Possible Future of Dental Services in Medicare
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has suggested that Medicare coverage for dental appointments might become a reality in future budgets, following the 2025 Federal Budget which did not include provisions for bulk-billed dental services. Currently, the average cost for a dental check-up is about $67, with higher expenses for various treatments.
Chalmers described the potential for bulk-billing dental care as a "crucial question," especially for those who struggle with out-of-pocket expenses. While he did not commit to including dental care in the next budget, he indicated it remains a possibility. "We must ensure we can afford it and have space in the budget," he stated.
The current budget prioritises boosting bulk-billing for general practitioner visits and enhancing women’s health services, without dismissing the inclusion of dental care in the future under either major political party. Chalmers noted, “In this budget, the focus is on incentivising bulk billing and women’s health, but that doesn’t exclude future possibilities.”
Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged that funding for dental services must be deferred as the government channels money towards supporting Medicare for doctor visits. He expressed the party’s desire to incorporate dental services into Medicare eventually, aligning with their platform commitments. However, Butler clarified that the immediate aim is to strengthen existing Medicare provisions first.
A parliamentary report from last year indicated that introducing universal free dental care could cost nearly $12 billion annually.
Currently, some private dental practices in Australia do offer bulk-billing, particularly for children, under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), but such services are infrequent and have specific eligibility requirements. Public dental services exist across states and territories but often require a Health Care card or a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card to access, with waiting lists potentially stretching up to a year.
Given that most Australians rely on private health insurance to assist with dental costs, the issue of dental care affordability remains pressing. Future government decisions will shape the landscape of dental coverage in Australia and may determine whether bulk-billing becomes a broader reality for the population.