Superannuation and dental treatment
Can I use my super to pay for dental treatment?
Only in limited cases, and the ATO decides, not your dentist. Super can be released on compassionate grounds for dental treatment that relieves acute or chronic pain or treats a life-threatening condition, when it isn't readily available through the public health system. Cosmetic treatment isn't eligible. Get individual financial and tax advice before you apply.
When can super be released for dental treatment?
According to the ATO, super can be released for medical treatment, including dental work, when both of these apply:
- the treatment is to treat a life-threatening illness or injury, or to relieve acute or chronic pain or acute or chronic mental illness, and
- the treatment is not readily available through the public health system.
Purely cosmetic treatment is not eligible. Neither are fees charged by a third party to help you prepare an application. Read the ATO's rules on medical treatment and compassionate release.
How do you access your super for dental treatment?
- Reports from two practitioners, set out in the ATO's requirements, explaining your condition and why the treatment is needed.
- An itemised quote or invoice describing each part of the treatment.
- For dental treatment, a copy of your treatment plan showing every stage.
You apply yourself through ATO online services in myGov. If the ATO approves the release, your super fund pays it.
How can Y3 Smiles Dental help?
We help within the ATO rules and the Dental Board of Australia and Ahpra guidance. That means:
- a thorough clinical assessment in person, as a normal paid appointment
- explaining all your treatment options, including simpler or staged treatment and public dental care
- a written, itemised treatment plan with ADA item numbers and the full cost of every stage
- accurate clinical documents where your treatment genuinely meets the criteria, and an honest explanation if it doesn't.
We don't charge fees to prepare applications, work with super release companies, ask for your myGov details, or give financial advice.
What should you think about before applying?
- Tax. Super released early is taxed, and how much depends on your situation. A tax adviser can tell you.
- Your retirement. Money taken out now, and the growth it would have earned, is gone from your retirement savings.
- Other ways to pay. Health fund cover, staged treatment, payment plans or public dental care may suit you better. See how our fees work.
- A second opinion. For large treatment plans, it's reasonable to get one.
- Approval isn't certain. The ATO rejects applications that don't meet the rules.
What warning signs should you look out for?
The ATO and Ahpra have warned about offers that push people to use super for dental work. Be cautious if a provider:
- advertises super as an easy way to pay for treatment
- asks for your myGov login or offers to apply for you
- charges a fee to prepare your application
- recommends expensive treatment without explaining cheaper options
- asks for payment up front without explaining the full cost
- assesses you by video call instead of examining you in person.
The Dental Board of Australia has guidance for patients using super for dental treatment. This page is reviewed by principal dentist Dr Fatima Kurnaz at Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows.
Other questions people ask
Can I use my super for cosmetic dentistry?
No. The ATO does not release super for cosmetic treatment that is not needed to treat a life-threatening condition or relieve acute or chronic pain or mental illness.
Do you charge a fee to help with my application?
No. We do not charge to prepare or submit applications. A clinical assessment is a normal paid appointment, the same as for any patient.
Can you apply for me?
No. You apply to the ATO yourself through ATO online services in myGov. We will never ask for your myGov login.
Should I start treatment before the ATO decides?
Talk to us first and do not commit to costs you are relying on super to pay. The ATO may not approve your application.
Do you work with super release companies?
No. We deliberately do not work with third-party facilitators.