Accessing Superannuation for Dental Implants

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare
Joel made the change

Understanding Compassionate Release of Superannuation (CRS)

Did you know that, in certain circumstances, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may allow early access to superannuation to pay for necessary dental treatment?

It’s called Compassionate Release of Superannuation (CRS), and it’s available only when specific eligibility requirements are met.

At Fixed Teeth Australia, we can explain your full mouth dental implant treatment options and provide information about the CRS process, including access to independent application assistance through our partner, SuperCare.

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare
Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare

Can I use my Super for dental implants?

In some circumstances, yes. But not everyone will qualify.

The ATO administers a program that allows eligible Australians to apply for early access to their superannuation to cover certain medical expenses, including qualifying dental treatment.

Approval depends on your individual circumstances, the clinical need for treatment and the ATO’s eligibility requirements.

Importantly, CRS isn’t a dental payment plan, and choosing to have full mouth dental implants doesn’t automatically mean you’re eligible.

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare

Who may be eligible?

It starts with your individual dental health needs.

For medical treatment, the ATO considers applications involving circumstances such as treatment needed to alleviate acute or chronic pain or address a life-threatening illness or injury.

For example, a person experiencing ongoing dental pain associated with serious dental disease may wish to explore whether they meet the requirements.

The ATO also considers factors including whether the treatment is readily available through the public health system and whether the applicant has other means to pay.

Cosmetic or purely elective dental treatment does not qualify simply because it is expensive.

A clinical assessment is required to understand your dental condition and the treatment options that may be appropriate. The ATO makes the separate decision about CRS eligibility.

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare

Meet SuperCare – independent application assistance

Helping you understand the application process.

Applying for Compassionate Release of Superannuation can involve medical reports, treatment quotations and supporting documentation.

That’s where our independent partner, SuperCare, may be able to assist.

If you’d like help understanding the application process, we can introduce you to SuperCare, who can explain their services and assist with the documentation and administrative steps involved.

Fixed Teeth Australia provides the relevant dental treatment information and clinical documentation where appropriate. SuperCare provides separate application assistance.

The choice is always yours. You can also apply directly to the ATO without using a third-party service.

SuperCare cannot guarantee approval, and the ATO independently assesses every application. Ask SuperCare about any applicable service fees before deciding whether to use its assistance.

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare

How does the SuperCare process work?

A step-by-step look at what happens next.

If you choose to explore CRS with assistance from SuperCare, the process generally involves an introduction, an initial discussion about the application requirements, gathering the necessary documents and submitting an application for ATO assessment.

Fixed Teeth Australia can provide your treatment plan, itemised quotation and appropriate clinical documentation following assessment.

SuperCare may assist with the administrative steps, while the ATO determines whether an application meets the eligibility criteria.

Step 1
Fixed Teeth Australia sends your details to SuperCare.
Step 2
A SuperCare consultant contacts you to discuss eligibility.
Step 3
We begin the application process.
Step 4
A SuperCare consultant contacts Fixed Teeth Australia and necessary third parties to collate all the relevant documentation for you.
Step 5
Your application is reviewed and lodged with the ATO.
Step 6
The ATO independently assesses the application. A standard assessment period of up to 21 business days from lodgement.
Step 7

If approved:

  • Fixed Teeth Australia notified
  • Funds released to your account.

Approval is not guaranteed. If an application is approved, the relevant superannuation fund processes the permitted release subject to its requirements.

How SuperCare can help

badge check icon

Application guidance

Understand the ATO application process and what’s involved.

badge check icon

Help with paperwork

Assistance organising the documents required for your application.

badge check icon

Family applications

Information about applying for eligible treatment expenses for yourself or a dependant.

badge check icon

Working with your dental team

Coordination with FTA to obtain relevant treatment quotations and clinical documents.

badge check icon

Questions answered

A dedicated point of contact to explain the administrative steps and what happens next.

badge check icon

Independent ATO assessment

Understand how the ATO assesses applications and what happens following a decision.

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare

What documents might I need?

Understanding the paperwork before you begin.

An application generally requires supporting evidence that explains why the proposed treatment is necessary and what it is expected to cost.

Depending on your circumstances and the current ATO requirements, documentation may include:

  • An itemised dental treatment quotation
  • Supporting clinical reports from appropriately qualified practitioners
  • Evidence explaining the medical necessity of treatment
  • Relevant superannuation fund and personal information

For medical treatment applications, the ATO generally requires two separate medical reports meeting its prescribed requirements, including a report from a relevant specialist.

Our clinical team can provide appropriate dental records and treatment documentation. The required independent medical evidence must be provided by suitably qualified practitioners.

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare

How long does the process take?

Allow time for assessment and documentation.

There isn’t one fixed timeframe for every CRS application.

The time required depends on obtaining the necessary reports, preparing and submitting the application, ATO processing and, if approved, the superannuation fund’s release process.

Missing information or requests for additional evidence can extend the timeframe.

SuperCare can explain the application stages and help you understand what documentation may be required. However, neither SuperCare nor Fixed Teeth Australia controls the ATO’s assessment timeframe or decision.

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare

What happens to my Super and retirement savings?

It's important to understand the bigger picture.

Superannuation is designed to support you financially in retirement, so accessing it early is a significant decision.

Even when early access is approved, withdrawing funds may reduce your retirement savings and the amount available to grow over time.

Tax may also apply, depending on your age, the components of your superannuation and your individual circumstances. Early withdrawal may have other financial implications, including for insurance held through your super fund.

We recommend seeking independent financial advice before deciding whether accessing Super is appropriate for you.

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare

What other payment options are available?

Understanding your options helps you make an informed choice.

Early access to superannuation is just one possible funding pathway, and it’s not available to everyone.

Depending on your circumstances, other options may include personal savings, applicable private health insurance benefits or payment plans offered through independent finance providers.

Payment plans are subject to the relevant provider’s eligibility requirements, terms and approval.

Our team can explain the cost of your proposed full mouth dental implant treatment and provide general information about the available payment arrangements, so you can consider your options.

Let's start with a conversation

At Fixed Teeth Australia, our team can explain the treatment process, discuss what may be suitable for your individual dental needs and answer questions about costs and payment arrangements.

If you’d like information about Compassionate Release of Superannuation, we can also explain where to find the official ATO guidance and how our independent partner, SuperCare, may be able to assist.

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare

Full Mouth Dental Implants, Done Right

Our treatments are completed under general anaesthetic, which means you’re asleep throughout your procedure.

Fixed Teeth Australia|SuperCare
Kirsty made the change