Frequently Asked Questions

Fees

Date Posted: 1/1/2002

Question Is there a recommended dental fee scale and how does this relate to Health Fund rebates?

Answer There is no such thing as a 'recommended fee' for any dental treatment. A dentist charges what he or she thinks is appropriate for the service they provide, taking into account all their costs and the particular circumstances of each treatment. The suggestion that some dentists depart from an 'approved' or ‘recommended’ level of fees, thereby creating 'gaps' between the fee and the Health Fund rebates is both false and misleading. In fact, it is against Trade Practices law for dentists to collude in the maintenance of any set fee scale. Health Funds set their rebates at a level that suits their commercial needs. Those rebates are not related to any recognised fee scale. The responsibility of adequately adjusting rebates lies with the Health Funds. You can telephone the Association for further information on fee setting mechanisms, but remember there are no 'recommended' fees.

More questions in this category:

What's in a dental fee?
Is there a recommended dental fee scale and how does this relate to Health Fund rebates?
Do I have to pay my dental account on the same day as my treatment?
Does the dentist have to itemise my account?