The Australian Government introduced the plan on July 1 to provide financial assistance to eligible families to help assess the health of their teenagers’ teeth. Previously the government had not provided any financial assistance and the new funding comes as an Australian Labor Party initiative to introduce preventative strategies to encourage lifetime good oral health habits.

The $150 voucher covers one annual preventative dental check consisting of an oral examination and, if required, X-rays, a scale and clean, fluoride treatment, oral hygiene instruction, dietary advice and/or fissure cleaning.

Mr Ellis said while the support may benefit families there are limited times remaining this year.

“Positions are filling fast and if people leave it until November or December they won’t get in. People need to get in and make appointments now,” he said.

“If people don’t have their appointments by December 31 they can no longer use it.”

Those aged between 12 and 17 should have already received a $150 voucher or can expect one in the next month for the preventative dental check. The program is being administered by Medicare Australia and is part of an initiative to encourage more teenagers to take preventative dental measures.

Mr Montgomery said the plan is a step forward but did not know what the response will be from the teenagers who have received it.

“It is a good idea but a limited service. It is useful for diagnosis but doesn’t give much scope for further work. It is hard to assess how many will make use of it but I can see teenagers taking advantage of it,” he said.