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Updated 06/07/2023
What changed?
Updated FAQs to cover how dental cover works, what is covered and information on limits.
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Fact checked
Our aim is to help you make better informed decisions. That’s why iSelect’s content is produced in accordance with our fact-checking and editorial guidelines.
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Written by

Francis Taylor

Updated 06/07/2023

What changed?

Updated FAQs to cover how dental cover works, what is covered and information on limits.
Our aim is to help you make better informed decisions. That’s why iSelect’s content is produced in accordance with our fact-checking and editorial guidelines.

Edited by

Laura Crowden

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

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Check out our range of private health funds

iSelect does not compare all providers or policies in the market and not all policies or special offers are available at all times, through all channels or in all areas. Not all policies available from our providers are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements and customer circumstances, not all policies compared by iSelect are available to all customers. Learn more.

What is Dental Cover?

Let’s get to the tooth of the matter: Dental Cover is basically any Extras policy that covers you for dental procedures. We’re talking cleaning, checkups and lots more stuff to help those pearly whites sparkle!

What is usually covered?

Dental usually covers a range of procedures, including: general dental treatments, major dental treatments, endodontics, and orthodontics.

Exact coverage will depend on your health policy and provider, so it’s very important to check what you’re covered for.

Types of Dental Cover

General Dental

This can include basic things like routine cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays, teeth bleaching and small fillings. General dental is included in most Extras policies. Note this is sometimes referred to as ‘Routine Dental’.1AHM – Family Extras

Major Dental

This covers more involved treatments such as dental implants, crowns, bridges and dentures. The surgical extraction of teeth (e.g. wisdom teeth removal) are also usually covered by this category.

Endodontics & Periodontics

Endodontics refers to treatments and surgery for the inside of the tooth, root canals being the most common example. Periodontics covers root planning, jaw injuries and non-tooth related surgery. Depending on the policy, endodontics and/or periodontics might be covered by the ‘major dental’ category or it might stand alone as its own category. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘Complex Dental’.2As above.

 

Orthodontics

Orthodontics refers to surgery and procedures that help correct the alignment of a person’s teeth and jaw. Dental braces are usually regarded as an orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics is normally considered a separate category and is generally only included in more comprehensive and expensive extras policies. There is also usually a 12 month waiting period before you can claim on orthodontics services.3Orthodontics Australia – Does health insurance cover orthodontics? 

Helpful Tip:

You can use Extras Cover for a wide range of common dental procedures. For fractures, the right policy can help cover the costs of dental crowns, veneers and extractions. A policy that covers orthodontics can also help make the price tag for braces and aligners a little easier to manage. Just keep in mind that it might be a little harder to find a policy that covers things like teeth whitening and other purely cosmetic procedures. Still, Extras Cover can go a long way when it comes to making dental work a lot more accessible and affordable for patients.

Dental Cover Explained

Learn more about how dental cover works in this short video.

Laura Crowden

ISELECT SPOKESPERSON

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know what’s included in my dental cover?

Does hospital insurance offer cover for some dental surgery?

Can I get complete coverage for 100% of the costs?

Can I use my dental cover straight away?

What are the waiting periods for dental cover?

Can I get health insurance that’s only for dental?

Are there any limits to how much I can claim?

How will my benefits for dental procedures get paid?

Am I covered for dental treatments under Medicare?

What level of cover do I need?


iSelect does not compare all health insurance providers or policies in the market. The availability of policies will change from time to time. Not all policies available from its providers are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements, your stated needs and circumstances, not all policies compared by iSelect are available to all customers. Some policies and special offers are available only from iSelect’s contact centre or website. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers