ABC News Daily Why more of us are raiding super for dental care
Oct 28, 2025
Celina Edmonds, a diligent ABC reporter, delves into the rising trend of Australians withdrawing their superannuation for dental care and medical expenses. She discusses the compassionate release scheme and highlights concerning statistics showing a surge in early withdrawals, especially for dental treatments. Celina reveals alarming tales of patients exploited by clinics and underscores the implications for retirement savings, advocating for better scrutiny and funding in public dental care. Her insights offer a sobering look into a growing issue affecting many.
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Life-Changing Dental Decision
- Anne, 56, withdrew $66,000 from super for dental implants after years of painful, ill-fitting dentures.
- She prioritised present wellbeing over retirement savings and says she wishes she'd done it sooner.
Strict Certification Rules Exist
- The ATO requires two medical practitioners to certify medical necessity for compassionate release.
- Allowed uses include surgery, psychiatric treatment, IVF and dental care, but strict criteria aim to prevent cosmetic claims.
Massive Surge In Dental Super Withdrawals
- Compassionate early release approvals surged to about $1.37 billion, with dental at $817.6 million in 2024–25.
- Dental withdrawals more than doubled in two years, making it the largest medical category for releases.