What’s the cost of preventive dental care in South Australia? (2025–2026)
The real cost of preventive dental care in South Australia
Planning your next check-up and clean? You might be interested in what to expect cost-wise so you can budget accordingly.
We’ve put together this handy guide to break down the cost of preventive dental care South Australia residents can expect right now – including what influences the price, fees for exams, cleans, fluoride and X-rays, as well as practical ways to keep your out-of-pocket costs low and enjoy affordable dental care in Adelaide.
What counts as preventive dental care?
Preventive care covers services that help protect your oral health and catch issues early – think a periodic examination, a professional scale and clean, a fluoride treatment and, when needed, bitewing X-rays.
What does a routine check-up and clean cost?
The latest ADA Dental Fees Survey reveals the national average for a routine dental check-up is $233, which includes a periodic oral exam, scale and clean, plus fluoride treatment. That’s a useful benchmark when comparing Adelaide prices.
In terms of what the costs might look like for Adelaide specifically, it depends where you live and the type of clinic you visit. Here are some possible scenarios and costs to expect:
CBD clinic: Cleanbill’s live listing for Adelaide Dental Centre shows a “Standard Check-up and Clean” at anywhere from $185 to $300, depending on which clinic you attend. The expected charge is for an adult without private health insurance after a weekday appointment.
City practice offer: Many dentists around Adelaide advertise deals for new patients, which could be less than the average range above. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for promotional deals.
Large group special: Along with current new-patient offers, you could pay as little as $199 for a full check-up, scale, clean, polish, fluoride and two bitewing X-rays, with many clinics participating with health funds for potential no-gap on eligible cover.
Item-by-item: What you’ll usually pay
If you like to compare item numbers (handy when asking for quotes):
Periodic exam (item 012): Average $60 (range $45–$85).
Professional teeth cleaning (item 114): Average $123 (range $93–$171). If you’ve been told you need a deeper clean because of gum disease, plan more time and higher fees than a standard 114.
Topical fluoride (item 121): Average $36 (range $24–$53).
Bitewing X-rays (item 022): Average $45 each (range $33–$58). Twin bitewings are common for new patients or if it’s been a while since your last X-rays.
Source: Choice.com.au
Bear in mind that these are national figures from the ADA’s most recent published report and there will be interstate variation. South Australia tends to sit among the least expensive states on average – one reason why the average dental costs in SA tend to compare favourably with the east-coast capitals.
Public versus private with the SA Dental Scheme
For context, South Australia’s public dental programs publish scheduled fees for care provided through private providers under SA Dental Schemes. These are not your usual private-practice prices, but they help explain baseline costs in the system:
Under the Emergency Dental Scheme (EDS), patients pay a flat fee of $70, SA Dental pays up to $256 and the maximum total for a course of care is $326. The schedule lists item 114 (removal of calculus) at $105.50 when claimed in an EDS context. (Again, this is for scheme-funded care, not a quote for private clinics.)
Under the General Dental Scheme (GDS), the maximum patient fee is $179, with SA Dental paying up to $988 plus patient fee-free items, taking the total to $1,167 plus any fee-free items’ value (subject to approval rules).
What about kids? Medicare help via the CDBS
For eligible families, Medicare’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule can cover part or all of your basic services in private or public clinics, up to $1,132 over a two-calendar-year period (the cap resets with a new eligibility period). This includes exams, cleans, fluoride and X-rays (orthodontics and most cosmetic work are excluded).
Prospective Smiles is a CDBS-friendly, CDBS approved dentist – ask our front desk to check on your child’s CDBS eligibility in minutes so you can make the most of your Medicare dental coverage for kids. We’ll let you know your balance before treatment so there are no surprises.
5 ways to cut the cost of preventive dental care South Australia
Compare like-for-like with item numbers: Ask clinics to quote on items 012, 114, 121 (and 022 if recommended) so you can compare apples with apples against the ADA average.
Look for local offers: You might find Adelaide packages such as a low-cost scale and clean with free check-up and bitewings. Offers will change throughout the year, so always check the details and read the terms and conditions.
Use preferred-provider networks (extras insurance): Depending on your fund and type of extras cover, you’ll get rebates for a standard check-up/clean/fluoride, with some policies giving you up to 100% back at preferred providers.
CDBS for kids: If you’re eligible, you can claim up to $1,132 over two years for your kids aged up to 17 – perfect for routine checks and cleans.
Plan ahead to avoid problematic visits: Australians fund a high share of dental costs out-of-pocket – 60% of dental expenditure in 2020–21 – so preventing issues before they spiral is the financially sensible thing to do.
Ready to book?
At Prospective Smiles, we’re committing to keeping preventive care simple and transparent. If you’d like, our team can quote your visit by item number in advance, check your fund benefits and see if you have any Medicare dental coverage for your child under the CDBS. That way, your appointment is planned and budgeted for – no surprises, just a healthier smile.
Book your appointment today
If you’re ready for your next appointment, give us a call at (08) 8344 4745 or book an appointment with us via the button below.
Visit us: 3/74 Prospect Road, Prospect SA
Call: (08) 8344 4745
Email: hello@prospectivesmiles.com.au
FAQ’s
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Speak to your dentist about the best interval for you as there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. As a starting point, every six months is a good rule to follow.
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Not always – your dentist will recommend them based on your history and exam. The latest ADA average for a bitewing X-ray is $45 per exposure.
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CDBS covers basic services (exams, cleans, fluoride, X-rays) up to $1,132 total over two calendar years for eligible kids. We can check your child’s CDBS eligibility at the desk.
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Yes – SA Dental operates schemes with set patient caps, but eligibility and access differ from private care. Ask us if you think you might qualify and we’ll help guide you in the right direction.
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