Dr Amit has more than 15 years of experience and he is the only dentist in Australia to hold a PG Diploma in Implant Therapy from the prestigious European Association of Osseointegration.
We all know that superannuation is a key part of Australia's retirement savings plan, helping us build a comfortable future.
But did you know that in certain situations, you can access your superannuation early? This early access is available on what is called ‘compassionate grounds’.
This article will dive into the general eligibility requirements to access your super on compassionate grounds, the application process, how you can use those funds to cover dental treatments, what types of dental work are covered, and the pros and cons of tapping into your super fund early.
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When can I access my Super for dental work?
It’s the number one question our pre-retirement patients ask: what age can I access my Super?
Provided you meet the eligibility requirements (more on those in a sec) you can get an early release of your superannuation at any time to cover dental treatments.
Whether it's for you or your dependents, accessing super for dental treatment can help fund a wide range of dental care, including All-on-4, dental implants, and other eligible treatments.
It's a great way to manage the costs and keep your smile bright and healthy without the stress of having to cobble together funds on the fly.
Before you get started — make sure to gather all the necessary documents to help speed up the processing of your application for early release of super funds!
If you have already paid for an eligible expense with borrowed money, be sure to meet the extra criteria and have all the required paperwork to prove it.
Keep in mind, if your application is missing any essential documents, it could be delayed or even denied.
Access super early— eligibility requirements
To access your super early for dental work, you’ll need to meet all eligibility criteria set by the ATO. Here’s the scoop:
When can you access your Super: Eligibility
How can I access my Super: Explainer
You have a severe dental condition
You can access super for dental if you need dental treatments to relieve acute or chronic pain, treat severe conditions, or for emergency procedures.
This includes things like dental implants or major surgeries—anything that goes beyond cosmetic fixes!
You can’t otherwise afford the treatment
You’ll need to show that you can't afford the dental treatment without tapping into your superannuation to pay. This means proving financial hardship or showing that other options, like payment plans or dental loans, just won’t cut it.
You must provide medical certification
For dental treatment, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) asks for two simple reports: one from your registered medical practitioner (like your GP) and one from your dental practitioner (that’s where we come in!). These reports certify the dental procedures you need.
Make sure both reports are completed, signed, and dated within six months before you submit your application to keep things moving smoothly!
You’ll also need two more things:
A copy of your dental treatment plan, outlining all the stages of the treatment
An itemised quote (less than 6 months old) or a recent invoice (no more than 30 days old)
These documents are super important—they prove that your treatment is medically necessary.
Alternatively, you can use a service like accessmysuper.com.au/ to help you through your application, step-by-step.
Already paid with borrowed money?
Your medical reports should explain how your treatment meets the eligibility criteria.
If you have existing medical reports that cover all the info we need, you can use those instead of getting new ones—easy peasy.
What age can you access Super? For eligible dental treatments at Great Alpine Dental, at any age! Remember—you must meet all Australian Tax Office (ATO) criteria first, including a copy of your treatment plan.
Accessing your super for All-on-4 dental implants on compassionate grounds means you can get the life-changing treatment you need without the financial stress. Plus, you get a full, brilliant smile in just one go, boosting your confidence and making life better!
Tap into your super, and smile big—a new you is just around the corner!
How do I apply to access my super early?
Applying for early release of your superannuation for dental work is step-by-step.
Here’s the game plan at a glance:
1.Gather your docs
Get the necessary paperwork from your doctor and dentist—a report from your GP confirming your required treatment, plus a report, treatment plan, and detailed quote from us.
You’ll need to provide your personal info, details about your medical condition, and specifics about the dental treatment.
Alternatively, you can use a service like accessmysuper.com.au/ to help you through your application, step-by-step.
3.Apply for early release
Once everything is filled out and you’ve got all your docs together, submit it to the ATO for review.
4.Await ATO decision
The ATO will check if you meet the criteria for a compassionate release of super. This can take a few weeks, so keep that in mind.
5.Receive your superannuation funds
If approved, the funds will be released from your super, and you can use them to pay for your dental treatment.
And just like that, you’re on your way to a bright new smile!
Can Great Alpine Dental help me with my application?
Yes, there are many instances where we help our patients with filling out relevant forms. If you’d like us to do the same for you, we charge a $500 fee, which then goes towards your overall treatment cost.
What if I can’t access my Super for dental treatment?
Whether you choose TLC, MediPay, Plenti, or Now Finance, we’ve got you covered.
These flexible financing options help you quickly gather the funds you need, so you can focus on what matters most—your smile. Choose the option that works best for you, and we’ll handle the rest!
If, for some reason, you can’t access super early, Great Alpine Dental offers a variety of dental treatment payment options.
A quick note — You might not need to use your Super to cover the full cost of your medical treatment.
Your private health insurer could offer a rebate that’s paid directly to your medical practitioner. Make sure to chat with us or your insurer to find out:
What costs you’ll need to cover yourself
How much of the expense your insurer will take care of
If you can set up a payment plan for the treatment
Your quote or invoice will clearly list any out-of-pocket expenses.
What are the pros and cons of early access to Super?
Unsure whether using superannuation to pay for dental treatment is right for you?
Consider these points to make the best choice for your situation — and remember, we’re always here to chat through anything that doesn’t make sense:
Pros
Cons
Get treatment fast
Using your super means you can get the dental care you need right away, without waiting due to money issues.
Less for retirement
Accessing your super early means there will be less money in your retirement fund, which could affect your financial security down the road.
Skip the high-interest debt
Instead of taking out loans or running up credit cards, using your super can be a smarter, more affordable option.
Potential tax hits
Depending on your age and the amount you withdraw, there could be tax consequences. Make sure to talk to a financial advisor to avoid surprises.
Boost your quality of life
Tapping into your super for essential dental work can make a huge difference, relieving pain and improving your ability to eat, speak, and enjoy life!
Application steps
The application process can be detailed and time-consuming, and there’s no guarantee it will be approved.
What’s not to smile about? Early release of Superannuation can get you the dental treatment you need, fast.
Is accessing Super for dental the right move?
Using your super to pay for dental work can be a great option if you’re dealing with serious dental issues or emergencies and don’t have other ways to pay.
By knowing the eligibility rules, what types of treatments are covered, and how the application works, you can make the best choice for your situation.
While early access to super can give you quick relief, it’s important to think about your long-term financial security. Always get professional advice before making big financial moves to make sure you’re doing what’s best for you!
At Great Alpine Dental, we operate with a patient centric approach to provide you with a comprehensive dental health strategy for life. This encompasses the full spectrum of your oral health, helping manage risk factors to identify the source of your current problem to take a targeted approach to treat it and prevent future issues.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified surgeon
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