We are helping to improve Australia’s oral health outcomes and well-being.    Get Involved >

Tele-Dentistry Program

The Australian Dental Foundation understands a dental emergency can happen at any time and is here when and where you need us most.

Whether you are suffering from a toothache, trauma, broken/loose tooth, or any other dental concern, Tele-Dentistry is a convenient, accessible and efficient option for you to receive care where face-to-face consultations may not be possible or difficult – saving you travel, time, money and worry.

Tele-Dentistry is just like a normal, real-time dental consultation; only you will connect and speak to a dentist via a secure video chat platform, wherever you are. It is not intended to replace an essential dentist visit, but rather a convenient solution when you can’t see a dentist in person.

Our dentists will be able assess your oral health situation with appropriate photos, recommending the best options for remediation or care.

Tele-Dentistry FAQ

For The General Public

Tele-dentistry appointments are much like normal face-to-face appointments but are facilitated by a video chat application rather than face-to-face. All you will need is a stable internet connection and a computer or phone with a built-in microphone and camera to receive prompt and professional dental advice.

Many patients are unsure if their situation is considered as an emergency. A video call with a dentist will allow you to discuss any pain you may be experiencing or any concerns you have. The dentist will assess your condition and recommend next steps for care or remediation – potentially saving you a costly trip to the emergency department with a video consultation and follow-up dental appointment.

While tele-dentistry may seem awkward or uncomfortable at first, so long as you can navigate a search engine or use a phone app, tele-dentistry is a tool you can very easily use.

The patient must be present for the dentist to properly assess your condition and if you wish, a support person (i.e. friend, spouse, family member) may accompany you for technical or morale support. In the case of a child, a legal guardian must attend with the patient.

A small fee is associated with tele-dentistry consultation. This amount may vary depending on your level of private health insurance and/or eligibility for a government dental scheme.

Tele-dentistry is a convenient, accessible and efficient way for you to speak to a dentist – all from the comfort from your home.

Tele-dentistry is most appropriate for patients who:

  • are unable to attend face-to-face due to illness, isolation or quarantine
  • have limited transport
  • live in rural and/or regional areas
  • reside in aged care facilities and/or residential living complexes
  • aged 70 years and above where accessibility is a challenge
  • immuno-compromised

To schedule a tele-dentistry consultation, submit an appointment request here or alternatively call us. The appointment will use a secure and safe video conferencing software, simply click here and follow the prompts to enter the waiting room. It is recommended you run a test call prior to your appointment.

If you have any further questions, please contact us.

For Aged Care Facilities/Residential Living Complexes

Tele-dentistry appointments are much like normal face-to-face appointments but are facilitated by a video chat application rather than face-to-face. All you will need is a stable internet connection and a computer or phone with a built-in microphone and camera to receive prompt and professional dental advice.

A video call with a dentist will allow a carer to discuss any pain a resident may be experiencing or any concerns they have. The dentist will assess the resident’s condition from supporting questions and photos and recommend next steps for care or remediation. This may include a prescription to medication or recommendation for a mobile dentist to visit.

The resident and a ‘carer’ must be present for the dentist to properly assess the resident’s condition. A ‘carer’ holds one of the most important roles in sharing information between the dentist and the resident.

A ‘carer’ can be a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Nurse and/or family member. The nominated ‘carer’ should be close to or have had previous experience interacting with the resident.

To schedule a tele-dentistry consultation for a resident, please notify your facility’s care manager who will contact our team to arrange one. The appointment uses a secure video conferencing platform, simply click here and follow the prompts to the enter waiting room. It is recommended you run a test call prior to your appointment.

If you have any further questions, please contact us.