We Welcome DVA Card Holders for Dental Care
DVA
Understanding Dental Support Through the DVA Program
If you hold a DVA Gold or White Card, you may be eligible for dental care covered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. At Beyond Smiles Dental in Perth, we help veterans understand how DVA dental support works, what’s included, and how to get started. Our team is here to make accessing care easier, more transparent, and focused on your well-being.
Dental Support for Eligible Veterans Starts Here
Eligible veterans can receive dental care through DVA cover — we’ll guide you through what’s included and how it works.
HOW DVA WORKS
How DVA Dental Cover Is Accessed
Confirm your DVA card type
Gold and White Cards offer different levels of dental cover. Knowing your card type helps determine what services you're eligible to receive under the DVA program.
Book with our dental clinic
Call Beyond Smiles Dental and let us know you're a DVA cardholder. Our team will arrange your appointment and assist you in preparing for your first visit.
Bring required documents to the appointment
Please bring your DVA card and any applicable referrals. Some major procedures may require prior DVA approval, which we can assist you in requesting if needed.
Begin treatment with ongoing support
Once approved, we’ll provide your treatment according to DVA guidelines. Our team explains every step so you feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout your care.
ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Access Dental Care With DVA
1 Gold Card holders receive cover for all conditions
2 White Card holders have limited dental treatment access
3 Veterans with DVA-accepted dental conditions may qualify
4 Eligible widows, widowers and dependents may access care
USEFUL INFORMATION
Frequently Asked Questions About DVA
What dental services are covered by DVA?
If deemed clinically necessary and approved under DVA guidelines, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) covers a wide range of dental services. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Preventive care is commonly included.
This may include routine dental check-ups, scale and cleans, oral hygiene instruction, and fluoride treatments. These services help maintain long-term oral health and may require periodic approval based on clinical need. - Restorative treatments are also covered.
If the Department of Veterans’ Affairs deems fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures necessary to restore function and comfort, they may receive cover. The DVA requires a clinical justification before treatment begins. - Emergency dental care is eligible for cover.
Urgent treatment for issues like dental infections, tooth fractures, or pain management is generally approved. This is especially the case when immediate care is needed to relieve discomfort or prevent complications. - Some surgical and advanced procedures are included.
Tooth extractions, root canal therapy, and periodontal treatment may be covered if clinically indicated. More complex procedures may require pre-approval from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. In some cases, a referral to a dentist with additional training may also be needed, depending on your card type and condition.
Cover depends on whether you hold a Gold or White Card, the accepted conditions, and the clinical necessity of treatment. Always check with DVA or your dentist beforehand.
Do I need to pay for my dental visits?
If you’re an eligible DVA Gold or White Card holder, approved dental services are usually billed directly to DVA at the set schedule of fees. This applies as long as the treatment is clinically necessary and falls under DVA guidelines. Out-of-pocket costs may apply if the service is not approved or requires prior authorisation.
However, some procedures may require pre-approval before treatment can begin, particularly if they are complex or high-cost. If you hold a White Card, only services related to your accepted service-connected condition are covered. We recommend confirming your entitlements before your appointment. Our team may help clarify what services are included under your DVA card and assist with any required steps beforehand.
What’s the difference between Gold and White Cards?
The DVA issues Gold and White Cards to eligible veterans and dependents, with different levels of dental cover. The table below explains how they differ in terms of access and entitlements:
| Feature | DVA Gold Card | DVA White Card |
| Eligibility | For veterans with high service-related needs or qualifying conditions | For those with accepted service-related injuries or health conditions |
| Dental Treatment Cover | Covers all clinically necessary dental services, regardless of the condition | Covers dental care directly related to an accepted service-related condition |
| Type of Conditions Covered | Any condition, whether service-related or not | Only conditions recognised by DVA as service-related |
| Approval Requirements | Some complex or high-cost procedures may need DVA approval | Most treatments require eligibility confirmation and sometimes prior approval |
| Access to Broader Dental Services | Allows access to a full range of dental treatments, if clinically indicated | Treatment options are limited to the accepted condition and must be clinically justified |
Gold Card holders receive broader access to dental care. White Card holders are limited to treatment for accepted service-related conditions and often need pre-approval.
Can I see any dentist under the DVA program?
You can receive dental treatment under the DVA program from any dentist who is registered to provide services to DVA patients. Not all dentists offer this, so it’s important to check beforehand.
At Beyond Smiles Dental in Perth, we welcome DVA cardholders and are familiar with the treatment approval process and billing requirements. Our team is here to help you understand what’s included and make the process as simple as possible.
Do I need a referral to access dental care?
In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a dentist under the DVA program. Eligible Gold and White Card holders can book directly with a DVA-registered dental clinic like Beyond Smiles Dental.
A referral is not usually required for general dental care. However, it may be necessary if your treatment involves complex procedures or a dentist with specific training. Our team can let you know if this requirement applies and help arrange the necessary documentation.
How often can I have check-ups under DVA?
DVA generally allows eligible cardholders to have one dental check-up every 12 months. This includes an oral examination, a scale and cleaning, and any necessary X-rays, provided the care is clinically necessary.
In some cases, more frequent visits may be approved if your oral health condition requires it. Your dentist will assess your needs and, if needed, request approval for additional appointments in line with DVA guidelines.
Will I need to provide any documents before treatment?
Yes, some documents will be required before your dental treatment begins. These help confirm your eligibility and that your dental care complies with DVA guidelines.
Your DVA Gold or White Card
This confirms your eligibility and card type, which determines what dental services you can access.
- Referral (if required)
While most general dental care doesn’t need a referral, certain procedures may require one—especially if additional qualifications or approvals are involved. - Pre-approval documentation
For major treatments like dentures or complex restorations, DVA may require a treatment plan to be submitted and approved before work begins. - Identification and consent forms
We may ask you to complete patient forms or provide identification to meet both DVA and clinical record-keeping requirements.
If you’re unsure what’s needed, our team at Beyond Smiles Dental can guide you through each step before your visit.
Can I combine my DVA cover with a health fund?
No, you cannot combine DVA dental benefits with a private health fund for the same treatment. If you are claiming a service through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, DVA must be the sole billing entity.
If a particular treatment isn’t included under DVA—such as care not related to an accepted condition under a White Card—it won’t be funded. In these cases, you may use your private health fund separately. Our team can help clarify which option applies to your treatment.
Do I need pre-approval for major dental work?
Yes, some major dental procedures require prior approval from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs before treatment can begin. This usually applies to higher-cost or complex services, such as crowns, dentures, or oral surgery. Your dentist will assess your clinical needs and, if required, submit a treatment plan to DVA for approval.
Can Beyond Smiles Dental help explain what’s included?
Yes, Beyond Smiles Dental can explain what dental services are included under your Gold or White Card in line with DVA requirements.
We’ll help you understand which treatments are covered, whether any approvals are needed, and what steps to take before beginning care. If you’re unsure about your entitlements, you can contact the clinic for clarification.
Is there a limit to how much DVA will cover?
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs does cover many dental services, but there are certain limitations. DVA funding is based on clinical necessity and may be subject to annual service caps, item restrictions, or prior approval requirements.
For example, some treatments—such as crowns, bridges, or dentures—may only be covered once within a set period unless additional approval is granted. Our team at Beyond Smiles Dental can help you understand what’s included and whether any limits apply to your treatment plan.
Can a carer assist with booking or discussing my treatment?
Yes, a carer or family member can assist you with booking appointments and discussing your treatment. This is possible once you’ve provided consent for them to do so.
Carers may assist with scheduling appointments and discussing treatment plans, provided the patient consent is in place. Before treatment begins, the clinic confirms that the required DVA documentation is in place. If you would like someone to speak on your behalf, please advise the clinic so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
