Dental costs and payment options in Australia

Last reviewed: 2 November 2026

This guide explains how dental costs work in general. It does not give prices, because costs vary by practice and treatment. It is general information only, so confirm details with the practice and your health fund.

Why costs differ

Healthdirect says there are no standard fees for dental care in Australia: each practice sets its own. The cost of the same treatment can differ between practices, and between treatments of different complexity. The way to know what you will pay is to ask the practice.

What to ask for before treatment

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) says patients should be given cost information before treatment. You can ask for:

• A written treatment plan and quote. Ask what each step involves.
• Item numbers. Each dental service has an item number. These help you check with your health fund what it may pay.
• Alternatives. Ask whether there are other options and how they compare. Healthdirect suggests asking whether a less costly option is suitable.
• Future costs. Ask whether a treatment is likely to need maintenance or replacement, and what that may cost.
• Payment options. Ask whether the practice offers payment arrangements and how they work. Read the terms carefully.

The ADA also says an estimate is not a guarantee, because treatment can change. If the plan changes, ask for an updated estimate. If you have concerns about costs, raise them with your treating dentist.

You can compare more than one practice before you commit, particularly for larger treatments. You can also ask for a second opinion.

Medicare

Healthdirect says most dental care is not covered by Medicare. Medicare does help with some dental services for eligible children (see below).

Private health insurance

Some private health insurance policies include “extras” cover, which may pay part of the cost of dental care. Healthdirect says cover varies between policies, and between routine dental (such as check-ups) and major dental (such as crowns). Healthdirect notes there may be limits on how much you can claim each year, so check what applies to your policy. Before treatment, check with your health fund using the item numbers from your quote. Healthdirect points to privatehealth.gov.au for comparing policies.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Services Australia runs the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). A child is generally eligible if they are aged 0 to 17 for at least one day in the calendar year, are eligible for Medicare, and they or a parent, carer or guardian receive a Services Australia payment at least once in the year. Services Australia says the schedule gives up to $1,158 per eligible child over two calendar years (indexed each 1 January). It covers services such as check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. It does not cover orthodontic or cosmetic work, or dental services in hospital. Healthdirect says most CDBS services are bulk billed. Ask the practice whether it bills the CDBS when you book. Check Services Australia for the current rules and amount. See also children’s dental care.

Public dental services

Public dental services are run by state and territory governments. Healthdirect says adults generally need a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and that you may have to wait up to a year or more to see a public dentist. Eligibility and services differ between states and territories, so check with your state or territory health department.

If a bill is not what you expected

Talk to the practice first and ask for an itemised account. If the matter is not resolved, Ahpra says you can complain about a health service or fee to your state or territory health complaints body.

General information, not medical or dental advice. Speak to a registered dental practitioner about your situation.