Super for Dental Treatment

Superannuation for Dental Work in Melbourne

Did you know you may be able to use your super to fund essential dental treatment? The ATO may approve using super for dental work on compassionate grounds. Our team can assess your dental concerns, help prepare the clinical paperwork and assist with your application. If you’re interested in super for dental in and would like to schedule a consultation, get in touch today.

You’ll find us on Maling Road in Canterbury, welcoming patients from all over Melbourne.

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Call (03) 9888 5555

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Is It Possible to Pay for Dental Treatment With Your Super?

Yes, it is sometimes possible to pay for your dental treatment with your superannuation. That said, there are rules you'll need to follow, including the ATO's specific eligibility requirements.

If you want to use your super for dental treatment, you'll need to apply through what's called the Compassionate Release of Superannuation scheme. 

Understanding Compassionate Release of Superannuation

Super is supposed to fund your retirement and give you financial security later in life. But sometimes, life happens. You might need essential treatment now but cannot afford it, and this is where a compassionate release may be able to help you.

Often referred to as dental superannuation, this arrangement allows eligible people to apply to the ATO for early access to their retirement savings.

Applications are assessed by the Australian Taxation Office under legislated criteria. Approval is determined individually and is not guaranteed.

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Eligibility Criteria for Accessing Super for Dental Care

Having an expensive dental treatment ahead of you doesn't automatically make you eligible.

For a dentist superannuation application, you'll need to satisfy several ATO conditions. Here's a quick overview.

Your Treatment Must Relieve Pain or Treat a Serious Condition

Your treatment must be necessary to treat a life-threatening illness or injury, relieve acute or chronic pain, or address an acute or chronic mental illness.

Wanting a whiter smile or a cosmetic improvement won't qualify on its own.

Public Dental Services Can't Provide It in Time

The treatment must not be readily available through the public health system.

Long public waiting lists may be relevant, but you'll need medical evidence explaining why treatment is necessary before public care becomes available.

Other Payment Options Have Been Exhausted

Can't cover the treatment through savings, insurance, or other available means? The ATO will consider your financial circumstances.

Generally, the expense must remain unpaid. Certain outstanding borrowed amounts may also qualify, subject to the ATO's requirements.

Two Practitioner Reports Are Required

You’ll generally need two practitioner reports: one from a dentist and one from a dental specialist, or one from a general practitioner (GP) and one from a dentist.

Dental Procedures Commonly Funded Through Super

You may be able to use your super for treatments such as:

Elective cosmetic work is ineligible, even if you’re already using super for dental treatment.

Dentistry-in-Canterbury-dentists

The Application Process: From Consultation to Approval

Superannuation for dental work involves more than getting a quote and contacting your super fund.

Here's what the process involves.

1. Your Assessment and Itemised Quote

First, book a consultation at our clinic.

Your superannuation dentist at our Canterbury clinic will examine your teeth, take any necessary X-rays and imaging, and then chat with you about your treatment options.

We'll create a written treatment plan and an itemised quote.

2. Checking the ATO Criteria Together

The next step involves seeing whether or not you're eligible.

We'll talk you through the clinical requirements and if your treatment meets them.

We also recommend speaking with a licensed financial adviser or financial counsellor.

3. Preparing Your Supporting Documents

Our team prepares your dental report, treatment plan, and complete quote. We also have an in-house CBCT scanner for detailed 3D imaging where clinically appropriate.

You'll need the required supporting medical reports, too.

Prefer help with the application? Our team can provide in-house administrative support and, if you choose, work with SuperCare, a paid third-party service that manages the application on your behalf.

4. Submitting Your Application

You can submit your application yourself through myGov at no cost. Or, you can arrange for SuperCare to assist.

The ATO reviews your documents and makes the final decision.

Allow several weeks for the process, sometimes even longer depending on your circumstances and super fund.

If you have a dental emergency, do not wait. Reach out and schedule an [emergency dentistry] appointment.

5. Your Funds Are Released and You Can Schedule Treatment

Once the ATO approves your application, it notifies your super fund, which releases the funds to your bank account (less any tax withheld).

You then pay the clinic directly.

Where suitable, we can also arrange staged payments as your funds become available.

Tax, Retirement, and Other Trade-Offs to Weigh Up

Accessing your super early is a significant financial decision, so think about what the withdrawal could mean for you later in life.

For starters, you may need to pay tax on the money released. The amount depends on your age and circumstances. You'll also have less money invested for retirement.

What's more, your super might include life, TPD, or income protection insurance. The premiums come out of your balance. If you take out a large amount, you could end up with reduced cover.

In some cases, released super can affect Centrelink or family payments, too.

Before setting up any super-funded dentist payment arrangement, chat with a licensed financial adviser or financial counsellor.

And remember, super isn't your only possible payment option. At Dentistry in Canterbury, we also offer HICAPS for eligible health insurance claims and DentiCare payment plans.

Dr. Julie Ghaly, BDSc | Principal Dentist

The Application Process: From Consultation to Approval

Our team can assist with the clinical documents and explain your treatment costs with complete transparency. We can then go through how your appointment with us can be scheduled around available funds.

Dental Reports and Application Support

Looking for a dentist with superannuation application support?

Our team can put together detailed dental reports to go with your application. You can then submit your application on your own or get in contact with SuperCare.

In-House 3D Dental Imaging

We use a CBCT scanner to take images of your teeth and jaw in 3D.

This helps us plan complex treatment and prepare an itemised quote based on your individual needs.

Clear Pricing and Staged Payments

You'll know what your recommended treatment involves and how much it costs before proceeding.

Where suitable, we can also arrange staged payments as your super funds are released.

Common Questions About Using Super for Dental Treatment

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Ready to Talk About Your Options?

Book Your Super for Dental Consultation with Dentistry in Canterbury

Fill out the form below, and we will contact you during our working hours.

Not sure if your treatment qualifies?

Please call (03) 9888 5555 to talk it through.

Any dental or surgical procedure carries risks. A full assessment is required before treatment.

Applications are assessed by the Australian Taxation Office under legislated criteria. Approval is determined individually and is not guaranteed. This information is general only and is based on ATO guidelines. It is not financial advice. Speak to a licensed financial adviser, financial counsellor, or the ATO before accessing your super.

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