Endodontic Services

What are Endodontic Services?

Endodontic Services or Endodontics is a dentistry speciality that focuses on saving teeth because there is no substitute for your natural tooth.

An Endodontist is a specialised dentist who does further training and is an expert on the inside of the tooth, including:

• root
• nerves
• surrounding soft tissue (pulp).

They can:

• diagnose tooth pain
• perform root canal treatment
• treat the surrounding soft tissue of the tooth if damaged or infected. 

Is Endodontics a regulated profession in Australia? 

Yes, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Dental Board of Australia regulate Endodontists.

Does private health insurance cover Endodontic Services?

If private health insurance covers Endodontic Services, it falls under Extras Cover.

Check with your insurer whether it covers Endodontic Services.

If so, check whether Endodontic Services are subject to:

• a waiting period before you can make a claim
• per claim limits
• annual limits.

If I have Extras Cover that includes Endodontic Services, will I be covered if I see any Endodontist?

No. To be covered, your Endodontist must be a member of an Australian peak body or professional organisation. They must also have approval to be registered under the state and territory laws where they operate.

In addition, your health insurer can decide whether or not to cover treatments from a particular provider.

Some insurers may require you to see an Endodontist who is one of their recognised providers only.

Before seeking treatment, always check with your health insurer that you are covered.

Does Medicare cover Endodontic Services?

No. Medicare does not cover the cost of Endodontic Services. 

However, Medicare covers Computed Tomography (x-ray) under the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS), used to diagnose endodontic conditions.

Do the Australian, state or territory governments subsidise Endodontic Services?

Yes. Each of the Australian states and territories runs dental health services, including some endodontic services such as root canal therapy.

Depending on the state and territory where you live and your individual circumstances, you and your family may be eligible for free or subsidised dental services:

• ACT
• NSW
• NT
• QLD
• SA
• TAS
• VIC
• WA. 

Your child may also be covered for some endodontic services through the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). 

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