify for subsidised dental care under the CPDSS. This scheme supports eligible patients who travel for dental treatment not available in their local area. Here’s how you can check your eligibility with confidence:
- Check Your Residential Address:
The scheme is available to patients who live in designated regional or remote areas of Western Australia without reasonable access to a public dental clinic. Your home address will help determine eligibility. - Confirm You Hold an Eligible Concession Card:
You must hold a valid concession card, such as a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. - Speak to Your Local Health Provider:
Your local public dental clinic or WA Country Health Service team can assist you in determining whether you qualify. They’re familiar with the scheme and can offer personalised guidance based on your location and eligibility. - Ask the Clinic if They Accept CPDSS Patients:
Before booking, check with the dental provider to see if they accept CPDSS patients and handle the required paperwork. They can also explain which documents you need to bring to your appointment.
You can check if you’re eligible for subsidised dental care under the CPDSS by following these steps. This helps you prepare for your appointment with the right documents and information.
