Dental

Orthodontic treatment at PCH is only available to children who are covered by the Medicare Cleft Lip and Palate Scheme (external link).

Eligibility guidelines

As our Dental department provides specialised services, a written referral from a medical, dental or nursing practitioner is essential. Eligibility is determined and prioritised according to: 

• The degree to which a child’s medical condition affects their dentofacial growth and development, or has contributed to their oral condition. 
• The degree to which a child's medical condition would place them at risk if managed outside of the hospital.

We do not provide routine dental care for children.

The Emergency Department is able to offer a medical assessment for children requiring emergency treatment for dental and oral injuries, as well as relief of pain or infection. In some cases, a referral may be made to the PCH Dental Department. Eligibility for treatment at PCH Dental Department is not automatic.

The following external services may assist with your child’s routine dental care or current dental problem.

Services we provide

Emergency Service

All children can access the 24 hour on-call emergency dental service, available through PCH’s Emergency Department for: 

• Emergency pain relief
• Traumatic orofacial injuries
• Oral haemorrhage
• Odontogenic infections. 

This service provides basic emergency treatment and will discharge children who are not eligible to receive treatment through PCH’s Dental Department for follow up and definitive treatment through an appropriate external service.

Referrals