How Much Should a Teeth Cleaning Cost in Australia?
Fee survey benchmarks for a scale and clean, rebates, public dental and CDBS options.
Editorially reviewed. Dental review: scheduled, not yet completed for this article.
How much should a teeth cleaning cost in Australia? The Australian Dental Association’s 2022 fee survey, reported by CHOICE, put the average scale and clean (item 114) at $123, in a range of $93 to $171. A full check-up with exam, clean and fluoride averaged $219.
Dental fees in Australia are not regulated, so the same item can cost noticeably different amounts between practices and states. Those survey figures are a useful benchmark rather than a fixed price, and your out-of-pocket cost depends heavily on your health fund, any government scheme you qualify for, and what else is done at the appointment.
What do the ADA fee survey figures show?
CHOICE (article updated 9 March 2023) reported these general dentist averages from the ADA’s 2022 fee survey, excluding the top and bottom 5% of prices:
| Item | Item number | Average | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Periodic exam | 012 | $60 | $45 to $85 |
| Scale and clean | 114 | $123 | $93 to $171 |
| Fluoride treatment | 121 | $36 | $24 to $53 |
| X-ray, per exposure | 022 | $45 | $33 to $58 |
CHOICE calculated that the three-item check-up (012, 114 and 121) averaged $219, ranging from $162 at the cheapest practices to $309 at the most expensive. Fees have likely moved since 2022, so ask for a current quote.
Why does the price vary so much?
- What is included: a clean alone costs less than a clean bundled with an exam, fluoride and X-rays.
- Location: CHOICE found prices generally lowest in SA and WA.
- Health fund networks: preferred-provider dentists agree to a maximum fee for that fund’s members.
- Practice fees: because fees are not regulated, each practice sets its own.
How much will private health insurance pay back?
CHOICE reported an average extras rebate of $124 for a periodic check-up (exam, scale and clean, and fluoride), with some policies paying back the full fee. For single policies, typical average benefits were about $35 for the exam, $65 for the scale and clean and $24 for fluoride. Rebates vary between funds and policies, so check annual and lifetime limits and whether a service is covered at all. Our guide on whether dental insurance is worth it goes deeper.
Can you get a teeth cleaning for free or cheaply?
Possibly. The ADA explains that public dental care, run by state and territory governments, covers emergency care and some general treatment, and that about 1 in 3 Australians are eligible. Adults usually need a concession card such as a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, though eligibility and fees differ by state, and waiting lists can be long.
For children, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides $1,158 worth of dental services over two calendar years for eligible children under 18. The ADA says it covers examinations, X-rays and teeth cleaning, among other services, and many practices bulk-bill it. It does not cover orthodontic or cosmetic work. Read more in can you get free dental care in Australia?
Questions to ask before you book
- What item numbers will you charge for a check-up and clean?
- Are X-rays likely to be needed at this visit?
- Are you a preferred provider for my health fund?
- Do you bulk-bill the CDBS for my child?
- Can you give me a quote before treatment?
Is a regular clean worth paying for?
The Better Health Channel recommends professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months as part of keeping teeth looking their best. On the survey figures above, a routine clean also costs a fraction of items such as a filling, which CHOICE reported at $167 to $220 on average depending on the tooth and number of surfaces.
Sources
- CHOICE, How much should you pay at the dentist? (ADA 2022 fee survey, updated 9 March 2023)
- Australian Dental Association, Government Dental Care
- Australian Dental Association, Child Dental Benefits Schedule
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist.
