Public and subsidised options
Public dental services
States and territories run public dental services and set their own eligibility. Adults usually need a concession card, such as a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. Waiting lists can apply.
Healthdirect: dental careChild Dental Benefits Schedule
Eligible children and teenagers aged 0 to 17 can get help with basic dental services, up to a capped amount over two calendar years. You don't need to apply; Services Australia writes to eligible families.
Services Australia: Child Dental Benefits ScheduleDental teaching clinics
Some universities with dental programs offer treatment by supervised students, which can cost less. Availability varies, so check what's near you.
Health insurance extras
If you have extras cover, check annual limits and waiting periods, and ask the dentist for item numbers so you can confirm what you'll get back.
Talk to your dentist about cost
- 1
Ask for a written treatment plan
Ask for item numbers and a cost for each stage, so you can see the total and check your cover.
- 2
Ask what's urgent
Some treatment relieves pain or stops a problem getting worse; other work may be able to wait.
- 3
Ask about alternatives
There may be more than one clinically reasonable option at different prices.
- 4
Ask about payment plans
Some practices accept instalments directly; others use a third-party provider. Check any fees, interest and what happens if a payment is missed.
If you need to spread the cost
No Interest Loans
Medical and dental costs are among the essentials a No Interest Loan can cover, up to $2,000 for eligible people, with no interest or fees.
Moneysmart: No Interest LoansCentrelink advance payment
If you get an eligible Centrelink payment, an advance may help with a one-off cost and is repaid from future payments.
How advance payments workEarly release of super
The ATO can approve early release of super on compassionate grounds for some dental treatment needed to relieve acute or chronic pain. It is a last resort: you need two practitioner reports, a treatment plan and a quote, and you must show you can't pay another way. It also reduces your retirement savings.
ATO: access on compassionate groundsThe ATO and Ahpra have warned about providers promoting early release of super for dental work. Warning signs include pressure to pay upfront, assessments without an in-person examination, and pricier treatment when a cheaper effective option exists. Providers can't charge you a fee to help with the application.
Dental cost questions
Who can get public dental care?
Each state and territory sets its own rules. Adults generally need a concession card, such as a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. Contact your local public dental service to check eligibility and waiting times.
Does Medicare cover dental work?
Medicare doesn't cover most dental services for adults. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule helps eligible children and teenagers with basic dental services.
Can I use my super to pay for dental work?
Only in limited cases. The ATO may approve compassionate release for treatment needed to relieve acute or chronic pain, with two practitioner reports, and only when you can't pay another way. Cosmetic work doesn't qualify.
Is a dental payment plan a loan?
It can be. Some practices let you pay them in instalments; others use a third-party provider that may charge fees or interest. Read the terms and check the total you'll pay.