Check-up costs

How much does a dental check-up and clean cost?

At Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows, a new patient comprehensive check-up and clean is $229. If you've seen a dentist in the last 12 months and had x-rays then, a routine check-up and clean is $199. We claim your health fund on the spot through HICAPS.

What's included in the $229 new patient check-up?

Comprehensive oral examination
Oral cancer and pathology screening
Gum assessment
Intraoral photos
Intraoral x-rays (as necessary)
Full mouth x-ray (as necessary)
Professional scale and clean
Fluoride treatment
Personalised quote and treatment plan

For new patients, and for anyone who has not had a full assessment recently. Includes the full diagnostic workup.

Who is the $199 routine check-up for?

For patients having a routine check and clean who have seen a dentist in the last 12 months and had x-rays taken then. It suits people who are keeping up with regular visits. If you're not sure which applies to you, tell us when you last saw a dentist and we'll book the right appointment.

What can change the total?

The check-up fee covers the visit itself. The total only changes if something needs treatment and you choose to go ahead, for example:

Decay that needs a filling. Small fillings are from $200.
Gum disease that needs a deeper clean below the gum line, which is quoted at assessment.
Fissure sealants to protect grooves in back teeth, quoted at assessment.

You get the options and a quote first, and nothing extra happens without your agreement.

What do children's check-ups cost?

Children's check-ups are from $99 for ages 0 to 6 and from $149 for ages 7 to 15. Eligible children may be fully bulk billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, up to the government cap. See CDBS bulk billing to check eligibility.

Which item numbers are on a check-up invoice?

Health funds work out your rebate from the item numbers in the Australian Schedule of Dental Services. Common ones for a check-up and clean are:

011 comprehensive oral examination, or 012 periodic oral examination
022 intraoral x-ray, per image
037 panoramic (full mouth) x-ray
114 removal of calculus (the scale and clean)
121 topical fluoride application

Which items apply depends on your visit. Give these to your fund if you'd like to check your cover before you come in.

Can I claim a check-up on my health fund?

If your extras cover includes general or preventive dental, you can usually claim part of a check-up and clean, and some policies cover it in full. We process the claim through HICAPS during your visit, so you only pay the gap. What you get back depends on your fund, your level of cover and any limits or waiting periods, so check with your fund. More on health funds at Y3.

Is it worth paying for regular check-ups?

Regular check-ups find decay and gum disease early, when treatment is usually simpler. Skipping them can mean problems are found later, when they need more involved and more expensive treatment. Your dentist will suggest how often to come, based on your own risk. For what the visit involves, see our check-up and clean page.