The legal framework
Medicare does not fund general dental care for adults. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides a capped benefit over two calendar years for basic dental services for eligible children in families receiving certain payments. State and territory public dental services treat concession card holders, with waiting lists. Most adults rely on private health insurance extras cover or pay directly.
Extras cover typically reimburses a percentage up to an annual limit, and preventive care is often covered fully to encourage regular attendance.
Public dental waiting lists for non-urgent care run to months or years depending on the state; emergency care is far quicker.
Dental schools treat patients at reduced fees.
Dental travel to Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia is common for major work, with packages marketed directly to Australian patients.
Key points
| Medicare | No general dental cover for adults |
|---|---|
| Child Dental Benefits Schedule | Capped benefit over two years for eligible children |
| Public dental | Concession card holders, with waiting lists |
| Private | Extras cover with annual limits, or direct payment |
In practice
- Check whether your children are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule: the benefit is generous and widely unclaimed.
- Ask for an itemised quote with item numbers so your fund can tell you what it will pay.
- Public dental services take emergencies quickly even when the routine list is long.
Cost and coverage
Examination and clean $200–$350. Filling $150–$350. Crown $1,500–$2,500. Implant with crown $4,500–$6,500.
Recent changes
Reviews of dental funding continue to consider extending Medicare to dental care, without a decision to date.
Where to go
- State and territory public dental services.
- Child Dental Benefits Schedule, Services Australia.
- University dental clinics.
- Dental Board of Australia register.
Worth knowing
Overseas dental packages rarely include the cost of returning for the second stage of an implant or for a repair. Price the trip twice before comparing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover the dentist?
Not for adults. Eligible children have a capped benefit under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
How long are public dental waiting lists?
Months to years for routine care depending on the state; emergencies are seen quickly.
Official sources and links
- Federal Register of Legislation — Commonwealth law as made and in force
- Services Australia — government services and payments