Tooth ache time bomb: 2 in 3  Aussies delay dental visits due to costs

Dentists recommend we have dental check-ups every six-to-12 months, however concerning new research has revealed that two in five Australians (39 per cent) did not visit a dentist at all last year, and 61 per cent delay dental treatments due to their expense.

Leading financial comparison service comparethemarket.com.au commissioned a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 1087 Australians to gauge whether we are delaying necessary dental checkups and procedures, and why.

Worryingly, a fifth (21 per cent) of respondents admitted they hadn’t been to the dentist for at least two years, and 15 per cent said that it had been more than three years since they had their teeth checked.

On average, a routine dental exam, clean and fluoride treatment costs $66, with prices ranging from $51-92 across Australia[2]. Orthodontic treatment tends to be pricier, ranging from anywhere between $5000-9000.

In addition to the two-thirds (61 per cent) of Aussies who would delay dental treatment due to costs, 16 per cent would delay any procedure they needed that cost more than $150.

When asked which dental treatments people would put off for either themselves or their child due to the expense, one in three (32 per cent) said they would avoid routine dental check-ups. On top of this, 30 per cent would put off getting caps and crowns, 29 per cent would delay getting veneers and 28 per cent would avoid necessary orthodontic treatment.

If respondents were faced with significant dental bills, half (50 per cent) said they would draw on their savings, 39 per cent would use a credit card and 20 per cent would see if they could go on a payment plan. Interestingly, an equal 6 per cent would either borrow money from friends or family, increase their credit card limit, or draw on their superannuation to make payments.

Dental treatment of any kind is not often covered by Medicare, and is usually paid when your procedure is finished. The Australian Dental Association’s Dental Fee Survey[4] found the average cost for a filling is $175, that a root canal averages out to $278, and a wisdom tooth extraction can cost anywhere between $500-3000[5]. Other dental procedures range from $38 for fluoride treatment to $1558 for a full crown (veneered).

With health insurance premiums set to rise in April, it’s crucial to have the right level of cover and protect your hip-pocket from any unexpected expenses. Compare the Market spokesperson, Jennifer Williams says it’s vital for Australians to shop around and get the best health cover to suit their dental and general needs.

“The majority of Aussies are delaying dental procedures because the immediate financial hit is too great. Most insurance providers cover routine dental treatment and some policies even cover major dental, depending on your level of cover.

“Consumers should start doing their research and look for the right policy for them in preparation for the rate rise.  You can get cover for either a set dollar amount or as a percentage of the cost, with some insurers covering 50-60 per cent for general dental or between $22-125 – depending on the type of treatment[6]. Choosing cover that suits your lifestyle and budget can easily make dental visits less stressful and more affordable.”