The “Gap” Explained: Why is the Dentist Not Covered by Medicare Like the Doctor?
We’ve all been there. You walk up to the reception desk after a medical appointment, tap your card, and often pay nothing (or a very small gap). Then, you visit the dentist for a similar appointment like a check-up and clean, and the bill can seem different.
At Hogans Road Dental, we hear this question often, and we completely understand. It’s a fair question: “Why does a visit to the GP cost me so little, but a visit to the dentist feels different?”
The answer is a mix of Australian history and the complex reality of running a "mini-hospital." We believe in total transparency with our patients, so we wanted to share exactly why dentistry works the way it does in Australia.
1. The ORIGINS of Medicare
The biggest reason for the price difference actually goes back to 1974. When the Whitlam government introduced Medibank (the precursor to Medicare), they had to make tough budget choices.
At the time, including dental care was considered too expensive for the federal budget to handle. So, while your heart, lungs, and bones got covered by the public purse, your teeth and gums were unfortunately left out.
What this means for you: When you see a doctor, the government pays the bulk (or all) of that fee. When you see a dentist, there is generally zero government subsidy. You aren't just paying for the "gap"—you are paying the entire cost of the medical procedure, the staff, and the facility.
2. We Are Running a "Mini-Hospital"
There is sometimes a common misconception that a dental clinic is just an office with a fancy chair. In reality, a dental room (surgery) is closer to a hospital operating theatre than a GP’s consulting room.
To keep you safe and provide high-quality work, the costs are substantial:
The Staff Ratio: When you see a GP, it is often a one-on-one consult. In dentistry, we need a "four-handed" approach. For every patient in the chair, we have a highly trained Dentist and a qualified Dental Assistant working simultaneously. That doubles the labour cost for every appointment.
Sterilisation is Serious Business: We adhere to the exact same infection control standards as major hospitals. Every tool that enters your mouth must be either single-use (thrown away) or sterilised in an autoclave (a high-pressure steam oven).
Equipment Costs: A single modern dental chair — with its complex plumbing, lights, and electronics — is a costly asset to purchase and maintain. Add in digital X-ray machines, high-speed drills, and TGA-approved materials, and the overheads are generally high.
3. Doctors Prescribe, Dentists Perform
Another key difference is the nature of the visit. A GP visit is largely diagnostic — they listen, check symptoms, and write a script or referral.
A dentist visit is often surgical. We are drilling, filling, cleaning, and reconstructing inside a tiny, dark, wet environment. We use high-grade materials (like composite resins and ceramics) that must withstand the biting force of your jaw for years. We aren't just diagnosing the problem; we are physically fixing it on the spot.
4. Our Commitment to You
We share this because we want you to know where your money goes. It helps us provide quality care for you and your family. We know dental costs can be a burden for families. That’s why at Hogans Road Dental, we focus heavily on prevention. A regular check-up and clean often is far cheaper (and less painful!) than a more costly root canal treatment later.
We are always happy to discuss costs upfront, provide treatment plans, and help you phase out treatments so they fit your budget. We also offer payment plans if you need additional flexibility for those unplanned emergencies.
Got any questions? Give our friendly team a call on (03) 9748 8433 — we’re here to help.