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Dental care in Australia can be very expensive, especially for big procedures like root canals, crowns or dental implants. If you’re thinking of borrowing money to pay for these treatments don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many Australians are looking for alternative ways to fund their oral health without putting too much pressure on their family budget.
This handbook provides the true cost of dental treatment in Australia, the funding options available, their pros and cons, and the most important things to consider prior to applying for a loan.
Australian dental fees can vary greatly depending on the treatment, location and individual dental clinic. Increases may be prompted by increased diagnostic visits and follow-up.
Even private health insurance will pay only some of the cost, and most policies pay less than the full fee. The table below provides an estimate of typical fees.
Online loans, credit unions and bank loans are used to fund big dental treatments. The loan amount is between $2,000 and $50,000 and has fixed or variable interest rate and 1 to 7 years repayment term.
The funds are sent to the borrower who can then use these funds to allocate towards various treatments or related expenses. This type of loan is ideal for big treatments like dental implants, orthodontics or full mouth restoration.
Some lenders offer loans tailored for medical and dental use. These are generally easier to qualify for and structured with dental expenses in mind.
Loan values are typically between $2,001 and $30,000, and the financing is commonly sent directly to the dental office. These are suitable for patients seeking a streamlined application process and providers familiar with medical billing.
Most dentists provide in-practice instalment plans or agreements with providers. They are typically interest-free, paid by instalment over fortnightly or weekly periods, and can be provided without a credit check. They are ideal for minor work or maintenance like fillings and cleans.
Patients with sufficient credit card limits may choose to finance their dental expenses this way. Certain cards include interest-free periods that are beneficial for short-term repayments. However, if balances are not cleared within the interest-free timeframe, high interest rates may apply. This method suits medium-sized procedures when repaid promptly.
Before entering into a loan, one has to balance the advantages versus the disadvantages. Close reading of the loan's terms and conditions and, where appropriate, the advice of an independent adviser or financial counsellor must be taken.
These are funded by state and territory governments and available to eligible individuals, such as those holding concession cards. Services are heavily subsidised, although waiting periods can be lengthy due to high demand.
Many policies cover a portion of both general and major dental services. It is important to review policy details, benefit limits, and any applicable waiting periods, as gap payments are often required.
Where treatment is not urgent, building savings over time may be more cost-effective. This approach avoids interest charges and gives patients greater financial control.
In some situations, individuals are entitled to apply for release of their super early on compassionate grounds. This is usually limited to treatments to relieve severe pain or treat life-threatening disease. Approval from the ATO is required and must be supported by medical and dental practitioners.
When other options aren’t available and you need immediate attention some Aussies turn to emergency loans. These are short term products and need to be approached with caution due to higher fees and tighter repayment terms.
For patients who need dental care right now but are unable to pay for it up front, getting a loan can be a sensible option. Effective payback management without sacrificing dental health is achievable by picking a good financing solution and borrowing sensibly.
Discuss treatment options and cost breakdowns with your dentist before taking out any loans. If necessary, seek financial advice to ensure the loan aligns with your broader financial goals.
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Disclaimer
Loan Owl, a trading name for Simple Finance Group Pty Ltd (ABN 70 626 186 418) and holder of Australian Credit License 509422, operates as a lender and referral service. We do not endorse any specific credit contract. Upon receiving an offer or referral to a lending partner, they will evaluate your application, provide a suitable credit contract, and inform you of the outcome. Both we and our lending partners will disclose all fees, charges, and terms before any contract is entered into. We may receive a referral fee, the amount of which is not determinable. We advise seeking independent legal and financial counsel before engaging in any financial products. The rates and loan terms provided on this website are for indicative purposes only. Loan Owl, as a lender, may process applications within 60 minutes, and loan disbursement may occur immediately upon contract signing. However, the timing of fund disbursement depends on your banking institution's policies.
*Approved funds are transferred on the same day, subject to approval during business hours and completion of all required documentation including Pay to bank agreements. Transfer times may vary depending on your bank’s processing times. Not all banks support instant deposits, and some transactions may take longer to reflect in your account.