Need to get a filling and maybe other work, wonder if there is a cheap way to get it done when I do not have health insurance?
Best way to get dental work if you do not have health insurance?
hsk on 14/01/2014 - 11:24
Comments
If you have a healthcare card or pension card you can get some work done in the public system for free but with a long queue.
Depends, if you have an actual toothache or something you'll get in their pretty quick. If you want a general checkup… well… gg.
If you have a Centrelink health care concession card you can go on a waiting list for no cost public dentistry.
This might take a long time, depending on what you need done.
If you are under 18 and live in some areas, your local health authority may have a program for children's dental care. In NSW, for example, the Western Sydney area HS operates a program for bi-annual check ups.
Dental schools at the universities provide low or no cost care for trainee dentists, try calling.
And normal dentists charge different rates, so shopping around makes a difference too, especially if you know what you need done.thanks not on a healthcare card, and over 18 so I will ring around, but I am no exactly sure of what work needs to be done, as I have chipped a back tooth and possibly need to have at least one filling. I will ring local dentists and see what they will tell me. thanks
I have chipped a back tooth
Not sure if you've ever heard of The Larry Sanders show, but reading that made me think of this
What about http://www.smile.com.au ? I haven't tried them, seems to be a membership site where dental then costs less.
Any experiences?
I've actually became their member a couple of months ago, cause had some problems with my teeth . First I've checked that my dentist is in the list, I mean participate in this program and then asked him directly how much I can save if I apply for the smile card. Cause I really have a lot of work to do with my teeth, so these $79 for a membership (2 people without dependants) were really good. For example, I've done 4 visits after the membership and I paid $390 once (instead of 430 if I hadn't smile) then I paid $595 (instead of 650) and so on. It is only makes sense (as my dentist told me) when you need to visit a dentist more then twice a year for a check up.
Hope this helps:)
'Man claims lettuce in Hungry Jack's burger cracked his tooth'
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/man-claims-lettuce-…
Seriously, lettuce? I chipped my tooth on rock solid waffle-fries from there, but I didn't pursue legal action.
Pay for it - basic work doesn't cost THAT much. Go to a reputable dentist that does decent work for a decent price. From experience (as a dentist) going to rock bottom dentists will give you rock bottom work which then costs more to fix.
No one's telling you to goto the CBD centre to get things fixed up. Go suburban to a reputable dentist.
Book into a dentist, get the filling fixed, an examination and maybe some xrays, and then worry about the other stuff when the dentist tells you the treatment plan. No one says you must do what the dentist tells you to at that same appointment.
Dentistry will cost you if you haven't bothered with oral hygiene.
cost of xrays about $80 for two shots of your mouth, or was that each?
check up and clean about $220
filling - how much?filling in Eastwood NSW officially cost $300+
A (average) home in Eastwood also costs $2.4m
http://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/a-plain-house-in-…Heh, the house was pretty average, but the price wasn't. Even the real estate agent couldn't/wouldn't explain why it sold for so much
It doesn't cost THAT much if you are a dentist. Some are on more limited incomes. I would also take you to task about oral hygiene. Genetically some are more prone to cavities and oral issues. Some other people can pretty much do whatever they want with little damage.
Taking me to task for the 1% that have crap oral hygiene and no problems? Please. That's like saying some crap drivers never have car accidents.
I work in suburban Sydney and I have never charged anyone over $250 for a filling. Just saying. There are ranges of dentists and you choose to goto one that charges you $200 for a basic filling that's your problem, not mine. Healthcare comes at a cost. Medicare bulk billed medicine is not free just because YOU don't pay for it. Stop whinging and take responsibility for you own (lack of) personal hygiene and it's consequences.
I'd hate to know you in person.
Most dentists seem to have stupid personalities.
High on the middle class smart-arse, low on the empathy friendliness and decency. Never been able to work out why, just noticed the pattern. Perhaps the actual job itself wears you down, but the moneys too good to change? Perhaps they have a permanent chip because they didn't have the marks to get into "real" medicine. Who knows?
Dentists=most often whankers, often with some boring hobby they drone on about. (wine-making, sailing etc)
I thought I heard something in the last year about some dental costs being paid under medicare in some circumstances. Don't know any details but it is worth researching as an option.
Get it done in Thailand ;P
Piece of string and a door handle?
Spent $6000 on 2 root canals and crowns that fell out 12 months later.
Not sure what is the point when you end up gummy anyway.Definitely there are unscrupulous dentists with dodgy work and ethics. Not sure what to do about that. Can only try and do a good job personally.
yes have found one in the suburbs, not sure how to pick a good one, bit like many other professions.. I guess, I will be up for around $400 with one xray and one filling thanks
Hsk pm me.
I had my xray bulk billed referred by my dentist. That will save you $100 i guess?
Depends on what sort. An opg or fu mouth X-ray can be bulkbilled but usually doesn't provide enough definition or resolution to diagnose decay etc when it's early on. Intra oral films are usually necessary. I usually just charge health fund portion ie no gap for X-rays that I take.
Don't know what're you talking about but the x ray I had told my dentist how bad was the decay and whether to fill my tooth or remove it.
"Don't know what're you talking about"
Exactly.
aDB do you know anyone who has used smile.com.au as I just noticed one of the dentists I was planning to ring is a member. I am interested in knowing if smile.com.au is worth it thanks
The costs for treatment and joining smile is not much different from joining say medibank and going to a preferred provider.
I’ve had Smile on my radar for a while but haven't tried it. There is at least no waiting period. Was waiting until I needed a dentist before joining. Found 'em in a Google search, so I'd be happy to hear if anyone's used them.
Good to hear from @splathowa that Smile treatment costs are similar to the health funds.I've actually became their member a couple of months ago, cause had some problems with my teeth . First I've checked that my dentist is in the list, I mean participate in this program and then asked him directly how much I can save if I apply for the smile card. Cause I really have a lot of work to do with my teeth, so these $79 for a membership (2 people without dependants) were really good. For example, I've done 4 visits after the membership and I paid $390 once (instead of 430 if I hadn't smile) then I paid $595 (instead of 650) and so on. It is only makes sense (as my dentist told me) when you need to visit a dentist more then twice a year for a check up.
Hope this helps:)
Ok so does Medibank cover everything straight away? or is there waiting period?
Pm me and we'll have a chat.
No, not EVERYTHING… depends on what need to be done, you would need to pay a 'gap fee' for some treatment, and there's a cap on claims. All depends on the type of cover and your treatment. And yes, there is a waiting period. 2 or 3 months?
The gap can be large or small depending on how much the dentist charges above the "schedule fee". Sometimes you get 50% or less back depending on the dentist and the health fund even if you have top extras.
AHM extras basic cover cost like $7 a week and no waiting period. Covers about 60%.
After your treatment and claiming the benefit from the insurance nothing stops you from cancelling the insurance
As has been pointed out , you may find a health fund that is currently waiving their 2 & 6 month waiting periods (this is done with regularity to attract customers). With most health funds general dental work (ie. check-up, scale & clean, x-rays, and some fillings etc) has a 2 month waiting period, so if this is waived you can get your work done straight away and be covered (provided all the work you need is classified general dental).
However, if you also require major dental work (ie, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy etc) then this would have a 12 month waiting period before you are covered.
As a caveat, most health funds are roughly break even vs the premium you pay. Very few will pay the vast portion of your work, most will pay roughly 70% of the work and so it may not even be worthwhile getting the insurance to cover whatever you're getting done.
It's up to you to decide whether it's worth it. Generally I find it's much of a muchness, you either pay your fund or the dentist and it's usually a similar amount.
but in true OzB style after a month or two (or whenever your treatment ends) cancel your membership. Basic ancillary only cover (no major dental cover) for a single person can work out as little $25 a month (dependent on age). So, theoretically for $50 you can get your check-up, scale & clean, an x-ray and some basic fillings (all up to the annual limit on your policy - $750 if you look at Medibank Private's Basic Extras pack).
That is pretty much the only way to profit from health cover from what I've seen.
You could call Westmead Hospital, they have trainee dentists that do the work cheap for practice, they are overlooked by a highly qualified dentist. And have done hundreds of house on simulating mouths etc.
Health care card or emergencies only.
What about orthodontic work for children? Can anyone recommend an orthodontist who's good with kids in Sydney North?
ok this would be a good time to share my story.
My background
Full time student,have no money,have some dental problems.How i got free dental care
I noticed some pain in my front tooth about a year ago.
Called up Westmead Dental Clinic, they arranged an appointment for about 2 weeks later.
Went to Dental Clinic, they found a small hole in tooth, filled it up.
All for free.Dentist said they need to do treatment for some minor things.
6 months later, had appointment
Met with very nice student dentist.
got lots of fillings, some sealant and one wisdom tooth removed.
Did amazing job,it was a little uncomfortable but not painful.Apart from parking , it was basically free dental work.
However conditions of using Westmead Dental Clinic
Have to be on medicare
live in western sydney
Willing to wait (Dental work is carried out by Uni students, soo appointment times are contingent on their uni timetables etc.TL;DR
Be poor,go westmead,get free dental work.Need to be on government support of some sort otherwise ineligible.
or willing to impersonate someone who is?
go on neg me for making a joke then.
It does happen. It's called insurance fraud.
sounds about right, only thing getting it done with students, is a filling that takes 30min will take about 1-2 hours as they have check points etc. otherwise it is worth going if your eligible and have no money. (i was one of these students once)
I went to the UQ dental school a while back, it was cheap as chips for a simple clean, filling, and checkup.
hey OP, not sure which area you are in, im happy to help where possible…www.dentalspot.com.au
otherwise i am also in paddington and the city.most average checks around 220-250 with xrays (im talking about all dentist)
average cost for filling is any from 140 - 250
message me privately if you have any questions as all.
thanksThailand.
great thanks I am getting an idea now see a filling is about $140 - $250 but how much for a consultation? and then xray is about if anyone is happy to say some prices for the consult and xray (average) that would be helpful.
Consult depends on the dentist. Some might discount it if you end up doing work, otherwise anywhere between 35-100.
depends whats needs to be done hsk
if it's general dental, i would recommend student clinics (if you don't mind the wait, time taken etc)
but if you prefer private for your general dental needs, then I would recommend find an insurance company that does unlimited general dental, with about 65-70% rebate.
pay upfront for the month and ask for them to waive the waiting period of X months
find a reliable dentist in your area that will accept the insurance and get a consult with them 40-120 depending on length of time taken to discuss with you
get a quote, confirm with insurance and then try to get as much done in 3-4 months. then stop the insurance if you dont require it anymore.
insurance will cost you 600 for the 3-4 months but will save you considerably.if it's major dental, there is no avenue for hope. dental holiday in thailand i guess or front the bill.
fyi, im a dentist and this is what i recommend patients who have ALOT of problems
but mind you, if you don't look after them afterwards or things aren't stabilised (acid issue, saliva issues, diet issues, reflux, clenching etc), the work goes to shit anyway.edit: student clinics also okay if you are treated by final year students. you will pay 25% of the cost rather than full price. they will do major dental but they still are slow tbh
NSW student clinics are all public waiting list non paying welfare patients only. Student clinics are not an option unless you goto Orange.
Ever had anyone play the financial hardship card (for bigger work like root canal) and if so did you help them out?
I could be under financial hardship and no one's helping me out…
@splathowa:
The long answer is we are doing our job that pays the bills and I already commit to charitable causes. I have no guilt in denying any random person that rocks up asking for a discount or handout on hardship grounds.
Dentistry is a healthcare service and also small business, the same as any private doctor's clinic, except the patient foots the bill at a dentist instead of the government.
Most people don't rock up to a plumber or electrician or a retail shop asking for a freebie, seems unfair that healthcare should be an exception.@splathowa: Thanks for the answer. Just curious.
I note you said "any random person". Does that mean you may answer differently if it were a patient of some long standing?
@Mr Gradgrind: Depends on the individual. There is no general policy for all dentists or all patients. There are some dentists that are super generous towards staff and patients and yet others that will scam other dentists and patients.
Buy a cheap AirAsia ticket and get it done in Kuala Lumpur
lol this, cheaper and you get a free holiday :))
Get it done in South-East Asian countries. I'm going to Vietnam soon and will be doing fillings and whitening over there.
Be aware that whitening causes your teeth to become porous and then quickly they will stain more than original.
I'm not sure why you replied to a three year old post. I didn't end up with getting my teeth whitened. I got fillings for extremely cheap and they did a really good job.
If you're going to spend a couple of hundred on dental anyway, sign up with Medibank who will waive your extras (inc General dental) as part of a current promotion.
Depending on what you sign up for, you can get a check up and clean for free, so do that and other work you need done, then cancel your subscription.
Ouch, this hurts… No wonder my MBP premium keeps going up and UP and UP.
Nuggetninja please explain the how Medibank works, looking at more fillings and today the treatment cost me $300 for filling and xrays so will Medibank cover this?
Any work done before you are a member will not be covered.
Any work done after you are a member will depend on the conditions and waiting periods that may apply.
Ok so if I need a couple of other fillings over the next few months will that be covered?
yes, on the provision:
1. The services occur after you join a health fund;
2. The relevant waiting period is either waived (2 months for general dental - but most funds waive this) or served (12 month waiting period generally applies for major dental work)
3. You can be 100% certain with whether your fillings (and any other work you need) is covered by asking your dentist for the item numbers for the work required, and then calling up your nominated health fund to see what you will get back
thanks, the dentist has said a couple of more fillings needed over the next 6 mths, so I will ring them and get the item numbers. and check with the health fund
Curios, how often do you brush and floss your teeth?
I have had so much dental work done that I almost qualify as a dentist. Mostly done in Australia, but some overseas (A Terrible job, and a waste of money and it caused more problems than it helped - had a bridge made and lost a tooth due to poor work). One thing has been consistently apparent. Some dentists overservice, so just get what you absolutely need. EG I think the flouriding is an expensive scam. Most dentists in Australia are only interested in the money, and they will try to do jobs that they are under experienced to do, rather than refer you to a specialist. But I would be looking for the recommendation for a good dentist, not looking for the cheapest. Good dentists are hard to find though. I knew a dentist who was in charge of a dental school and the severely bad jobs that the students did on welfare patients would astound you. Grinding their teeth down too much etc etc. I can recommend a good dentist for you in Sydney if you want. She is very aware of patients on tight budgets, and is the one dentist who I have met who actually has time to discuss options, prices etc. Her pricing seems to be about average. The only dental practice that I have ever found that is not a 'sausage factory'. PM me if you want to know the details, or examples of why I sing her praises. In the long run, GOOD dental work will save you money, and save your teeth.
Vietnam.
Had teeth scrapped/cleaned and a filling done for about $7:00aud
Totally painless procedure unlike the last time I had it done in AustraliaHad a major dental work done when I was visiting Thailand last month. My experience was pretty great, actually I was thrilled with the results. I was able to get a quality work done at a relatively low cost. For me standards are as good or better than in other countries, in my case. A medical tourism provider ( http://www.placidway.com/profile/1779/Phuket-International-D… )also assist me on finding clinics that have a good reputation for really good and humble service and have professional qualifications. They gave me a list of certified clinics and arrange my accommodations plus appointment with my dentist.
Ok guys, I know this post is a little outdated, by so are some of the comment. All is from my study in NSW so manybe alittle different.
1) Health care card holders / low income try your local area health. Yes the wait is long, but alot are now being referred private, funding has just changed over and there is massive increases.
2) Honestly best bit is spend a little. Teaching Clinics are attached to university. CSU has a few etc. General cost is around $20 for first appointment (clean, assessment, xrays etc (or sometimes emergency tooth filling)), then around $15 per filling. This is done by 3rd and 4th year supervised student. CSU also has the option of seeing a full qualified private dentist cheap also
Student Dentist pricing approx general public
$20 Assessment / Clean / xray
$15 per filling
$500-$750 per crown3) This is a little bad but i did it a few years back and cancelled my policy because it didnt include gym, but anyways, Had 1 filling and tooth pulled under private health insurance (i used AHM at the time no waiting). Go work done at No Gaps Dental
So you buy the policy (check it doesnt have any clauses for cancellation or waiting times)
Book in at a gap free dental centre
Get work done
Pay dental centre
Send invoice to private health fund
They will reimburse anyways from around 50-70%
Take a copy of what reimbursement slip back to no gaps and they refund you the rest
Cancel policy within 1 month, only pay 1 month fee4) Go overseas
5) just buy bloodly dental insurance. Sometimes you just need to pay for things in life
Good luck I hope some of this helps.
If possible please go to uni dental centres, theres plenty around. Its helps students alot. They all know what there doing, they have practices alot prior to being able to even touch you and they are being supervised.Win-Win
:)
This is great advice, very helpful! I never realised No Gaps Dental does no gaps fillings with any dental cover! That's where my next appointment will be! ;)
They did with me. I was with AHM. Just ask them on the phone. Its alittle bit of running around to claim (a call and two forms), But to pay nothing out of pocket is sweet
Read this! Booked for my currently unemployed daughter and she got an appointment in a few days for only a few weeks from now. Excellent!
http://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Services/Directory/Pages/…
How did it end up going mate. Was the service what you expected? did they do any refferals elsewhere?
Does anyone have an affordable dentist in Sydney?
I’ve looked into the student practice option but they’re about $200.
oops meaning dental work, thanks