We are very fortunate to have secured the services of BSSC Alumni, dentist Dr Luke Vale, of Martin Vale Dentristy, and Oral Health Therapist Lisa Marcollo, to be able to offer FREE dental screenings to all BSSC students.   The screenings will take place at the BSSC Wellbeing Centre on Wednesday 18th  March and Thursday 19th March.  Additional days will be added if there is demand for the service.

During the appointment, Luke or Lisa will conduct an Oral Health screening check, check eligibility for CDBS and discuss the findings with the student.  If further work needs to be done, the student can book an appointment at his surgery (Queen St, Bendigo), or at their own dental provider. All students who attend the screening appointment will receive a free oral health pack.

Luke has agreed that his fees will be capped at Medicare pricing for any student who is not eligible for the CDBS.

Given the age of our students, written consent from a parent/carer is not required, however Luke will obtain verbal consent from each student prior to undertaking the examination.  If you would like for your son/daughter to NOT access this service, please let us know via hand.kylie@bssc.edu.au.

In order to book an appointment, students will need to go to the General Office.  Alternatively, parents can call 5443 1222 to schedule an appointment for their child.  Each appointment will go for no longer than 10 mins.  Students must bring their Medicare card details (Medicare number and their position on the card) with them on the day of the booking or screening to determine eligibility (ineligible students can still access the free screening).

Please note that the CDBS is able to be accessed at any public or private dental provider.

For more information contact: Assistant Principal Kylie Hand hand.kylie@bssc.edu.au or Wellbeing Coordinator Jess Neale neale.jess@bssc.edu.au

 

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare program that offers families up to $1000 per child (aged 2-17) over two years to cover the costs of some dental services, if eligible. If your child has turned 18 this year, they will be eligible to use their $1000 before the end of 2019.  The dental services covered include examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions.  Orthodontic and cosmetic dental work is NOT covered by the program.

The full eligibility criteria and general CDBS information is best described at:  https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule/who-can-get-it, however in summary, the parent or the student must be claiming one of the following benefits to be eligible:

  • Family Tax Benefits-Part A
  • Parenting Payment
  • Abstudy
  • Youth Allowance
  • Carer’s Payment
  • Disability Support Pension
  • Special Benefits or Double Orphan Pension.