Early Release of Superannuation for Dental Care
Accessing Superannuation
Funds for Dental Care
Concerned About the Cost of Dental Treatment?
At Mickleham Dental, we understand that the cost of dental care can sometimes be a barrier to getting the treatment you need. That’s why we want you to know about an option that may help ease the financial pressure.
You may be able to access your superannuation early to pay for essential dental treatment through the Australian Taxation Office’s Compassionate Release of Superannuation program. This allows eligible individuals to apply for early access to their super to cover out-of-pocket medical or dental expenses.
If you’re unable to afford necessary treatment and don’t qualify for public dental care, this could be a valuable option for you or a dependent.
What Is Superannuation and How Can It Help with Extensive Dental Treatment?
Superannuation is a government-regulated fund managed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), intended to provide financial support upon retirement or after turning 65.
Using your superannuation to cover dental care can be a smart solution, especially for extensive treatments like dental implants, tooth extractions, or full-mouth restorations such as All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants. This option allows you to take care of urgent dental needs without the added financial pressure.
How Can I Access My Superannuation for Dental Treatment?
Visit Your Dentist
Early access to your superannuation funds may be possible on compassionate grounds in urgent situations. You could use this option to help cover dental treatments if you can demonstrate severe and ongoing dental pain.
The pain must have persisted over a long period and worsened significantly over time.
A detailed medical report outlining the progression of your condition is required.
This report must be submitted to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for approval.
Each application for early release of superannuation is assessed on an individual basis, so eligibility depends on your specific circumstances.
Get Professional Financial Guidance
Consult a financial expert to review your options and understand the consequences of withdrawing from your superannuation early.
Lodge Your Application
Complete the Early Release of Superannuation application form, available through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website, and submit it for consideration.
Wait for ATO Approval
The ATO will evaluate your submission to confirm eligibility. This review may take several weeks.
Receive Funds and pay for Treatment
Once approved, the funds will be disbursed to you, and you are responsible for directing payment to your dental provider for the intended treatment.
Eligibility Criteria for Early Release of Supernnuation
Condition 1
You must be a current or former Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident to apply for early access to super under compassionate grounds.
If you’re a temporary resident and not currently an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you won’t be eligible under this program. However, you may still be able to access your super through a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) when you leave the country permanently.
Condition 2
To qualify for early access to your super on compassionate grounds, your dental treatment must fall under the category of medical treatment and/or medical transport.
You’ll need to meet the following medically essential criteria:
Criteria A:
You or your dependent require dental treatment to:
Treat a life-threatening condition,
Relieve severe acute or chronic pain, or
Address acute or chronic mental distress.
Criteria B:
The required treatment is not available for free through the public healthcare system.
Condition 3
The expense for you or your dependent is either unpaid, or it has been paid using borrowed money that is still owing.
Condition 4
You must be unable to pay for part or all of the expense without accessing your super.
This means you’ve explored other financial options but still can’t cover the cost. For example, you’re unable to pay by:
Taking out a loan
Using savings or a credit card
Selling investments, shares, or other assets
Accessing other available funding sources
Condition 5
You’ll need to provide all required supporting documents, such as medical records, invoices or quotes, and a treatment plan (if applicable).
If you’re applying on behalf of a dependent, you must also include evidence of your relationship, such as legal or medical documentation confirming the dependency.
What Dental Treatments Can Be Covered by Superannuation?
If you’re planning to use your superannuation for dental treatment, it’s important to know that only certain procedures may be approved under compassionate grounds.
Eligible treatments may include:
- Restorative dental work
- Root canal therapy
- Periodontal (gum) treatments
- Dental implants
- Orthodontic treatment (e.g. braces or clear aligners)
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Before applying through the ATO, we recommend discussing your treatment plan with your dentist and gathering all necessary documentation, including medical reports and detailed quotes.
Your smile is closer than you think—and Mickleham Dental is here to support you every step of the way.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Before making any decisions about accessing your superannuation, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified financial advisor, superannuation specialist, or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The information here is based on the ATO’s guidelines on early access to superannuation, current as of 17 February 2025. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please visit the official ATO website: ATO Early Access to Super.
Mickleham Dental accepts no liability for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this guide.
