A local dental hygienist is welcoming the federal government’s national dental care program, but a lot of questions and difficulties remain.

Nicole Kielly, owner of the Dental Hygiene Studio in Logy Bay, says there is a lot of information to sort through and many people don’t understand the process.

The program is being rolled out in phases, with all eligible people over the age of 72 now able to register in order to access services in May.

Kielly says the program is not mandatory and dental clinics will be able to decide whether they choose to opt-in or not.