This guide is not intended to provide financial or legal advice or recommendations. Please consult a financial professional or the ATO before making any decisions to withdraw from superannuation.
At Anew Smile™, we believe everyone deserves a healthy, radiant smile—regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we’re passionate about breaking down barriers to essential dental care.
If you’ve been putting off treatment due to cost, there may be a solution you haven’t considered: accessing your superannuation on compassionate grounds.
Many Australians are unaware that, under certain circumstances, they may be eligible to use their super to cover the cost of major dental procedures. Whether it’s for yourself or a dependent, we can guide you through the process so you can focus on what matters most—your health and wellbeing!
What is Compassionate Release of Superannuation?
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows early access to superannuation savings under strict conditions, including on compassionate grounds. One of these grounds is to cover the cost of essential medical and dental treatment, particularly when you’re unable to afford the expense through other means.
This isn’t a loophole—it’s a lifeline. The early release is designed to help with unpaid expenses that are medically necessary and not covered by public health services.
Am I Eligible? Here’s What You Need to Know…
To access your superannuation for dental treatment, the following criteria must be met:
✅ Residency Status
You must be:
- An Australian or New Zealand citizen, or
- A permanent resident.
Temporary residents are generally not eligible, unless applying through a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
✅ Medical Necessity
You or your dependent must need treatment for:
- A life-threatening condition,
- Severe acute or chronic pain, or
- Acute or chronic mental distress.
And the treatment must not be freely available through the public healthcare system.
✅ Unpaid Expenses
You can only apply before paying the dental expense. Already paid invoices aren't eligible.
✅ Supporting Documentation
Applications must include:
- A supporting document, treatment plan and quote from your dentist or dental specialist
- A report from a GP or medical specialist confirming the medical need
- Evidence of your relationship to the patient (if applying on behalf of a dependent)
What Dental Work Can I Receive?
If you’re using your super for dental work, note that only a selection of treatments are covered by compassionate grounds.
These include:
- Dental implants
- Fixed full arch implant teeth (All on 4, All on X, All on Implants)
- Dental restorations
- Implant supported Overdentures
- Dental Crowns and Bridges
- Root canal treatments
- Periodontal treatments
- Dentures
- Braces/orthodontic care (specific severe cases)
- Oral and Maxillofacial surgery including extractions
How to apply
- Consult Your Dentist: Begin with a consultation and treatment plan, outlining the medical necessity of the procedure.
- Gather Documentation: You must provide your treatment plan, a document detailing your unpaid expenses, and two medical reports — one from a medical or dental specialist and one from a dentist or general medical practitioner.
- Submit to the ATO: Lodge your application for compassionate release through your MyGov account.
At Anew Smile, we assist many patients with their applications on a daily basis. Our Patient Co-ordinators can help walk you through the process quickly and easily. We also work with specialised support Companies that can also run the process for you with a guarantee on successful application.
If you're not eligible for early super access, you still have choices. We offer flexible payment plans and can help you explore private health cover or finance options tailored to your needs.
Your smile is more than just cosmetic—it’s part of your health and your daily life. Don’t let cost be the barrier that keeps you from feeling your best.
Contact Anew Smile today for a complimentary consultation and discover your options with our compassionate, judgment-free team.
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