There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a dentist, especially one that you will continue going to for years.
For one, you need to know what is covered under Medicare, and how it will affect your wallet. Second of all, you have to know how good the dentist actually is in deep-cleaning your teeth and extracting your roots.
The choice between bulk billing and private dentistry lies between these two elements.
Let’s hone in on the differences between choosing to get a bulk-billing dentist or a private one.
What is bulk billing?
Bulk billing can simply be explained as a system where patients pay nothing, or very little if they are on certain welfare programs, to see their dentist.
In Australia, bulk billing in Sydney is government-funded by Medicare and contains an allowance of up to $1,000 per child for two calendar years. This means that Australians don’t have to pay a gap to acquire the services of a bulk billing dentist.
If you have a child, they can greatly benefit from bulk-billing as well. To be eligible, they’ll have to meet the following criteria:
- Be under 18 years of age
- Has to be eligible under Medicare
- Has to receive one or more of the following Australian Government benefits yearly: Youth Allowance, Family Tax Benefit Part A., Special Benefit, Carer Payments, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payments, and Double Orphan Pension
Needless to say, not everyone can qualify for these benefits. But those who do will find that they really help as it pertains to paying off the cost of their dental visits.
What does bulk billing service cover?
For those who are on benefits as aforementioned, you will receive the best deal as far as dental care goes.
You can expect that a bulk-billing dentist will provide services such as:
- Teeth cleaning and polishing
- Tooth fillings
- Partial dentures
- X-rays
- Root canals
- Examinations
- Fissure sealants
- Extractions
Under the bulk billing program, patients are not provided free cosmetic work, orthodontic treatment, and dental services that require a trip to the hospital. When those treatments are needed, payment is expected.
What is private dentistry?
Private dentistry, alternatively known as non-bulk billing or a dentist’s discretion, is where you pay by yourself for whatever services the dentist provides.
This can vary widely in price, depending on the extent of the work. It is not subsidized by Medicare like bulk-billing dentists are.
For example, if you need fillings or even root canal therapy, they will most likely be covered under your private insurance plan (if you have one). Otherwise, it’ll be taken out of your pocket.
Is private dentistry better?
The short answer is: it depends.
Both private and bulk billing dentists offer a myriad of the same services, each one with its own personal touch. It’s up to you to choose which plan would serve you better.
Usually, however, private dentistry does have some perks. This includes a better personal and customizable experience and a lengthier and more careful time in the dentist’s chair.
If you’re especially particular about the quality of dental work done to you or your child and aren’t worried about the price, private dentistry might suit you.
But keep in mind that this may come back to bite you later on if your insurance company has a limit on how much they will pay for the dental work done to you or your child.
In general, it’s always best to have a bit of extra money saved up for unexpected medical bills.
Is bulk billing better?
Although it’s true that all services rendered by a dentist handle equally to both bulk and non-bulk billing, bulk billing is a more valuable option overall.
In both cases, dentists are well-trained professionals who understand your dental needs and concerns.
They’ve gone through the same educational program in order to become a dentist—that’s why your appointment will be just as thorough with either one.
But when it comes to direct savings, bulk billing helps you save money in more ways than one because it’s subsidized by the government. Thus, you won’t have to worry about how you will pay for dental services. That frees up a lot of mental space so that you can enjoy your time in the dentist’s chair.
If you want a premium and more curated experience, private dentistry is also a very viable track to opt for.
All in all, bulk billing and non-bulk billing dentists offer the same level of quality and services. It’s up to you to choose which works for you, or if you feel that private dentistry is a better fit for your needs.
