18Orthodontic services

18 Orthodontic services

(1) An item in the range 75001 to 75006 or 75024 to 75051 that includes the symbol (AO) applies only to a service provided by an accredited orthodontist.

(2) An item in the range 75009 to 75023 that includes the symbol (AO) and the symbol (AOS) applies only to a service provided by:

(a) an accredited orthodontist; or

(b) a dental practitioner who is:

(i) registered or licensed as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon under a law of the State or Territory in which the service is rendered that provides for the registration or licensing of oral and maxillofacial surgeons; and

(ii) a dental practitioner approved by the Minister for the purposes of the definition of professional service in subsection 3 (1) of the Act.

(3) In this rule:

accredited orthodontist means:

(a) a dental practitioner who is:

(i) registered or licensed as an orthodontist under the relevant law; and

(ii) accredited by the Minister for the purposes of this rule; or

(b) a dental practitioner:

(i) who is not registered or licensed under the relevant law as an orthodontist or who practises in a State or Territory in which there is no provision for the registration or licensing of orthodontists; and

(ii) whose qualifications or experience demonstrate to the Committee his or her competence in the field of orthodontics that is applicable to the giving of the services specified in items 75001 to 75051; and

(iii) who is accredited by the Minister for the purposes of this rule.

Committee means the Medical Benefits (Dental Practitioners) Advisory Committee established under section 136 of the National Health Act 1953.

relevant law, in relation to a service provided to a patient, means a law of the State or Territory in which the service is provided that provides for the registration or licensing of orthodontists.