Using Your Superannuation for Dental Care: What You Need to Know
- Dr Avanti Karve
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Accessing dental care can sometimes be financially challenging, especially for
patients with special health needs, disabilities, or those requiring urgent dental
treatment without immediate funds. In recent years, more Australians have been
exploring the option of using their superannuation to fund urgent dental treatment.
While this option can provide valuable financial support, it has also been
accompanied by controversy and cautionary tales.
What Is Superannuation and How Does It Relate to Dental Care?
Superannuation, often called "super," is a retirement savings fund that many Australians contribute to throughout their working lives. Typically, these funds are preserved until retirement, but under certain compassionate grounds, early release of superannuation is permitted. One of these grounds includes the need to pay for essential medical or dental treatment.
For patients without immediate access to funds, especially those with special health needs or disabilities, the option to release superannuation funds for dental care can provide much needed support. However, it is important that such decisions are made with careful consideration, professional advice, and ethical guidance.
The Rise in Using Superannuation for Dental Work
Over the past few years, the number of patients withdrawing superannuation to pay for dental treatments has more than tripled. While this trend highlights a genuine financial need for accessing dental care, it has also sparked significant concern due to reports of predatory practices of some dental clinics. Unfortunately, some providers are reported to have aggressively pushed their patients to access their superannuation, sometimes recommending unnecessary or ineffective treatments which ultimately left patients worse off—both medically and financially.
The Risks and Controversies
Recently, concerns have been raised in the media about dental clinics promoting superannuation release of funds in ways which may not be in patients’ “best interests”. Patients have been left with poor dental outcomes and depleted superannuation accounts after undergoing treatments which did not deliver expected results.
AHPRA and the Dental and Medical Boards of Australia have warned that practitioners should avoid placing financial incentives over patient wellbeing when supporting superannuation withdrawals for dental treatment.
Mind Body Teeth’s Approach to Superannuation Assistance
At Mind Body Teeth, we fully support patients who may need help with documentation or guidance to apply for compassionate release of superannuation funds to cover dental treatment when it is genuinely necessary.
However, we want to emphasise our ethical commitment: we do not encourage or ever push the use of superannuation funds for dental care. Instead, we view superannuation support as part of a broader conversation with patients about their financial options, aimed at ensuring they make the best possible decision for their health and financial wellbeing.
Our team works closely with patients to:
● Provide clear information about treatment options and costs upfront.
● Help patients explore alternative funding methods, including health insurance rebates, personal savings, payment plans, or government assistance where available.
● Support patients who choose to proceed with a super fund release by assisting with the necessary documentation and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
This approach ensures that patients feel supported and empowered rather than pressured, maintaining trust and prioritizing their overall health outcomes.
Financial Options for Dental Care: A Balanced View
Dental treatment can be costly, but financial barriers should not prevent patients from receiving urgent and necessary care. Alongside superannuation release, there are several ways patients might fund dental work:
● Private health insurance: Inclusion of dental procedures in private health insurance will allow patients to claim a rebate on dental treatment, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
● Payment plans: At Mind Body Teeth, we offer Afterpay or can consider a flexible payment plan to spread costs over time.
● Government assistance: Depending on your circumstances, there may be state or federal programs available for dental care support.
● Personal savings or loans: Some patients prefer to use their savings or take on a small loan specifically for healthcare.
Superannuation release should be considered only after these options have been explored and when the dental treatment is urgent or essential.
Special Considerations for Patients with Disabilities or Special Needs
Patients with disabilities or special needs often require more frequent or complex dental care, which can lead to higher costs. Guardians of persons with disabilities may apply for release of their superannuation to provide financial assistance so their dependent can access urgent care.
Mind Body Teeth is committed to providing extra support to guardians and parents of our patients with disabilities including:
● Assistance with the paperwork required for superannuation fund release applications.
● Clear explanations about treatment benefits and risks.
● Help connecting patients with advocacy services if needed.
By offering this comprehensive support, we aim to reduce stress and uncertainty for patients and their families.
How Mind Body Teeth Ensures Ethical and Responsible Care
Given recent concerns in the industry, Mind Body Teeth takes extra care to avoid the pitfalls that have harmed patients elsewhere:
● We prioritise informed consent, ensuring patients and their families fully understand the risks and benefits of treatment and the financial options available for funding these treatment options
● Our team undergoes ongoing training to stay abreast of ethical guidelines and compassionate care principles.
● We maintain transparency in all communications about costs and funding, never pushing any financial product.
● We are open to patient feedback and encourage questions at every step.
Our goal is to build lasting relationships based on trust and respect, where financial discussions are handled with sensitivity and responsibility.
What Patients Should Ask When Considering Using Superannuation for Dental Treatment
If you are thinking about using your superannuation to pay for your or your dependent’s dental treatment, it is essential to make informed decisions. Asking the right questions can protect your health, finances, and long-term wellbeing.
Is the recommended treatment essential and evidence-based?
Confirm that the treatment is medically necessary and supported by reputable clinical research—not just a cosmetic choice.
What are the total costs involved and are there alternative treatment options?
Request a written quote and ask about staged or lower-cost alternatives that could still meet your needs.
What other funding options can I explore before using my superannuation?
Discuss health insurance benefits, government dental programs, or in-house payment plans that may be available.
Can you assist with the superannuation release application?
Find out whether the clinic provides support with the application process and what documents you’ll need to supply.
Are there any health or financial risks if the treatment does not work?
Understand what happens if the outcome is not as expected—both for your oral health and your finances.
How experienced is the dentist in performing this specific procedure?
Check the dentist’s qualifications, years of experience, and history with similar cases.
Will the treatment plan be tailored to my individual needs?
Ensure the plan is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach but based on your health history and unique circumstances.
What follow-up care and guarantees are provided?
Ask whether post-treatment reviews, adjustments, or repairs are included in the cost.
Will you provide everything in writing before I commit?
Request written treatment plans, cost estimates, and terms so you can make a well-informed decision.
How long will the process take from application to treatment completion?
Understand the timeframes for superannuation release and the overall treatment schedule.
What safeguards are in place to protect my superannuation funds?
Ensure the clinic uses ethical billing practices and does not request funds before treatment is ready to commence.
What is your approach to patient care and transparency?
Choose a provider that prioritises honesty, clear communication, and your long-term wellbeing over quick profits.
At Mind Body Teeth, we approach superannuation-assisted dental treatment with the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and patient centred care. Dr. Avanti Karve, one of Australia’s leading specialists in Special Needs Dentistry, brings over 20 years of clinical experience and a doctorate in her field. She understands the complex challenges faced by patients—particularly those with disabilities or complex health conditions—and tailors every recommendation to individual needs.
When superannuation access is discussed, Dr. Karve ensures every step—from the medical justification to the application process—is handled ethically, without pressure, and with your long-term wellbeing as the priority. Our goal is simple: to deliver world-class dental care while helping you make informed, safe, and financially responsible decisions.
If you’re thinking about funding your dental treatment through your super fund or need help understanding your options, please reach out to our team. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you get the care you need without compromising your financial security.
Contact Mind Body Teeth For compassionate dental care and support with superannuation applications, contact us today. We’re dedicated to helping you maintain your oral health with respect, integrity, and care.
Helpful Government Resources: For up-to-date and accurate information on using your superannuation for medical or dental treatment, visit:
Australian Taxation Office (ATO): Early Release of Super on Compassionate Grounds
Services Australia: How to Apply for Early Release of Superannuation
Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) – Moneysmart: Superannuation Guide