Veterans will gain easier access to more dental providers and increased upfront funding for high-cost treatment under changes to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Dental Program.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the reforms respond to feedback from veterans and the dental sector. Funding for Schedule C items will double by shifting from an annual to a biennial monetary limit.
Schedule C covers high-cost treatments such as crowns, bridges and veneers. From 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027, the biennial cap will be $5,980.30. The change will apply to subsequent two-year periods and will be indexed.
Minister Keogh said the higher cap would reduce out-of-pocket costs for veterans who need clinically required restorative treatment.
The funding is available to eligible veterans with an assessed clinical need who hold a Veteran Gold Card, or a White Card for related accepted conditions.
The reforms also expand the list of approved dental providers. Registered dental therapists, hygienists and oral-health therapists will now be able to provide treatment and claim directly for services within their scope of practice.
According to the minister, the changes increase choice and flexibility, making dental care easier to access while providing stronger financial support for costly procedures.