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Updated 08/05/2024
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Reviewed by Dr Jill Gamberg and tip added, and referencing style updated.
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Fact checked
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Written by

Francis Taylor

Updated 08/05/2024

What changed?

Reviewed by Dr Jill Gamberg and tip added, and referencing style updated.
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.

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

Check out our range of private health funds

ahmAustralian UnityBupaFrank Health InsuranceGMHBA Health InsuranceHCFLatrobe HealthnibPeoplecare Health InsuranceTUH Health Fund

iSelect does not compare all providers in the market or all policies offered by our partners in your area. Not all policies or special offers are available to all customers and some may only be available over the phone or on the website. Learn more.

What is usually covered?

Dental usually covers a range of procedures, including: 

  • General dental treatments 
  • Major dental treatments 
  • Endodontics 
  • Orthodontics 

Exact coverage will depend on your health policy and provider. And it’s important to be aware that some kind of dental procedures – such as removing all your wisdom teeth for example – could actually be done in a hospital setting and would generally require you to have both Hospital and Extras cover in order for it to be done privately.  Confused yet?  Read on and we’ll help to break it all down.

Types of Dental Cover

While the exact terms can vary between funds, most offer different levels of dental cover.

General Dental

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

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’.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics refers to correcting teeth and jaw irregularities, including straightening teeth and improving their function.  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.

Helpful Tip:

You can use Extras Cover for a wide range of common dental procedures. You may only need basic cover including check-ups and cleaning or you may need cover which includes extensive dental procedures. The right policy can help cover the costs of dental crowns, veneers and tooth 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.

Dr. Jill Gamberg

GP, Coach and Lifestyle Medicine Coach

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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