This action shot of my five year old (I am clearly on the receiving end) was taken in Hanson Bay, K.I. in January.  Having turned 5, he has started school this year.  I am reminded that he was only born a few months before our practice opened, which will also turn 5 years old in December this year.  The time has flown.  We hope this newsletter finds you and your family all well during this cold winter.

The latest …

1.  School Holidays (11 July – 23 July 2016)

The School Holidays are here!  Book the kids in if you haven’t already.  The Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) is still running until further notice.  We bulk bill all kids check-ups on Medicare and with any private dental extra’s cover (i.e. gap-free).   Dr Bertossa is away during the second week of school holidays, however Dr Anthony Colella is providing additional appointment space during the second week to provide availability, he is great with kids. See our articles to read about why kids check-ups are so important.

2.  Kids on Medicare?

For those who are eligible, you should now have had notice from Centrelink that the CDBS is continuing until further notice.  Legislation to close the scheme (as originally intended) was not passed before the government went into ‘care-taker’ mode.  So please regard it as business as usual for the CDBS until we are all advised otherwise by Medicare or Centrelink.  Our practice had acted on the initial announcement, informing some clients that the scheme was closing.  This is not in-fact the case.  Information can be found here.

3.  Anything Dental in the Election?

In the new political environment and with the new colourful Senate, it will be interesting to see how public dental funding is treated.  The Green’s have historically opposed cuts in this area.  New independents are also likely to have to be convinced all over again regarding the Coalitions original policy to terminate kids dentistry on Medicare (for eligible families).  We watch this space and will keep our clients informed as new info comes to hand.

4.  Welcoming Lauren

Lauren has joined our dental assisting team and will assist us on Mondays and Fridays as our practice hours continue to expand.  Welcome aboard!

5.  SMS recalls

As you all probably know, most future 6 monthly recall appointments are made at our desk before you leave.  For those who are unable to book at this time, our standard practice has been to send you a reminder letter in the post.  In keeping with our paperless practice principle, starting next month this reminder letter will now be replaced with a reminder SMS for clients with mobile phones.   Failing that, a reminder email will be sent instead.  We apologise in advance for any glitches that may occur in the transition.

6.  Incomplete treatment? or Over-Due for a check and clean?

Although our clinic endeavours to be exhaustive in relation to our recall and follow up system, if more that 6 months has elapsed since your last check-up and clean or if you know that you still have incomplete outstanding treatment, please contact us to receive a call from one of our helpful staff members or feel free to phone us on 8260 1007.

We take this opportunity to thank our clients again for their continuing support.  We still accept all health insurances and are still welcoming referrals of new clients.   All new clients are eligible for our first visit gap-free check and clean offer.

All the Best
Dr Peter Bertossa & the Team at Dental on Metro