The information on the Medical Costs Finder is a guide only and should not be used as a quote or medical diagnosis.
You are viewing costs across Australia

The first appointment with a dental specialist for a specific condition and/or course of treatment. The appointment occurs at their rooms, in-hospital or at a residential aged care place.

Treatment venue

Out-of-hospital

Medical specialty

Dental surgery

Your care options

Bulk billing patient:

If you are bulk billed for a medical service you will have no out-of-pocket costs. The GP or specialist bills Medicare and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service.

Non-bulk billing patient:

GPs and specialists can set a fee for the service that is higher than the Medicare benefit. In this case you may have out-of-pocket costs. This is the difference between the service fee and the Medicare benefit.

In 2022-23

For patients who had an MBS item 51700 in a private setting across all of Australia, 87% had an out-of-pocket cost. Of those:

Patients typically paid: $103, Medicare paid: $77, Insurer paid: $0. Typical fees: $180.

Percent of patients who paid in 2022-23

13% of patients had no out-of-pocket costs

87% of patients had out-of-pocket costs

Low, typical, and high out-of-pocket costs

Of the 87% of people who had an out-of-pocket cost in 2022-23, the typical cost was calculated as follows:

High$153
Typical$103
Low$53

The table below shows the following by state and territory:

  • Percent of patients who paid no out-of-pocket cost. The GP or specialist’s fees were paid by Medicare.
  • How much GPs or specialists typically charged for this service, when there was an out-of-pocket cost for the patient.
  • How much patients typically paid if they had an out-of-pocket cost.

Some regions may not show data due to insufficient services or providers available to ensure a specific person is not identified.

This information is for all services using this MBS item in the selected specialty in 2022-23.

NSWVicQldWA
% with no out-of-pocket costs12%11%29%7%
Typical GP or specialists’ fees$190$170$190$150
Patients typically paid$113$93$113$73

What the fees and costs shown include

The fees and costs show typical fees for an individual service. They are based on data from 2022-23.

Each service is linked to a number listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), called an MBS item. Patients may have other MBS items as well, as multiple services may occur in a setting. The Medicare benefit amount(opens in new tab) has been rounded to the nearest dollar.

Talk to your GP or specialist to find out:

  • If you may need a referral to a medical specialist.
  • What specific tests or treatments you will need. This might include diagnostic imaging or pathology services.
  • What other specialists may be involved in your service, and their fees.

We show local data by Primary Health Network(opens in new tab) if a person or provider can’t be identified. Otherwise, we will show information at higher level, by aggregating the data. The data might then be at a state and territory level, or across Australia. See our disclaimer for more information.

What the fees and costs shown don’t include

  • Aftercare costs.
  • Costs associated with pharmaceuticals and other incidentals.

MBS item number(s) that may be the main treatment for an MBS item 51700.

MBS Item 51700

The first appointment with a dental specialist for a specific condition and/or course of treatment. The appointment occurs at their rooms, in hospital or at a residential aged care place.