How Much Does Dental Treatment Cost in Australia?

Dental costs in Australia vary significantly depending on the procedure, your location, the dentist's experience, and whether you have private health insurance. A routine checkup might cost $60–$280, while complex procedures like dental implants can reach $6,500 or more per tooth.

Understanding these costs helps you plan ahead, choose the right level of health insurance, and avoid surprise bills. Our guides below break down the cost of every common dental procedure with state-by-state pricing, what Medicare and private health insurance cover, and practical tips to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Key things to know about dental costs in Australia

• Medicare doesn’t cover most dental. Adults receive no Medicare benefit for dental treatment. Children aged 0–17 may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which covers up to ~$1,100 over two years for basic dental services.
• Private health insurance helps, but has limits. Extras cover typically reimburses 50–80% of general dental (checkups, cleans, fillings) and 40–60% of major dental (crowns, implants, root canals). Annual limits and waiting periods apply. Read our dental insurance guide →
• Location matters. CBD and metro practices charge 15–30% more than suburban or regional clinics. ACT and NT tend to be the most expensive states for dental care.
• Prevention is cheaper than treatment. A $200 checkup that catches a small cavity saves you from a $2,000+ root canal. Regular visits are the best financial strategy.