With the end of the year fast approaching, the Australian Dental Association NSW (ADA NSW) is urging patients with private health insurance (PHI) to book their dental appointments now, before most dental benefits expire on 31 December 2025.
“It’s a busy time of year but it’s also when dental check-ups matter most,” said ADA NSW President Dr Mark Morrin. “Patients who have private health insurance have already paid for their benefits. If they don’t use them before December 31, they simply disappear.”
Preventive dental care is not only more affordable than emergency treatment — it can help identify broader health conditions early, including gum disease and oral infections.Most PHI funds operate under a “use it or lose it” system where dental extras do not roll over to the new year.
ADA NSW also reminds families that eligible children can use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) before yearend. The CDBS provides up to $1132 in Medicare-funded dental treatment over two calendar years for children aged 0–17, yet only around one in three eligible children currently access it. Families can check CDBS eligibility and remaining balance via their Medicare online account at www.my.gov.au.