MEDIA RELEASE - DENTAL CHANGES LEAVE VETERANS SMILING
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEDIA RELEASE
1 January 2026
DENTAL CHANGES LEAVE VETERANS SMILING
The Australian Government is enhancing dental care for veterans by providing easier access to more dental providers and increasing the money veterans can access for costly dental work up front.
Following feedback from veterans and the dental sector, from 1 January 2026, funding for Schedule C items under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Dental Program will double by switching from an annual to a biennial monetary limit. Schedule C includes high-cost treatments such as crowns, bridges and veneers.
This means that from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027, the biennial monetary limit for Schedule C dental items is $5,980.30. This change applies to subsequent two-year periods and is subject to indexation.
This doubling of the cap will help ensure veterans are not left out of pocket when paying for high cost, clinically required restorative items.
Funding is available to eligible veterans with assessed clinical need and a Veteran Gold Card or White Card with related accepted conditions.
Dental therapists, hygienists and oral health therapists who are registered with the Dental Board of Australia have also been added to the approved list of dental service providers.
This means these professions can now provide and directly claim for treatment, within their scope of practice. This enhances choice and access, making it easier for veterans to access a dental practitioner suited to their needs.
These changes are about giving veterans greater flexibility and financial support when accessing dental care, particularly costly procedures.
To learn more about DVA’s Dental Program, visit the DVA website.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Luke Rycken (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0482 131 831
DVA Media: [email protected]