Many Australians don’t realise that their private health insurance dental benefits often expire on 31 December. Every year, families leave valuable extras unused simply because they run out of time. Now is the perfect opportunity to schedule those checkups and cleans you’ve been putting off, before your benefits reset and the holiday rush begins.
Making the Most of Your Private Health Cover
Shenton Park Family Dental accepts all major health funds to help make dental care more accessible to our community. If you’re a member of a private health insurance fund, your policy may include extras for preventative services such as checkups, cleans and X-rays which for some policies means there is no out-of-pocket expense – that’s right, a $0 gap!
Here’s something important to know: most health fund entitlements don’t carry over. Once the calendar year ends, unused benefits usually expire. If you haven’t booked your appointment yet, now is the perfect time. Some of our practitioners already have very limited availability towards the end of year, however all and any of the clinicians will be able to provide you with the care you need. We also make claiming easy with our on-the-spot HICAPS system.
Why Regular Care Matters
Using your dental benefits isn’t just about maximising your policy – it’s also about keeping up with your oral health. Routine visits may help us identify small concerns early, support gum health with professional cleans, and reduce the likelihood of needing more complex procedures later on.
We believe prevention plays a key role in maintaining a healthy smile, and we encourage good oral hygiene practices at home between visits.
Free Dental Care for Eligible Children
If you have children, it’s worth checking whether they qualify for free dental care through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This government program provides up to $1000 in basic services over two years for eligible families. The allowance resets on a rolling basis, so now is a good time to review your balance and book their appointments. If you are unsure if you are eligible for this scheme, or would like to know what your remaining balance is, please call or email our reception team who will be able to find out for you.
We also know families are busy, so we do our best to offer back-to-back or side-by-side appointments for parents and kids whenever possible.
Book Now Before the Rush
Appointment times fill quickly and many dental labs pause services over the holidays. Booking now means you’ll have the best chance of using your remaining benefits before they reset.
Our team looks forward to supporting you and your family with your end-of-year dental needs. Contact our Shenton Park practice today to secure your spot!