If your GP has referred you for dental treatment under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, Dentists @ Canning Vale is here to help. We are a Medicare-registered dental provider, which means we can accept your GP referral and provide treatment under your CDM plan, helping you access the dental care you need with Medicare support.
Eligible patients can receive up to five Medicare-subsidised dental services per calendar year under this scheme. Our team will work closely with your GP to provide coordinated, thorough dental care as part of your broader health management.
What Is a GP Accredited Dentist?
A GP accredited dentist, also called a Medicare-registered dental provider, is a dentist who is approved to treat patients referred by their General Practitioner under Medicare’s Chronic Disease Management program.
Not all dental practices participate in the CDM scheme. To access Medicare-subsidised dental care through a GP referral, your chosen dentist must be registered with Medicare as a provider. Dentists @ Canning Vale is fully registered to receive and treat patients under CDM dental referrals.
What Is the Medicare CDM Dental Plan?
The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Dental Plan – sometimes still referred to as the Enhanced Primary Care or EPC dental scheme, allows GPs to refer patients with chronic health conditions for Medicare-subsidised dental treatment.
Under this plan:
- Your GP assesses your overall health and identifies that dental treatment is part of managing your chronic condition
- Your GP prepares a Dental Management Plan and writes a referral to an eligible dentist
- You receive up to 5 dental services per calendar year with a Medicare rebate applied to each service
- A gap payment may apply depending on the services provided, we will discuss this with you at your appointment
The CDM dental plan is designed for patients whose oral health is directly connected to a chronic medical condition. Poor dental health can significantly impact conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness, so getting the right dental care is genuinely important for your overall wellbeing.
Who Is Eligible for a Medicare Dental Referral?
To be eligible for the CDM dental plan, you generally need to:
- Have a chronic health condition (ongoing for at least six months or likely to be ongoing)
- Have that condition managed by a GP under a formal care plan
- Have a dental need that is directly related to or affected by your chronic condition
Common conditions that may make you eligible include:
- Diabetes – high blood sugar accelerates gum disease and tooth decay
- Cardiovascular disease – gum disease is linked to heart health
- Respiratory conditions such as COPD or severe asthma
- Head and neck cancer – treatment can significantly affect oral health
- Immunocompromising conditions – including autoimmune disorders and those requiring immunosuppressant medication
- Eating disorders – which can cause serious erosion of tooth enamel
If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, speak with your GP. They will assess your situation and determine whether a CDM dental referral is appropriate for you.
What Dental Treatments Are Covered?
Medicare subsidises a wide range of dental treatments under the CDM plan. Coverage applies to clinically necessary services that are appropriate for your condition. Common treatments include:
- Dental examinations and assessments
- X-rays and diagnostic imaging
- Scale and clean (professional cleaning)
- Fillings and restorations
- Extractions where required
- Periodontal (gum) treatment
- Denture fitting and adjustments
- Preventive treatments including fluoride application
Note that purely cosmetic dental treatments are not covered under the CDM plan. Our dentists will advise you during your consultation which services apply to your referral.
How to Access the CDM Dental Plan at Dentists @ Canning Vale
Getting started is straightforward. Here is the process step by step:
Step 1 – Talk to Your GP
Speak with your GP about your dental health and your existing chronic condition. Your GP will assess whether a Dental Management Plan is appropriate and, if so, prepare the paperwork.
Step 2 – Receive Your Referral
Your GP will issue a signed referral to a Medicare-eligible dentist. Make sure you receive a copy of the Dental Management Plan to bring to your appointment.
Step 3 – Book at Dentists @ Canning Vale
Contact us to book your appointment. Let our reception team know you are coming in under a CDM/Medicare dental referral and we will make sure the right arrangements are in place before your visit.
Step 4 – Attend Your Appointment
Bring your GP referral and Medicare card to your appointment. We will confirm your CDM entitlements, explain any potential gap fees, and get started on your treatment.
Step 5 – Ongoing Care
We will coordinate with your GP as needed throughout your treatment and help you make the most of your annual CDM entitlements.
Why Choose Dentists @ Canning Vale?
We understand that dental visits can feel daunting, especially if you have been managing a health condition and dental care has taken a back seat. Our Canning Vale team is experienced in treating patients with complex health needs, and we take the time to understand your full health picture before recommending treatment.
Our approach:
- Experienced, caring team – dentists experienced in treating patients with chronic conditions and complex medication regimes
- Comprehensive treatment – we take care of everything from routine cleans to full restorative work under one roof
- Clear communication – we explain all costs and gap fees upfront, including what Medicare will cover and what you may owe
- Coordinated care – we communicate with your GP and maintain detailed records to ensure your dental care aligns with your overall health management
- Convenient location – centrally located in Canning Vale with on-site parking and easy access from Thornlie, Willetton, Gosnells, Harrisdale and surrounding suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from my GP to see a dentist at Dentists @ Canning Vale?
No, a GP referral is only required if you want to access Medicare subsidies under the Chronic Disease Management plan. All patients are welcome to book a standard appointment with or without a referral.
Can I choose which dentist treats me under the CDM plan?
Yes. Once your GP has issued a referral to a Medicare-registered dental provider, you can choose any eligible practice. Dentists @ Canning Vale is fully registered to accept CDM referrals.
Will I have to pay anything out of pocket?
Medicare provides a rebate for each service under the CDM plan, but a gap payment may apply depending on the specific treatment. We will always tell you the expected costs before proceeding with any treatment so there are no surprises.
How do I know how many CDM services I have remaining?
Your GP’s referral will outline how many services have been approved. You can also check your Medicare history through your MyGov account or by calling Medicare on 13 20 11. Our reception team can also assist in confirming your remaining entitlements before treatment.
Can I use my CDM plan for cosmetic dental work?
No. The CDM scheme covers clinically necessary dental treatment that is related to the management of your chronic condition. Cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening are not covered.
What if I need more than 5 services in a year?
If you require additional dental treatment beyond your annual CDM entitlement, we can discuss a treatment plan with private health insurance, HICAPS claiming, or flexible payment options.
Ready to Book?
If you have received a CDM referral from your GP, or if you would like to find out whether you may be eligible, contact Dentists @ Canning Vale today. Our friendly team will help you get the most out of your Medicare dental entitlements.
Serving Canning Vale, Thornlie, Willetton, Gosnells, Harrisdale and surrounding Perth suburbs.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Dental Association - Teeth.org.au Oral Health Advice. teeth.org.au
- Healthdirect Australia - Dental Care. healthdirect.gov.au
- Cochrane Oral Health Group - Systematic Reviews. cochranelibrary.com
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.
