Utilisation of the Medicare Teen Dental Plan in NSW, 2008-2010.

Abstract

Aim: To examine the use of the Medicare Teen Dental Plan in NSW, its uptake in the private and public dental sectors and to map the geographical pattern of program use.

Methods: Data describing the use of the Medicare Teen Dental Plan were assembled from a variety of sources including Medicare, the NSW Oral Health Data Collection and the NSW Teen Dental Survey 2010.

Results: In 2010, use of the Medicare Teen Dental Plan across the entire NSW eligible aged population ranged from 20 to 25.5%, with the average usage across all ages being 20.2%. For the period 2002 to 2010, the average utilisation rate for teenagers accessing public dental care was approximately 6.8%.

Conclusion: As a single Dental Benefits Schedule item is used for service provided under the Plan, it is difficult to evaluate the mix of dental treatment items and the comparative value of the service provided unless these services are provided in a public dental service with a data collection that can flag care provided under a Medicare Teen Dental Plan voucher.