Payment Options at Austral Smiles | Flexible, Accessible Dental Care

Explore Your Payment Options

At Austral Smiles, we offer flexible dental payment options. Our goal is to make quality care accessible and more affordable for families across Austral.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Eligible children aged 0 to 17 may access up to $1,132 in bulk-billed dental care over two calendar years through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. At Austral Smiles, we process CDBS claims on the spot to make preventive and essential dental care easier for families.

DVA Healthcare Card

Veterans with a valid DVA Gold Card or a White Card for an accepted service-related condition may be eligible for government-funded dental care. At Austral Smiles, we welcome DVA cardholders and work within DVA guidelines to provide appropriate treatment where a clinical need is assessed.

OHFFSS NSW Vouchers

Patients with a valid NSW public hospital dental voucher may be eligible for subsidised care under the Oral Health Fee For Service Scheme (OHFFSS). At Austral Smiles, we accept eligible vouchers and provide treatment in line with the schedule set by NSW Health and local policy.

Payment Plans

At Austral Smiles, flexible payment plans are available to help you manage the cost of treatment over time. These plans are ideal for patients who prefer to pay in instalments. Specific providers and terms will be discussed after your consultation once your treatment plan is prepared.

We Accept All Health Funds

Austral Smiles accepts all major health funds and is a CBHS Choice Network and a nib First Choice Network preferred provider. We provide itemised treatment plans so you can check with your fund before starting care.

Common Questions About Paying for Treatment

We understand that payment options can be confusing. Below are answers to some of the most common questions our Austral patients ask about covering dental care.

Can I get a quote before my appointment?

We understand it’s helpful to plan for the cost of treatment. While we can discuss general pricing over the phone, a detailed quote is only available after your consultation.

Your dentist will assess your oral health and create a personalised treatment plan. This includes item numbers and estimated costs based on your clinical needs.

Is my child eligible for the CDBS?

Eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is determined by Medicare each calendar year. A child may qualify if they meet all of the following criteria:

They are aged between 0 and 17 years for at least one day in the calendar year.
They are eligible for Medicare at the time of the dental service.
They receive or are part of a family receiving a government payment, such as the Family Tax Benefit Part A.
If a child becomes eligible during the year, eligibility is backdated to January 1 of that calendar year. Eligibility remains valid until the end of the calendar year and is reassessed annually.

What treatments are covered under the CDBS?

The CDBS includes a range of basic dental services that are designed to support a child’s oral health. The following services are typically included:

Dental examinations are covered to assess oral health and identify any early concerns.
Dental X-rays may be covered when required to assist with diagnosis.
Preventive care, such as professional cleaning and fissure sealing, is included to help reduce the risk of future dental problems.
Fillings are included to address tooth decay and restore dental function.
Tooth extractions are covered when a tooth cannot be restored due to damage or decay.
Root canal treatment may be covered when clinically necessary to address infection or pain.
Partial dentures can be provided in certain cases when a child is missing one or more teeth.
The CDBS does not include services such as orthodontics (e.g., braces), cosmetic procedures (e.g., whitening), or treatment provided in a hospital setting.
Some services have limits on how often they can be claimed or may require prior approval. Your dentist will explain any restrictions and what applies to your child’s treatment plan.

Do I need to pay anything if my child uses the CDBS?

Many eligible families can access dental care under the CDBS without paying on the day as long as the services fall within the child’s benefit cap and meet Medicare’s conditions. The current cap is $1,132 over two years.

At Austral Smiles, we bulk bill all eligible CDBS services. This means:

You will not be charged upfront for eligible services as long as your child has remaining CDBS funds.
We will submit the claim directly to Medicare, so you do not need to manage it yourself.
A detailed treatment plan will be provided beforehand, outlining what’s included so you can feel informed and prepared.

There are situations where a payment may be required:

If your child has used the full $1,132 allowance, additional services may not be covered.
If the treatment is not listed under the CDBS or falls outside the claim limits, it cannot be bulk billed.
Our team will always let you know before any costs apply and offer options where possible.
We make the process easy by checking your child’s eligibility and available balance in advance.

What dental services are covered for veterans?

Veterans who hold a valid DVA Gold Card or a White Card for an accepted service-related condition may be eligible for dental care funded through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These services are intended to support oral health, comfort, and day-to-day function.

The services that may be available include the following:

Dental check-ups: Dentists may perform regular check-ups to examine your teeth, gums, and mouth. These visits help monitor your oral health and detect changes early.
Professional cleaning: Cleaning appointments remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. This helps prevent gum disease and promotes long-term oral health.
Care for dental conditions or injuries: If you have pain, swelling, or discomfort, care may be provided to manage the problem and restore comfort.
Fillings and crowns: Fillings can be placed in areas of decay or damage. Crowns may be used when a tooth needs more support or strength.
Dentures: Dentures can be provided if you are missing one or more teeth. They help improve your ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably.
Denture adjustments or replacement: If your dentures become loose, they may require adjustments or relining. In some cases, your dentures may be replaced if they no longer fit or function properly.
Care from approved dental professionals: You may also receive care from dental hygienists, therapists, or oral health therapists. These providers work alongside dentists to support your oral health.

Before booking, it is important to check if your provider accepts DVA cards. At Austral Smiles, we welcome eligible DVA patients and follow all required approval steps.

How do I claim treatment with a public dental voucher?

If you have received a public dental voucher through the NSW Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme (OHFFSS), you can use it to access dental care at participating clinics.

Here’s how the process generally works:

Check if your voucher is valid: Public dental vouchers have a printed value and an expiry date. Before booking, confirm that your voucher is still within the valid time frame.
Confirm the clinic accepts vouchers: Not all private dental clinics accept OHFFSS vouchers. At Austral Smiles, we accept eligible public dental vouchers and are pleased to check the details for you.
Book your appointment: Contact the clinic to arrange a suitable appointment. Bring your voucher with you to the appointment.
Attend your consultation: During the visit, the dentist will assess your oral health and recommend suitable care. Services will be provided based on clinical need and within the limits of the voucher.
No payment is required for eligible services: If the services fall within the approved amount and scope of the voucher, there is no need to pay on the day.

If your care needs exceed the voucher’s value or scope, we’ll explain your options clearly before continuing.

Can I use a payment plan for major treatments like crowns or root canals?

Yes, payment plans are available at Austral Smiles for patients who wish to manage the cost of more advanced dental procedures over time. This may include services such as crowns, root canal procedures, or other complex care.

Payment plans allow you to divide the total cost into smaller instalments, which can make treatment more manageable. These arrangements will be discussed after your consultation and once your treatment plan is prepared.

The availability and structure of payment plans may depend on the type of service, the total cost, and your individual needs. Our team will take the time to explain your options clearly so you can decide what works for your situation.

Do you accept my private health fund?

Austral Smiles accepts all major health funds. If you are a member of a fund, you can bring your card or membership details to your appointment.

We provide a detailed care plan with item numbers before starting any treatment. This makes it easier for you to check with your fund about available benefits based on your plan.

If your health fund uses electronic claiming, we can process claims on the spot at the clinic. If not, we’ll provide the necessary documents to help you submit your claim manually.

Can I combine my health fund with a payment plan?

Yes, at Austral Smiles, you can use a health fund alongside a payment plan. This can help reduce your upfront costs while giving you more flexibility in managing the remaining balance.

During your consultation, we will prepare a personalised treatment plan with item numbers and estimated costs. This allows you to check with your fund about available benefits based on your plan.

Once your fund has processed its portion, any remaining amount can be paid through an instalment plan if you choose to proceed that way. Our team will walk you through the steps and help you set up an option that suits your situation.

Do you offer bulk billing for any services?

Yes, Austral Smiles offers bulk billing for eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). If your child qualifies for CDBS, we can process the claim directly with Medicare, so there is no payment required on the day for included services.

Bulk billing is only available for services covered under the CDBS and within your child’s available benefit amount. We will check your child’s eligibility and balance before the appointment and explain what is included.

If your child is not eligible for CDBS, our team will provide a clear treatment plan with estimated costs before any care begins.

Easy Dental Payment Options in Austral