Accessing & Using Superannuation for Dental Care
At Dental Boutique™, we are dedicated to ensuring that nothing stands between you and the empowered, healthy smile you deserve. Our commitment lies in providing accessible, high-quality services that help empower you to look and feel your best.
If you require dental treatment but lack the necessary funds, you may be eligible for a compassionate release of superannuation for dental treatment or medical transport expenses for yourself or a dependent.
Take advantage of our complimentary 60-minute Dental Consultation to discover personalised treatment options designed specifically for you, along with a clear breakdown of the associated pricing.
Process
In Australia, individuals may apply for early access to superannuation for essential services, including dental treatment.
Early access to super is strictly regulated and only granted under specific eligibility conditions, such as compassionate grounds. This scheme is designed to assist with unpaid expenses that cannot be covered through other means, with the release amount generally limited to the actual outstanding cost.
When accessing super for dental care on compassionate grounds, you must meet all eligibility criteria and submit the necessary supporting documentation including two medical reports to support
your application for early release of super to pay for dental treatment.
Early access to your super on compassionate grounds is permitted only for specific expenses.
You may be eligible to access your super to cover costs for: Medical care, medical bills, dental costs and medical transportation for either you or a dependent (this includes major dental procedures).
To determine if you’re eligible for compassionate release of your super, you’ll need to meet all of the below:
Eligibility Criteria
You are or have been an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
If you were a temporary resident and aren’t a current Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you’re not eligible to apply under the compassionate ground. However, you may be eligible to access your super for dental with a Departing Australia superannuation payment.
You meet the requirements for the specific compassionate ground you’re applying for. For dental
work, this falls under medical treatment and/or medical transport expenses.
Medically essential criteria:
Criteria A:
You or your dependent need medical treatment for a life-threatening condition, for relief from severe acute or chronic pain, or to address acute or chronic mental distress.
Criteria B:
The necessary medical treatment for you or your dependent isn’t free via the public healthcare system.
You or your dependant’s expense is unpaid or has been paid as a result of you borrowing money that remains outstanding.
You can’t afford part or the total expense without accessing your super. For example, you can’t pay the expense by:
● Applying for a loan
● Using your savings or a credit card
● Selling investments, shares or assets
● Accessing other relevant funding
You must provide all necessary supporting evidence, including medical records, invoices or quotes, and treatment plan (if applicable). If you’re applying for superannuation release on behalf of a dependent, you must also provide any documentary evidence of your dependent relationship.
What Dental Work Can I Receive?
If you’re using your super for dental work, note that only a selection of treatments might be eligible under compassionate grounds.
These might include:
● Dental implants
● Dental restorations
● Root canal treatments
● Periodontics treatments
● Braces/orthodontic care
● O&M surgeries (oral and maxillofacial)
If you’re considering using super for dental treatment, please consult with your dentist and gather the required documentation before submitting your application to the ATO.
Your smile is within reach, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or financial advice or recommendations. Please consult a financial or superannuation professional or the ATO before making any decisions to withdraw from superannuation. The information provided is based on the ATO’s guidelines on early access to superannuation as published on its website as of 17 February 2025. For the most up-to-date and comprehensive details, please refer to https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/early-access-to-super. Dental Boutique will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this guide.
