Access your super for dental treatment
Dental problems can affect much more than your smile. Persistent pain, infection, missing teeth and difficulty eating can have a significant impact on your oral health and everyday wellbeing.
When necessary dental treatment is beyond your financial means, compassionate release of superannuation may provide an alternative way to cover the cost. Through our partnership with SuperCare, eligible patients can receive assistance with preparing an application to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Depending on your individual circumstances, treatment may include:
- Dental implants
- Dentures and full mouth rehabilitation
- Root canal treatment
- Oral surgery
- Dental crowns and restorative treatment
- Treatment for serious dental infections
Eligibility is based on medical necessity and the ATO’s requirements. A particular dental procedure does not automatically qualify for early release of superannuation, and purely cosmetic treatments are not eligible.
What is early release of superannuation?
Early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds is an Australian Government provision that allows eligible people to access part of their super before retirement to pay for certain medical expenses, including necessary dental treatment.
The ATO assesses applications against specific medical and financial criteria. For dental treatment, the relevant medical grounds may include:
- Relieving acute or chronic pain
- Treating a life-threatening medical condition
- Treating an eligible acute or chronic mental illness
Applicants must also demonstrate that they cannot reasonably meet the treatment costs through other available financial resources. Supporting medical reports, a treatment plan and an itemised quotation are required as part of the application.
SuperCare is a registered tax agent specialising in compassionate release applications. They assist patients with the application requirements and submission process, while we provide the necessary dental assessment and treatment documentation.
How SuperCare can help
SuperCare has been assisting Australians with early access to superannuation for medical treatment for more than a decade. As a registered tax agent (TAN 26080154), SuperCare works with patients and healthcare providers to prepare applications for consideration by the ATO.
Their service includes helping patients understand the application requirements, organise supporting information and prepare the documentation needed for submission.
SuperCare also advertises a No Approval, No Fee Guarantee for its application assistance service. Patients should confirm the applicable terms and conditions directly with SuperCare before proceeding.
Although SuperCare can assist with the application, approval remains entirely at the discretion of the ATO.
How the process works
- Book a consultation with us to discuss your dental concerns and treatment requirements.
- We assess your oral health and prepare a treatment plan with an itemised quotation.
- SuperCare assists you with preparing your application and gathering the supporting documentation required by the ATO.
- Your application is submitted to the ATO for assessment against its eligibility requirements.
- If approved, you can request the release of the approved amount from your superannuation fund, subject to the fund’s requirements.
We work with SuperCare to provide the relevant clinical documentation and answer questions about your proposed dental treatment.
Is accessing your super for dental treatment right for you?
Accessing your superannuation early is an important financial decision. It may be worth considering when:
- Your dental treatment is medically necessary
- Your circumstances meet the ATO’s eligibility requirements
- You cannot reasonably afford the treatment through other available means
- You understand the potential financial consequences of withdrawing your superannuation
Withdrawing superannuation early reduces the amount available for your retirement and may have taxation or other financial implications. We recommend seeking independent financial advice before making a decision.
We can discuss your dental treatment requirements and explain the other payment options available through our practice, helping you make an informed decision about your care.
Book a consultation
f you’re considering accessing your superannuation to fund necessary dental treatment, arrange a consultation with us to discuss your oral health concerns and the options available.
We’ll assess your dental needs, explain the recommended treatment and provide the clinical documentation required if you decide to apply through SuperCare.
You can also learn more about the application process by visiting our dedicated page on the SuperCare website.
