The annual plan introduced by the Federal government last year allows eligible teenagers aged 12 to 17 years to get a free annual preventative dental check. Vouchers were distributed to families receiving the family tax benefit A and teenagers currently receiving government financial support in January.

Vouchers cover the cost of a dental check, including x-rays, scale and clean, fluoride treatment, hygiene instructions and dietary advice, valued at $153.45.

Dentist Ed Montgomery said teenagers were the most susceptible to decay because the teeth had not matured. He said if a problem was identified early it could be fixed.

“If they don’t get treatment it could lead to pain, infection in the mouth and gum disease,” he said. “The fluoride treatments are the best resistant to decay.”

Mr Montgomery said the scheme was working well and had brought in a lot of teenagers that would not otherwise get a check up.

“We are taking a lot more x-rays because they are free and they are showing up holes that I might not otherwise find,” he said.

If teenagers have lost their voucher or families are unsure if they are eligible contact Medicare on 132 011.