Health funds and dental practices often group treatments into “general” (basic) and “major” services. Knowing the difference helps you understand your cover and plan ahead.
General or basic dental care
These are routine services, usually including:
- Check-ups and examinations
- Scale and clean
- X-rays
- Fluoride treatment and fissure sealants
- Simple fillings
Major dental care
These are more involved treatments, which may include:
- Crowns and bridges
- Root canal treatment
- Dentures
- Dental implants
- Surgical extractions
- Orthodontic treatment
Why it matters
Health fund policies often have different waiting periods, annual limits and benefit levels for general and major services. Before major treatment, ask for a written quote with item numbers and check with your fund.
Comprehensive examinations
A comprehensive examination looks at your teeth, gums, jaw joints and soft tissues together, to plan care for the whole mouth rather than one tooth at a time.
Related articles
- Dental Check-Ups in North Ryde: What to Expect
- The Principles of Preventive Dentistry
- Preventive Dental Procedures: Your Key to Avoiding Problems
This article is general information only and does not replace advice from your own dentist. Whether a treatment is suitable for you can only be decided after an examination. All dental treatment carries risks, and results vary from person to person.