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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000). It’s a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For other urgent medical issues, go to an Emergency Department.

Our Emergency Departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

For Patients

How long will I need to wait for treatment?

This will depend on your dental problem, your general health, and how this compares to other patients who also need dental services.

What should I bring to my appointment?

If you are an adult, please bring your Medicare card, Concession card and a form of photographic ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).

Children need to have their Medicare card and a form of photographic ID for their appointments.

A digital version of the Medicare and Concession cards will be accepted if it is accessed through the government Medicare and Centrelink apps. A photo or scan of the cards will not be accepted.

Depending on your location and the clinic you are going to, there are a few community transport options to choose from:

  • Tweed, Byron and Ballina Community Transport – 1300 875 895
  • Clarence Community Transport – 02 6645 3200
  • HART Services Community Transport for Lismore, Kyogle & Richmond Valley – 1300 874 278
At the clinic

You can be accompanied by one person if you require assistance.

Upon arrival, you and your children/companion must wear a surgical mask correctly, covering your nose and mouth, on entry and for the duration of the visit. If you have cold or flu-like symptoms such as a cough, fever, sore throat or runny nose please stay at home and reschedule your appointment.

You will be asked to fill out a medical history form before the doctor sees you. It is a good idea to arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment.

Your first visit will usually involve the dentist examining and assessing your dental needs. You may receive some dental care, but you should not expect your teeth to be fully fixed at your first visit./

If you require further dental care, you will be either: given an appointment or placed on a waiting list, depending on your dental needs.

If you are at the clinic for a dental emergency, the dentist will aim to reduce or stop the pain. Only the most serious problem will be treated at an emergency appointment. More treatment may be needed, and you may be asked to call us for an appointment or put on a waiting list.

How much will it cost?

Our services are free. However, if you are a parent or carer of a child, we encourage you to give consent for us to bill Medicare under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. All money received from Medicare is used to provide more dental services in the Northern NSW Local Health District.

After your appointment

After your initial appointment, your clinician may advise you that further care is needed. Your clinic may arrange for a follow-up appointment or put you on a waitlist for comprehensive care. If no further care can be identified, your course of care will be closed. 

Following this, if you wish to seek dental care again (including routine check-up), please call us 1800 679 336 or 1800 NSW DENTAL, Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 4.30pm. An assessment appointment will be made to determine the waiting list depending on your needs. We prioritize care to ensure patients with the most urgent conditions are seen first. Thank you for your understanding.