AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Australian immigration could benefit your kids' health

Friday, 7 March 2008

If you have kids and are planning to immigrate to Australia, you will be glad to know that the Australian Government has just invested even more funds into promoting the health of children.

Up to one million teenagers in Australia will have their dental check-ups subsidised by the Federal Government under a $360million scheme, which comes into effect on July 1 and run for three years.

By establishing this Teen Dental Plan, the Australian Government is honouring yet another major election commitment to help working families fix their kid’s teeth.

Immigration to Australia with children has been a highly attractive trend in the last few years, as it's a very friendly and accommodating country when it comes to children.

For example, many Australian primary schools offer school dental services, something unheard of in many of the countries immigrants actually come from.

But unfortunately, these services have not been as widely available to teenagers, until now.

Australian Health Minister Nicola Roxon said that by targeting teenagers, the scheme will not only ease cost pressures, but will also encourage young adults to continue looking after their teeth once they become independent and move out of home.

The subsidy will be applicable to preventative dental treatment for 12- to 17-year-olds.

Thanks to this scheme, eligible families will be able to claim up to $150 towards the cost of an annual check-up for each teenage child.

Your teenagers will now be able to have their oral examination, clean, scale and X-ray for less than half the original price of $290 – something to put a big, bright smile on your face, as well as theirs!

To administer the scheme, a stand-alone teen Dental Benefits Schedule (DBS) will be established under Medicare.

Even better news, is that the Australian government authorities are said to be negotiating with dentists over the cost, and discussing whether some will waive the "gap" and bulk bill for the treatment.

Roxon said that teeth are important to teenagers' self-esteem, and that the subsidy would also help working families.

If you would like to work and live in Australia and would like to know what visa you are eligible for, you can do our free online visa assessment, which will deliver almost instant results!