Access Essential Dental Care with Early Release of Your Superannuation
At Orion’s Dental, we believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care, especially when it's essential for their health and well-being. If you are facing financial barriers to treatment, you may be eligible to use your superannuation to cover the cost through the Early Release of Super (ERS) program.
This government-approved option helps patients fund medically necessary dental procedures when they can’t afford treatment through traditional means. Keep reading to learn how it works and how you can take advantage of this opportunity.
What Is Superannuation and How Can It Help with Dental Costs?
Superannuation, also referred to as super, is a savings fund designed to support Australians in retirement. However, under specific circumstances, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows early access to these funds. For example, when an individual needs urgent medical or dental care that cannot be delayed.
If your dental issue is significantly impacting your life, such as causing pain, affecting your ability to eat or speak, or leading to further health complications, you may be able to use your super to access timely care
What Types of Dental Treatments Can Superannuation Cover?
Early access to your super can assist with a variety of major dental procedures, such as:
- Full-mouth rehabilitation
- Dental implants and implant-supported dentures
- Surgical extractions (including some wisdom teeth)
- Root canal treatments
- Emergency dental treatment
- Restorative procedures affecting health and function
If your dentist recommends treatment that supports your physical and emotional well-being, it may qualify under the ERS guidelines.
How to Apply for Early Super Access
There are two main ways to apply for the Early Release of Superannuation for dental care:
1. Apply Directly Through the ATO
You can submit your application via the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website with supporting documentation. You’ll need:
- A written treatment plan from your dentist
- A supporting letter from a medical professional (such as your GP) Our team at Orion’s Dental can help you prepare and supply the necessary dental documentation.
Our team at Orion’s Dental can help you prepare and supply the necessary dental documentation.
2. Apply with Help from SuperCare
Prefer someone to handle the paperwork for you? SuperCare is an external service provider that supports patients in completing and submitting their ERS applications. They can manage the entire process, from gathering documents to liaising with the ATO, making it much easier for you.
We’re happy to work alongside SuperCare to ensure your application is submitted correctly and efficiently.
How Long the Process Take?
Most applications are processed within 7 to 14 business days, depending on how quickly your documents are submitted and reviewed. Our team ensures fast turnaround of all necessary dental reports to support your application timeline.
Important Considerations Before Accessing Your Super
Using your superannuation early can offer important health benefits, but it's essential to weigh a few factors:
- Reduced retirement savings: Withdrawing funds now may affect your long-term financial future
- Possible taxation: Withdrawals may be taxed depending on your circumstances
- Eligibility is assessed individually: Approval is not automatic
At Orion’s Dental, we’ll walk you through these considerations and help you decide whether this is the right step for you.
Making Your Dental Care More Affordable
We are committed to removing barriers to dental care. That’s why Orion’s Dental is a preferred provider for NIB, BUPA, MBP, HCF, and CBHS, and Smile.com helping eligible patients get the most out of their health fund benefits while keeping out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.
No matter where you’re based, we have different preferred providers for our clinics across different locations to help you with your treatment.
| Lilydale | Smile.com, NIB, CBHS |
| Taylors Lakes | Bupa, HCF, CBHS, NIB |
| Springvale | MBP, Bupa, HCF, CBHS, NIB |
Reside in Lilydale, Taylors Lakes, or Springvale? Ready to learn more about how your super can cover dental costs? Reach out to our friendly team today and schedule your consultation!
Health Fund Providers
FAQs
ERS allows you to access your superannuation to cover essential dental treatments when you can't afford them through regular means.
It covers major treatments like dental implants, root canals, full-mouth rehabilitation, surgical extractions, and emergency dental care.
You can apply directly through the ATO with supporting documents from your dentist and doctor or use SuperCare to help manage the process.
The process typically takes 7 to 14 business days, depending on document submission and review.
Using your super early may reduce your retirement savings and could be taxed. Approval is not guaranteed, so we’ll help you decide if it’s right for you.
request an appointment
