Make Dental Care More Accessible With MPDSS
MPDSS
Know More About the Metropolitan Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme
The Metropolitan Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme (MPDSS) allows eligible public patients to access approved dental care at participating private clinics. Beyond Smiles Dental accepts MPDSS referrals and provides dental care in accordance with program requirements and clinical assessment. If you’ve received a referral through the scheme, our registered dental team is ready to continue your care once appointments become available.
Access Private Dental Care With MPDSS
If you’ve been directed to a private clinic under MPDSS, we’re ready to continue your care as soon as appointments are available.
HOW AFTERPAY WORKS
How MPDSS Referrals Are Managed Here
We follow a structured, patient-focused process to manage MPDSS referrals efficiently. This approach is designed to support continuity of care and keep you informed throughout treatment.
Confirm your MPDSS referral
We review your referral and verify eligibility based on MPDSS guidelines. This step helps check that the proper documentation is in place before beginning treatment with our team.
Book your initial consultation
You'll be scheduled for a private consultation with a dentist from our dental team. We'll assess your needs and discuss suitable treatment options covered under your referral.
Develop a treatment plan
A tailored plan is created in line with your clinical needs and the scope of the MPDSS. We prioritise clear communication, transparency, and your understanding of each step.
Begin your dental treatment
Once your treatment plan is approved, we begin care. Our team coordinates appointments, treatment, reporting, and communication with MPDSS to support your ongoing treatment.
ELIGIBILITY
Who Qualifies for MPDSS Dental Support
1 You have a current MPDSS referral voucher
2 You’ve been assessed with urgent dental needs
3 You live in a metropolitan catchment area
4 Your care is covered under MPDSS funding
USEFUL INFORMATION
Frequently Asked Questions About MPDSS
How do I know if I’m eligible for MPDSS?
The Metropolitan Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme is designed to assist public patients who meet specific criteria. Your public dental clinic determines eligibility and typically includes the following:
- A valid concession card is required.
This includes a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. - Priority dental needs must be identified.
Patients experiencing pain, infection, or complex oral health issues may be prioritised for MPDSS support. - Residence in a metropolitan area is necessary.
The scheme is only available to patients living within designated metro regions under WA Health’s eligibility zones. - An official referral must be issued.
You’ll need a referral from a public dental clinic or hospital before receiving treatment through an approved private provider.
Do I need a referral to access MPDSS support?
Yes, a referral from a public clinic is required to access treatment through the Metropolitan Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme (MPDSS). You cannot access MPDSS services by booking directly with a private dentist.
Public dental services will assess your oral health needs and determine whether you qualify for referral under the program. If you’re eligible, you’ll be issued a formal referral or voucher. This document outlines the approved treatments, where you can receive care, and the validity period of the referral. This process sees to it that the scheme is used properly for patients requiring timely, clinically necessary dental care.
What dental services are covered under MPDSS?
MPDSS offers access to essential dental treatments tailored to your clinical needs. The exact services covered are determined by your public dental provider and listed in your referral.
General dental care:
This includes check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays. These services support good oral hygiene, detect issues early, and help prevent more serious problems in the long term.
- Restorative treatments:
Tooth fillings and basic restorative work are usually included in the procedure. These treatments address decay or damage, restore function, and help preserve your natural teeth where clinically appropriate. - Emergency dental treatment:
MPDSS may support patients in accessing urgent dental care through participating private providers sooner than the public system, depending on eligibility and clinic availability. - Oral surgery and extractions:
Tooth extractions may be needed if a tooth is severely infected or damaged. In some cases, minor surgical procedures are also supported, depending on referral details. - Root canal therapy:
Endodontic treatment may be necessary to preserve a tooth. Eligibility depends on your referral and the availability of participating providers for complex care. - Dentures and partial plates:
If tooth loss affects your ability to eat or speak, MPDSS may include funding for full or partial dentures. These help restore oral function and patient confidence. - Follow-up appointments and reviews:
Post-treatment reviews and adjustments may be included. These visits help track your treatment progress and offer additional support where clinically appropriate.
Cosmetic dental procedures, such as whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers, are not covered under MPDSS. The program is designed to support essential, health-related dental care only.
How much will I have to pay under MPDSS?
MPDSS is designed to subsidise dental treatment costs for eligible public patients. If you’ve received a referral through the scheme, your treatment costs may be subsidised. The level of cover depends on what’s included and approved in your referral.
In some cases, you may need to pay a co-payment. This applies when treatment exceeds what is outlined in your referral or includes services not covered under MPDSS. Your public clinic or private provider will explain any potential out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins, so you can make an informed decision about proceeding with care.
Will I be placed on a waitlist?
Once you’ve received an MPDSS referral, you can usually book directly with the approved private dental clinic listed on your voucher. This may help reduce waiting times compared with the public system, depending on clinic availability.
However, appointment availability varies between clinics, and patients are scheduled based on provider capacity and clinical urgency. However, some wait time may still apply depending on the provider’s schedule and the urgency of your treatment needs. The private clinic will advise you of the next available appointment when you contact them.
Can I use MPDSS for cosmetic dental work?
No, the MPDSS does not cover cosmetic dental procedures. The scheme is designed to fund essential, clinically necessary treatment for eligible public patients, not elective or aesthetic services.
This means treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, smile makeovers, and other cosmetic enhancements are excluded. Only services directly related to oral health may be subsidised under an approved MPDSS referral. This includes tooth fillings, extractions, dentures, and other medically necessary procedures.
What happens if my referral expires?
MPDSS referrals are time-limited and must be used within a set period. If your referral expires before you start or complete treatment, here’s what you need to know:
- Referral validity is typically time-bound
MPDSS referrals usually expire within 3–6 months of issue. This timeframe helps manage demand and supports timely access to care across both public and private dental services. - Treatment can’t proceed with an expired referral
Private clinics cannot provide subsidised dental treatment under MPDSS if your referral is no longer valid. You’ll need an active, current referral to begin or continue treatment. - Contact your original public clinic
If your referral expires, contact the public dental clinic that issued it. They will reassess your current oral health needs and decide whether a new referral can be provided. - Delays may impact your treatment timeline
Expired referrals can cause interruptions to your care. It’s important to book your appointment as soon as possible after receiving your referral to avoid delays or loss of eligibility.
Can I request a specific dentist under MPDSS?
MPDSS referrals are generally linked to an approved private dental clinic, not to a specific individual dentist. While you’re allowed to express a preference, appointments are typically scheduled based on clinic availability and urgency of care.
If you have a specific dentist in mind, you can let the clinic know when booking. However, accommodating that request depends on their availability and whether they’re participating in the MPDSS program at the time of your treatment.
How long does it take to start treatment after referral?
Once you receive an MPDSS referral, you can usually contact the approved private dental clinic directly to arrange your appointment. However, wait times can still vary depending on clinic availability.
In some cases, patients may be scheduled sooner in the participating private clinics than in the public system, depending on clinic availability. Other factors include the urgency of your dental needs and how soon you call to book. The private clinic will confirm the next available appointment when you contact us.
Can I get a copy of my referral details?
Yes, you can request a copy of your MPDSS referral from the public dental clinic that issued it. This may include details such as the approved provider, eligible treatments, and referral expiry date.
Having a copy of your referral can help you stay informed about the scope of your treatment. It also supports a smooth and accurate transition when booking with the private clinic. Always check that your referral is valid before scheduling your appointment.
What if my dental needs change after referral?
If your dental condition changes after receiving an MPDSS referral, you should contact your original public dental clinic as soon as possible. Changes may include increased pain, new symptoms, or the need for additional treatment.
They may reassess your situation and, if appropriate, issue an updated referral to reflect your new clinical needs. Treatment beyond what’s listed in your current referral can’t be provided under MPDSS unless formally approved by the referring public clinic.
Is there a limit to the number of times I can use MPDSS?
There’s no fixed limit to how many times you can access MPDSS support. However, each referral is assessed individually by public dental services based on your current oral health needs and program criteria.
Eligibility isn’t automatic for future referrals. If you require additional treatment later on, you’ll need to return to your public dental clinic for reassessment. They’ll determine whether another MPDSS referral is appropriate for your circumstances.
