How much does the dentist cost?

It’s hard to know how big a bite your next visit to the dentist will take out of your bank account as fees vary a lot from practice to practice.

About 4 in 10 Australians delayed or avoided a trip to the dentist due to cost in 2017-18, and more recently a number of people were not able to visit a dentist due to COVID-19 says the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 

Wisdom teeth are large molars that come through at the very back of the mouth, usually during the late teens to mid-20s.

Sometimes wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding, grow at an angle, or fail to emerge fully through the gum. In these situations, your dentist may recommend having your wisdom teeth removed.

The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on where you live, your clinical circumstances, the treatment options open to you, and which of those you choose. 

The average costs could be:

• Simple case at your normal dentist (including local anaesthetic) – average $149 to $300 per tooth.
• Complex case in hospital or day surgery by a specialist (day surgery and anaesthetist fee not included) – average $315 to $599 per tooth. 

Some Basic Plus and Bronze Plus and all Silver health insurance policies include cover for day surgery and anaesthetist fees for wisdom teeth removal in hospital. The dentist’s fees could be covered through an extras health insurance policy. Compare health insurance.

Dental implant treatment can vary in complexity from replacing a single tooth to replacing all upper or lower teeth. 

Costs can vary widely depending on where you live, a range of clinical factors, the material you want the replacement tooth/teeth to be made of, and which tooth/teeth you’re replacing. 

For example, the average costs to replace a single tooth with a one-stage dental implant and a crown, which vary from state to state, could be: 

• Inserting the implant – average $1334 to $3000.
• Fitting an implant abutment (the structure that securely connects the implant and the crown) – average $400 to $1404.

Whitening agents may cause pain and sensitivity if there is any disease or damage of the teeth, gums or soft tissue and your dentist will need to examine your teeth before they can recommend a treatment plan for you.

Teeth whitening could cost:

• At the dentist using a concentrated whitening agent – anything from $400 up to $1500 depending on where you live, the system you choose and the condition and colour of your teeth (figures from 2019).
• Take-home kit – $50 per arch ($100 whole mouth) to $298 per arch ($596 whole mouth), but it depends on where you live, the condition and colour of your teeth and the product you choose.

How much does the dentist cost?

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) surveys dental practitioners to provide average price data on more than 120 dental treatments. Overall the fees charged by general practitioners increased by 3.7% over the two-year period from 1 July 2020 to 1 July 2022, well below the CPI.

According to ADA data from 2022, the average cost of a periodic check-up including an examination, scale and clean and a fluoride treatment is around $219 (dental item numbers 012, 114 and 121). 

But there’s a wide variation between different dentists – the cheapest will cost you $162 for those three items, and the most expensive will set you back $309.

Average dental fees charged by dental GPs – based on ADA fee survey Procedure (dental item no) Average cost* Range* Check-up Comprehensive oral exam (011) $67 $50–92  Periodic oral exam (012) $60 $45–85 X-ray (per exposure) (022) $45  $33–58 Scale and clean (removal of plaque and calculus) (114) $123  $93–171 Fluoride treatment (121) $36  $24–53  Fissure sealing (per tooth) (161) $61  $45–90  Simple (non-surgical) tooth extraction (311) $205  $149–300  Endodontics Prep of root canal (chemo-mech) – one canal (415) $308 $218–475  Prep of root canal (chemo-mech) – add canal/same tooth (416) $149  $100–217  Restorative Filling – anterior tooth – 1 surface (521) $167  $121–233  Filling – anterior tooth – 2 surfaces (522) $202  $153–285  Filling – posterior tooth – 1 surface (531) $178 $135–248  Filling – posterior tooth – 2 surfaces (532) $220  $171–305  Prosthodontics Full crown (veneered) – indirect (615) $1678 $1250–2100  Denture (complete maxillary) (711) $1522  $1016–2375 Table notes: *Fees charged for the most common services provided by general dental practitioners (averages for specialists vary). Data based on the ADA’s 2022 dental fee survey (not including the top or bottom 5% of prices).

Prices also depend on where you live

The ADA fee survey shows big price variations for the average cost of dental work depending on where you live across Australia. In general, people in SA and WA paid the cheapest prices.

Lowest and highest average dental cost Treatment Lowest price Highest price Tooth extraction $185 (SA) $231 (ACT) Filling $148 (QLD) $183 (TAS) Mouthguard $185 (WA) $253 (ACT) Full crown (veneered) $1615 (WA) $1870 (WA)

Teeth whitening, implants, wisdom teeth and specialists

Why do dentist costs vary so much?

Dentists are free to set their own fees. Unlike medical services covered by Medicare, which have prescribed rebates and for which the AMA provides their members with recommended fees, there are no standard fees for services provided by dentists or other dental professionals in Australia.

Dentists’ prices depend on a range of factors – such as location, overheads and experience, as well as factors that affect the degree of difficulty and time involved in doing a procedure on a specific patient and differences in the method or materials that are appropriate to each case.

You ultimately have the right to choose whether to go ahead with a particular treatment plan or not, but most of us don’t have expertise in dentistry. This makes it hard to know whether a dental practitioner’s recommendation is the best course of action or if they’re trying to make a profit at your expense.

Does Medicare cover dental treatment?

Dentistry is still unaffordable for many Australians. Unfortunately, dental services are only covered by Medicare under certain circumstances.

Public dental care

Public dental care is available only to a limited segment of the Australian population and waitlists can be long. Eligibility requirements for public dental care vary across states and territories but it is usually available to those with a healthcare or pensioner concession card.

Unfortunately, dental services are only covered by Medicare under certain circumstances.

In case of a dental emergency such as a dental condition that causes difficulty with breathing, tooth fracture that exposes a nerve or bleeding that doesn’t stop, call your nearest community dental clinic or hospital emergency department. 

Free dental care for children

Under the Child Dental Benefit Scheme, children aged between two and 17 are eligible for free basic dental care such as check-ups, fillings, seals, extractions and root canal (up to the value of $1052 over two calendar years) if their parent, carer or guardian receives the Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian Government payment.  For more information see Services Australia.

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Private health insurance and dental costs

When it comes to dental costs and private health insurance, there are two elements you’ll want to understand in order to choose a provider that offers you the best value for money.

• Rebates: This may be a percentage such as 60% or fixed dollar benefit amount for each item number, and is probably where you’ll save the most money.
• Preferred provider networks: Some funds have ‘preferred providers’. Using these means you’ll pay less in fees and get higher rebates, but it locks you into using particular providers.

To get value for money on your extras insurance you’ll need to make sure you’re getting more back from the fund than what you’re paying them in premiums, which is where rebates come in.

Rebates 

The average rebate available from private health insurers for a regular check-up – periodic exam, scale and clean plus fluoride – is $124. Though how much you get back will depend on your policy – some policies offer as much as 100% of the cost of a check-up.

Some policies offer as much as 100% of the cost of a check-up

Dental rebates vary not only across funds, but also between policies within funds and for the service being claimed. Funds also don’t publish the rebates they offer for all items of dental treatment in all circumstances, so check if you need special treatment before you sign up.

Watch out for annual and lifetime limits

In addition to the rebates, you’ll also want to check the annual limits for each category (for example, there may be different upper limits for general and major dental work), as well as lifetime limits on particular services (such as orthodontic work). Compare your extras cover.

Expect to pay more to cover major dental work

While nearly all policies will provide rebates for preventative dental care such as check-ups (exam/scale and clean/fluoride), fewer policies are willing to fork out for more expensive work such as braces and crowns. For those policies that do cover major dental work, the premiums will generally be more expensive.

Range of dental insurance rebates from private health insurers Procedure % benefits $ benefits $ benefits average Dental exam – periodic (012) 50–100% $14-100 $35 Scale and clean (114) 50–100% $29-138 $65 Fluoride (121) 50–100% $12-100 $24 Tooth extraction (322) 50–80% $58-340  $123  Full crown (615) 50–80% $225-1518  $682  Root canal therapy (417) 50–80% $70-1200  $148  Braces – upper and lower plus retainer (881) 50–100% $300-3600  $1096  Table notes: These figures are based on all extras policies for singles across Australia that provide some level of cover for these services and excludes those that provide no cover for the service at all in February 2023. Figures are based on rebates available at any provider (not preferred providers). Per person figures may differ for couple, family and single parent policies and combined hospital and extras policies.

Preferred providers

Some dental practices sign up to be part of a private health insurer’s ‘preferred provider network’ to attract clients (and some dental clinics are even owned by a fund). In return for being listed as a fund’s preferred provider, the private health insurer will set the maximum price the dentist can charge the fund’s clients. Prices set by the insurance fund for its clients are generally a bit lower than prices charged to other consumers, but it locks you into using particular providers.

Using a fund’s preferred provider … may save you some money in fees, but the flip side is you may have fewer dental practices to choose from

Using a fund’s preferred provider (not all funds have them) may save you some money in fees, but the flipside is you may have fewer dental practices to choose from, or may have to travel a considerable distance to find a preferred provider with your fund, particularly if you live outside the major cities. 

The ADA has been taking aim at private health insurers for the market power they’re gaining through their preferred provider schemes. 

Higher rebates for dental check-ups

In addition to lower negotiated costs at preferred providers, some funds may also offer a higher rebate if you choose a preferred provider. 

While Australia’s five largest funds (Bupa, HBF, HCF, Medibank and NIB) all have an extensive network of preferred providers, smaller funds often pay the same benefits for all dentists, or only have a handful of preferred providers or dental centres. 

Other funds with a network of providers include Australian Unity, GMHBA, Peoplecare and TUH. 

How often do you need to go to the dentist?

Regular routine check-ups are important – not just for the teeth but also the gums and the mouth as a whole. But how often you need to see the dentist depends on your personal risk level.

The 2011 national evidence-based recommendation for dental check-up frequency is: 

“Everyone has different oral health needs and risk levels which should be reflected in the frequency of check-ups. Talk with your oral health professional about yours and how frequently you need to visit for an oral health check.”

So why do many dental practices encourage six-monthly check-ups as standard?

The six-monthly recommendation is outdated, says Professor Hans Zoellner, head of oral pathology at the University of Sydney. 

This recommendation was questioned as far back as 1977, and more recently, a 2013 Cochrane review found there was insufficient evidence either “to support or refute the practice of six-monthly recalls”.

And a review of evidence by the National Oral Health Promotion Clearing House found “no evidence that any particular interval between check-ups is more effective than another, or that six-monthly recalls are more appropriate than other longer intervals”.

If you’re referred to see a specialist because you have an oral condition or need more complex treatment and specialist expertise, you’re likely to pay more.  

General dentist vs specialist – average cost Treatment General dentist Specialist Comprehensive consultation $67 $120 Full crown (veneered) $1678 $2133

Around 8-10% of dentists working in Australia are specialists working in 13 different specialties: these include endodontics (such as root canal treatment), orthodontics (such as braces), prosthodontics (such as implants and dentures) and forensics to name a few.

If you’re looking for a new dentist, word of mouth is a good place to start. 

• Ring ahead and get prices for a comprehensive check-up, clean and fluoride treatment (ask for dental item numbers 012, 114 and 121). How does this compare with the national average price of $219, as determined by the ADA’s fee survey?  
• A thorough examination should include an inspection of teeth, gums, inside of the cheek, palate, tongue and lips. A probe should be used to check gum pockets and a mirror for awkward spots. An average check-up takes 20–25 minutes.
• If the dentist recommends extensive work, get the item numbers of the proposed work so you can ring around for quotes.

Quality and care

Price is obviously a big factor, but it’s not the only important thing. Other things to look out for in a dentist:

• Is the clinic clean and hygienic?
• Does the dentist have a good rapport with staff and patients?
• Do they clearly communicate any problems and possible treatment plans with you?
• Do they provide you with options and inform you of the risks involved?
• Do they answer your questions and provide you with reasons for their recommendations?
• Do they ensure that you agree to all fees and treatments before starting?
• Does your generalist or specialist dentist have the appropriate registration?

Remember you have the right to ask questions about any recommended course of action. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion either.

Bupa

Number of providers: more than 7000.

Benefits at preferred providers: 60–100% back at preferred providers on most general and major dental treatments on some policies and 100% back for kids’ dental services on some policies.

HBF

Number of providers:  about 450 (WA). Pacific Smiles network outside WA with 109 locations: 47 in NSW, 33 in Victoria, 14 in Queensland and 5 in the ACT.

Benefits at preferred providers: 75–100% benefit back on preventative treatment. Some policies also include no annual limit on preventative treatments at all providers. Minimum 50%, 60% and 70% back at all providers depending on your policy. 100% back on orthodontics if your policy covers orthodontics.

HCF

Number of providers: more than 10,000.

Benefits at preferred providers: 100% back on one or two check-ups and one or two scale and cleans, one fluoride treatment and two mouthguards (subject to policy limits) per person, per year at preferred providers. X-rays also included but service limits apply.

Medibank

Number of providers: more than 10,000.

Benefits at preferred providers: 100% back for kids on some policies and 100% back on check-up, clean and fluoride at least once a year on all extras/combined policies on top of annual limit for adults and children.

NIB

Number of providers: nearly 2000. 

Benefits at preferred providers: 60% benefit back at all providers including non-network providers (network providers offer services at a reduced rate for NIB members). 100% back for check-up, scale and clean at NIB-branded Dental Care Centres (eight in NSW and one in Melbourne, one in Brisbane and one in Victoria).

Compare health insurance

Try to resolve any issues with the practitioner first. Complaints about the health, performance or conduct of a registered dental professional should be made directly to AHPRA (except in NSW, and Queensland where all complaints go through the relevant health complaints entity (see below). This may include concerns over unsafe work practices, or behaviour that may place the public at risk.

If you think there are any other aspects of a service you received that were unreasonable, such as fees or the quality of care, complain to the health care commission in your state or territory.

• ACT: Health Services Commissioner within the ACT Human Rights Commission – 02 6205 2222 
• NSW: Health Care Complaints Commission – 1800 043 159
• NT: Health & Community Services Complaints Commission – 1800 004 474 
• Qld: Office of the Health Ombudsman –13 36 46 
• SA: Health & Community Services Complaints Commissioner – 08 8226 8666 (Adelaide metro); 1800 232 007 (elsewhere)
• Tas: Health Complaints Commissioner – 1800 001 170
• Vic: Office of the Health Services Commissioner – 1300 582 113
• WA: Health and Disability Services Complaints Office – 1800 813 583

If you have a complaint about your private health insurer, you should try to resolve it with the insurer first. If that fails, you can direct it to the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman – 1300 362 072.