If you need dental treatment now but would rather not pay the full amount on the day, there are several ways to spread the cost at Knoxfield Dental Care. Here is how each payment option actually works, who it suits, and what to sort out before you walk in.

What payment options are available at Knoxfield Dental Care

Our Payment Plans page lists four main ways to manage treatment costs: Afterpay, Humm, Zip and National Dental Plan. We also explain Early Release of Superannuation and how to sign up for or change health insurance if that helps you claim more back.

These sit alongside the everyday methods: cash, credit card, EFTPOS and HICAPS. If you have private health cover, we process your claim on the spot through HICAPS. That means you only settle the remaining gap on the day. Bring your health fund card so we can do that for you.

We are open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5pm. You can phone us on (03) 9763 3339 or book online at any time. Several of our dentists speak Mandarin and Cantonese, which helps if you want to talk through costs in your first language.

Afterpay, Humm and Zip: how buy-now-pay-later dental works

Afterpay, Humm and Zip are buy-now-pay-later arrangements. You apply through the provider, not through us. The provider decides whether to approve you, what your limit is and what any fees are. We do not set those terms and we cannot override them.

The way it works in practice: you choose the provider, get approved, and the cost is split into scheduled instalments. You repay the provider on their schedule. If you miss an instalment or pay late, the provider can charge you a fee under their terms. Read those terms before you commit. These are credit-style arrangements, so only agree to instalments you know you can meet.

This option suits someone with a steady income who wants to start treatment soon and spread the cost over the provider’s instalment plan. It does not suit someone who is unsure about future payments, because the provider’s fees apply regardless of your circumstances.

• Approval, limits and fees are set by the provider, not by Knoxfield Dental Care.
• Missed or late instalments can attract fees from the provider.
• Only commit to instalments you are confident you can pay.

National Dental Plan: a payment plan built for dental treatment

National Dental Plan is a payment plan designed for dental work. It is another option listed on our Payment Plans page. As with any finance arrangement, the provider sets the terms, the approval criteria and any fees. Ask them directly about how their plan works before you sign up.

This can suit patients planning a larger course of treatment who want a formal plan rather than a short buy-now-pay-later schedule. If you are comparing it with Afterpay, Humm or Zip, the key difference is usually the structure and the provider’s requirements. We cannot advise on which one you will be approved for.

Early Release of Superannuation: careful, slow, and not for emergencies

Early Release of Superannuation on compassionate grounds is an application made to the Australian Taxation Office. The clinic does not approve it and cannot speed it up. It requires supporting information from your treating practitioners, and the ATO assesses the application against the current rules.

This takes time. It is not a solution for an emergency appointment tonight. If you are in pain, book in and we will assess you; we can discuss the superannuation pathway as a separate matter if it is relevant to your treatment.

Money released this way is taxed and permanently leaves your super. That is a real long-term cost. For the current criteria and process, go to the ATO website rather than relying on what you have heard from someone else.

• Application goes to the ATO, not to the clinic.
• Requires supporting information from treating practitioners.
• Takes time, so it does not suit an urgent appointment.
• Released money is taxed and leaves your super permanently.

Health insurance: extras cover, item numbers and what to check

Extras cover is not a single pool of money. It has annual limits, waiting periods and item-by-item benefits. A treatment that is covered well on one fund may be covered poorly on another. Before a big course of treatment, ask us for the item numbers and check them with your fund. That way you know what is claimable before you start.

We process private health fund claims on the spot through HICAPS. Bring your health fund card and you only pay the remaining amount on the day. Health funds shown on our payment page include HCF, CBHS and nib First Choice. If you are with a different fund, ask us and we will confirm what we can process.

A no-gap check-up and clean exists for patients with eligible extras cover. Availability depends on your fund and your remaining limits, so check that when you book. If you are thinking about changing funds, we can explain what to look for, but the decision is yours.

If you are not sure which items your plan covers, bring your fund card to the appointment and we can check before anything is booked in.

• Ask for item numbers and check them with your fund before big treatment.
• Bring your health fund card so we can claim on the spot via HICAPS.
• No-gap check-up and clean is available for eligible extras cover.

Before you book: a short checklist

Sorting out payment before the appointment is easier than doing it at the front desk with a numb lip. Ask for a written treatment plan with item numbers. Ask what is claimable on the spot through HICAPS and what you will need to pay yourself. Then decide your payment method before you come in.

If you are using Afterpay, Humm, Zip or National Dental Plan, get approved by the provider first and read their terms. If you are relying on health insurance, check your limits and waiting periods. If you want to discuss superannuation, start with the ATO.

You can book online at any time or phone (03) 9763 3339 during opening hours, Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 5pm. If you would like to speak with a dentist who speaks Mandarin or Cantonese, mention that when you book. We will always encourage you to see a dentist for an assessment rather than guessing about what treatment you need.

• Ask for a written treatment plan with item numbers.
• Ask what is claimable on the spot.
• Choose your payment method before the appointment.

This article by Knoxfield Dental Care is general information only and not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Please book a consultation for advice specific to you.