Blog article

How to afford the cost of dental treatment in Australia

By HBF

7 MINUTES

2 January 2023

Want to make the cost of dental treatment more affordable?

Start by asking these questions:

How much does the dentist cost in Australia?
How much do different dental treatments cost?
What does the government cover?
Are you eligible for any public benefits?
What does private health insurance cover?
How to plan ahead
How to prevent dental costs

1. How much does the dentist cost in Australia?

The dentist cost Australians an average of $216 per person in 2019-2020.¹

To put that in perspective, Australians spent less on hospital services for the year ($109), and even less on optometrists, physios, chiropractors and other health practitioners combined ($63).¹

But if you’re working to a budget, or trying to save on dental costs, you need to know some more specifics.

2. How much do different dental treatments cost?

If you just need one or two check-ups this year, that’s one thing.

But a tooth extraction could cost between $150 and $250. And a root canal could cost between $950 and $2,000.

Each treatment has its own cost, and that cost can range. Some of this is down to the fact that no two root canal procedures are the same, for example. But some of it is down to what each dentist charges.

These costs are hard to estimate, but you can always call a few dentists to do a price check.

Considering dental costs are one of the biggest healthcare costs for Australians,¹ it could be worth calling around – whether you need major dental treatment or just routine check-ups.

You can also get health insurance for dental treatment.

Or you may qualify for government benefits.

3. What does the government cover?

Unlike going to the doctor, where the Australian Government contributes to the cost of consultations and treatment through Medicare, there is no universal government contribution for dentistry.

Most public dental benefits are for senior citizens and people already receiving other government benefits. And if you do qualify, waiting lists may apply.

“Most states have waiting lists of well over a year for public dental care – and if people need to wait a year for care, their conditions are only going to get worse.” - Filling the Gap, a Grattan Institute Study²

That said, it’s always worth checking to see if you’re eligible.

4. Are you eligible for any public benefits?

The public system does provide some dental care support – but waiting lists can be over a year long² and are only for people who meet specific criteria.

Public Dental Services

What’s offered and who is eligible depends on the state – but it usually focuses on senior citizens and people already receiving other government benefits.

See services by state here.

For Kids: Child Dental Benefits Schedule

If you’re receiving other Medicare payments, your children might be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CBDS).

For eligible kids aged 2 to 17, CDBS covers up to $1000 over two calendar years for basic dental services.

This benefit can cover check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fillings and extractions. It can NOT cover orthodontics, cosmetic dental work, or any dental services in a hospital.

For Kids: School dental services

Australian State governments offer some free dental treatment to students through school dental services.

Eligibility, treatment centres and covered treatments vary from state to state. School dental services may include general treatments like check-ups, X-rays and extractions. They are NOT likely to include orthodontics, cosmetic dental work, or oral surgery.

5. What does private health insurance cover?

Private health insurance can help cover a lot of what Medicare doesn’t.

At HBF, we cover these four dental categories:

Preventative Dental – Covers treatment such as consultations, scale and cleans, and mouthguards.
General Restorative Dental – Covers treatments such as simple fillings and extractions, including wisdom teeth removal.
Major Dental and implants – Covers complex treatments like repairing or replacing teeth, such as with a dental crown.
Orthodontics – Covers treatments that assist with the alignment of teeth and the jaw, using braces and retainers.

In FY21, HBF paid out $228 million in dental claims³. So it’s safe to say that getting covered can make the cost of dental treatment more affordable.

6. How to plan ahead

Outside of government support and private insurance, one smart move is to plan ahead and save.

If you or your child require major dentistry or treatment from an orthodontist, it’s worth saving up for the costs in advance. Teeth are relatively slow-growing and your dentist or orthodontist is often able to let you know if you’re likely to incur the cost of braces, for example. You can always ask your dentist when you’ll need this treatment, which will help you plan for the cost.

Also don’t hesitate to have frank discussions with your dentist, and don’t be afraid to shop around.

Ask your dentist how much the procedure will cost

Ask whether there are other options or less expensive alternatives for your treatment.

Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion or quotes from other dentists as dental costs and treatment options do vary amongst dental provider.

7. How to prevent dental costs

Finally, the simplest (but sometimes hardest) solution.

Forming good habits is the best way to protect yourself from preventable dental issues. The most affordable way to manage the health of your teeth and gums is through regular brushing, daily flossing and dental check-ups every year — all the stuff the toothpaste ads constantly tell us to do.