Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has unveiled a $230 million plan to establish 10 free public dental clinics across the state if Labor is re-elected in November, making universal access to dental care the first major policy commitment of his election campaign.
The proposed clinics would be open to every Victorian, including adults and children, without an income test or requirement to hold a healthcare card. The government expects the network to treat more than 100,000 people a year once fully operational.
Seven clinics would be located in Melbourne and three in regional Victoria, with the locations to be announced in coming weeks. The clinics would operate on a walk-in basis and provide check-ups as well as treatment including fillings, root canals and extractions. Patients with urgent needs, including severe dental pain, swelling or injuries, would receive priority.
The clinics are expected to operate from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends, although the government has not yet confirmed when all 10 sites will be operational. Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said some clinics could begin operating from July 2027.
Carroll said the policy was aimed at Victorians struggling to afford dental treatment and described it as a permanent cost-of-living measure rather than a temporary program.
“Only Labor will deliver free dental care for all Victorians,” Carroll said in his campaign speech.
“I’m fighting for the tens of thousands of working people who can’t afford to see a dentist. This is a structural cost-of-living commitment. It’s not a one-off. It’s a new, statewide service that won’t go away.”
Carroll also described the proposal as a national first for an Australian state government.
The policy would significantly expand access beyond Victoria’s existing public dental system, which is generally restricted to eligible groups including people with healthcare or concession cards. The existing public dental services, including programs already treating tens of thousands of Victorians, would continue under the proposal.
The Premier compared the proposed clinics with Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, saying Victorians should be able to access dental treatment without the cost and eligibility barriers that currently prevent many people from receiving care.
“Every Victorian resident will be able to go to a free Public Dental Clinic for a checkup every year.”
The announcement comes as Labor attempts to reset its campaign ahead of the November 28 election and seek a fourth consecutive term. Carroll became Premier last month after Jacinta Allan resigned as Labor leader.
Dental care remains largely outside Medicare, meaning most Australian adults must pay privately or rely on limited public dental services. The Victorian government says the cost of dental treatment is forcing some people to delay care or turn to their savings and superannuation to pay for treatment.
Carroll framed the policy as part of a broader Labor agenda focused on healthcare, education, jobs and cost-of-living pressures, while attacking the Liberal-One Nation opposition over its proposed spending cuts.
“This is the first new policy Labor will take to the election,” Carroll said. “And it’s just the start.”
The proposal is also likely to put pressure on the opposition Coalition to decide whether to match Labor’s promise or argue that Victoria cannot afford another major ongoing health commitment.
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