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Questions & Answers

What is Smile?

Smile is Australia’s first dental plan and offers members savings of up to 40% off their dental fees on every treatment available.

How does Smile work?

People simply join Smile, visit a participating dentist, present their Smile Card to reception and receive up to 40% off their dental fees immediately.

How much do members save?

Members save up to 40% off their dental fees which means they are saving hundreds and even thousands of dollars on the treatment they receive.

How soon can members benefit?

Members of Smile can receive any treatment immediately as there are no waiting periods.

Want to speak with the Smile team?
Phone us on 1300 238 648 to learn more about Smile and how to become a member. Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm AEST.

Haven’t heard of smile.com.au?

Visit our media page to see why television, radio and print media are singing Smile’s praises.

Sounds too good to be true?

Smile is new to Australia, visit our member stories and Facebook to see we are fair dinkum.

Please choose a category below for more questions and answers.

Urgent Appointment Questions

1. I need an urgent appointment. Is this possible?

Yes. Here’s what you do.

Join Smile by clicking on Join Now.
Print your Smile Temporary Card (Smile Receipt) that has been emailed to you.
Make an appointment at any participating dentist.
Present your Smile Temporary Card (Smile Receipt) which is valid for 14 days to reception on arrival at your appointment.

For your next appointment, you can use your Smile Card.

2. How long does the Smile Temporary Card (Smile Receipt) remain valid?

The Smile Receipt which is also a Smile Temporary Card remains valid for 14 days from the joining date. Simply refer to your Smile Receipt to ascertain the date in which it remains valid.

Smile Questions

1. What is Smile?

Smile is a dental plan that entitles members to great dental care and reduced dental fees.

2. What is a dental plan?

A dental plan is an intelligent, affordable, and easy-to-use plan that entitles members to great dental care and reduced dental fees when visiting participating dentists throughout Australia. It can be used as an alternative or an addition to insurance to reduce or eliminate out of pocket expenses and overcome restrictions imposed by insurance such as waiting periods, benefit limits and treatment exclusions.

3. How long have dental plans existed?

Dental plans have existed for decades overseas with over 100 million members in the United States alone.

4. Why have I never heard of Smile?

Smile is relatively new to Australia.

5. How come the plan fee is so affordable?

Smile is an online organisation so it has done away with many of the operating expenses of traditional companies. This allows us to keep the plan fee affordable and much less than insurance.

6. Who should join Smile?

Anyone who is after great dental care and would enjoy receiving reduced dental fees.

7. Will I save more than the plan fee?

Yes. You will save more than the plan fee for even the simplest treatment such as a check-ups, x-rays, cleans and fillings. Members typically report saving more than the plan fee at their first appointment.

8. How does Smile make money?

Smile makes money from plan fees. Smile does not receive any monetary incentive, commission or other kind of financial gain from the dental treatment you receive.

Plan Questions

1. How do I join Smile?

There are several ways to join Smile.

By Online application with your Visa or MasterCard.
By Emailing an application with your Visa or MasterCard.
By Faxing an application with your Visa or MasterCard.
By Posting an application with your Visa or MasterCard.

2. When can I use my plan?

Once you join Smile, you can attend a participating dentist to receive any treatment immediately. If you haven't received your Smile Card yet, present your Smile Receipt which is also a Smile Temporary Card that is valid for 14 days.

3. When do I receive my Smile Card/s?

It generally takes 2 weeks for your Smile Card/s to reach you depending on where you reside.

4. Where do I receive my Smile Card/s?

You will receive your Smile Card/s at the postal address you included in your application.

5. What do you mean by a ‘Family without Dependents’ plan?

A ‘Family without Dependents’ plan is two individuals including two same sex individuals in a relationship living at the same residential address.

6. What do you mean by a ‘Family with Dependents’ plan?

A ‘Family with Dependents’ plan is two individuals including two same sex individuals in a relationship inclusive of dependents up to the age of 24 living at the same residential address. Dependents with any disabilities of any age living at the same residential address may be included in a ‘Family with Dependents’ plan.

7. What do you mean by a ‘Single Parent Family’ plan?

A ‘Single Parent Family’ plan is an individual with dependents up to the age of 24 living at the same residential address. Dependents with any disabilities of any age living at the same residential address may be included on a ‘Single Parent Family’ plan.

8. I visited a dentist recently. Can I join and visit a participating dentist?

Yes. Here’s what you do.

Join Smile by simply clicking on Join Now.
If you wish, collect any recent x-rays taken by the original dentist (if recent x-rays were taken by the original dentist).
If you wish, bring the x-rays along with you to a participating dentist.
Bring details of treatment recommended to you by the original dentist when visiting with a participating dentist.

9. My dentist is a participating dentist. Can I join and attend as a member?

Yes. Simply click on Join Now.

10. I’m not an Australian citizen. Can I join?

Yes. Everyone in Australia is eligible to join. This includes tourists, international students, foreigners working in Australia, residents who are not citizens, senior citizens other adults and children. If you are currently residing overseas and planning to travel to Australia for whatever purpose then you are also eligible to join.

11. How do I add my partner or family to my plan?

If your relationship status has changed or if you wish to include your spouse and/or dependant/s on your Smile Plan simply download and complete the Plan Upgrade Form. If you send this form we will quickly issue you with your new card/s. We will issue you with a new Smile Plan which will be invoiced at your current Lifetime Loyalty Discount rate minus a pro-rata refund of your current billing cycle. If you have any questions please email us member@smile.com.au and we will be happy to help you maintain that smile.

12. How do I remove my partner or a family member from my plan?

If your relationship status has changed or if one of your dependants becomes independent you may wish for your Smile Plan to reflect these changes. Simply download and complete the Change of Circumstances Form.

If you post this form back with your Smile Card we will issue you with your new card/s within 7 work days. The form along with the card/s should be posted via registered mail to:

Smile Member Services
PO Box 7090,
East Brisbane QLD 4169

We will issue you with a new Smile Plan which will be invoiced at your current Lifetime Loyalty Discount rate minus a pro-rata refund of your current billing cycle. If you have any questions please email us at member@smile.com.au and we will be happy to help you maintain that smile.

Dental Fee Questions

1. Why are Smile dental fees much less than usual dental fees?

There are several reasons that Smile dental fees are much less than usual dental fees.

Smile refers thousands of members to participating dentists throughout Australia. Participating dentists therefore save money on advertising to attract patients. They can then pass on savings to members.
Dentists sometimes have cancellations and appointment slots that do not get filled by patients. It is therefore better that the participating dentists have members fill those slots even though it is for lesser fees.
Smile refers thousands of members to participating dentists throughout Australia. Participating dentists are therefore willing to treat members for more affordable fees.
Participating dentists realise that high dental fees are detracting people from visiting dentists. They therefore feel it is prudent to participate with Smile and assist people with the cost of their treatment.

2. Is the Smile dental fee schedule current?

Yes. The Smile dental fees on our website are current. The Smile dental fees are updated once a year.

3. Will I be treated the same as a full fee paying patient?

Yes. You will be treated the same as a full fee paying patient.

4. What are the Smile dental fees for items not in the Smile Fee Schedule?

We have listed the Smile dental fees for the most common dental services. Any dental services not listed within the Smile Fee Schedule will be reduced by 15% off the usual dental fee at the participating dentist you visit.

Dental services performed by a participating specialist such as Endodontist, Orthodontist, Paedodontist, Periodontist, or Prosthodontist are reduced by 7.5% off their usual fee.

5. Can I get a quote for the treatment I require?

Yes. Simply visit a participating dentist to obtain a quote. The Smile team are not qualified to issue quotes for treatment, however, you can view the Smile Fee Schedule in your state by clicking on Dental Fees.

6. How much will I save on cosmetic dentistry?

Members save hundreds and even thousands of dollars on cosmetic dentistry.

7. I think I found a dentist who is cheaper. Is that possible?

Smile is focused on providing quality dental services to its members at reduced dental fees. It is not our goal to provide the cheapest as we believe this could potentially be detrimental to your health and not worth risking. If you have found cheaper dental fees, it may be possible that this dentist is cutting corners that could harm you and cost you more money in the long term.

Below are just some of the reasons they may be cheap.

They may be using cheap and inferior materials.
They may be using cheap and inferior imported materials.
They may be using old equipment and technology.
They may not employ qualified dental support staff.
They may not work from professional premises.
They may not implement adequate hygiene and infection controls.
They may charge you little for consultations, exams, and x-rays then charge a lot for the treatment.

Smile dental fees are the lowest that should be charged to ensure members a high level of patient care and affordability.

8. Can I pay for dental fees in installments?

If you need a lot of treatment, it may be better to spread out your treatment over time to make it financially easier for you. With regards to paying in installments, you will need to speak with the dental practice directly but it is unlikely.

9. Can I use Smile with the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme?

Firstly, contact the participating dentist to confirm whether they participate in the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme. Secondly, confirm whether you can use Smile with the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme.

10. Can I use Smile together with the Medicare Teen Dental Plan?

Yes. Simply confirm with the participating dentist whether they participate in the Medicare Teen Dental Plan.

Payment Questions

1. What is the plan fee?

	Single	Family without Dependents	Family with Dependents	Single Parent Family
1 Year	$59.95	$79.95	$99.95	$79.95
2 Years	$89.95	$119.95	$149.95	$119.95

2. Can I make instalments towards paying my plan fee?

The plan fee must be paid in full and upfront in order to join.

3. Can I pay by direct deposit or branch deposit?

To keep plan fees affordable for members, Smile accepts only Visa and MasterCard.

4. Can I pay by money order or cheque?

To keep plan fees affordable for members, Smile accepts only Visa and MasterCard.

Insurance Questions

1. Is Smile insurance?

Smile is a dental plan that entitles members to great dental care and reduced dental fees. Smile is not insurance.

For more information, click on Compare Smile and Insurance.

2. Will I save more money with Smile than insurance?

Yes. Firstly, you will save money as your plan fee is very affordable annual fee as opposed to a constantly rising monthly insurance premium. Secondly, you will save money on your dental fees.

3. Is it better to be a member of Smile or have insurance?

Yes. However, we recommend you look at your personal circumstances to make that decision.

If you are uninsured, click on Uninsured.
If you are insured, click on Insured.

4. How is Smile different from insurance?

Insurance premiums are monthly, expensive and constantly rising.
Smile members can receive any dental treatment immediately. Insurance has a 2 - 12 month waiting period.
Smile members can receive any dental treatment. Insurance does not cover all dental treatment.
Smile members can receive major dental treatment immediately. Insurance has a 12 month waiting period.
Smile members can receive cosmetic dentistry. Insurance does not cover cosmetic dentistry.
Smile members can receive unlimited treatment. Insurance has benefit limits covering only some dental fees.
Smile has a 60 day refund policy. Some insurers allow a refund only if no claims have been made.
Insurers are decreasing the amount you can claim and insurance premiums continue to rise.

For more information, click on Compare Smile and Insurance.

5. How come Smile is more affordable than insurance?

Smile is an online organisation so we have done away with many of the operating expenses of traditional companies. Smile also covers dental exclusively whereas with insurance you may be paying for psychology, naturopathy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, chiropractic, podiatry, optical, dieticians, remedial massage therapists, dental, glucose monitors, hearing aids and other medical appliances whether you utilise these services or not.

6. Can I be a member of Smile and also have insurance?

Yes. People with insurance can also be members of Smile.

7. Can I use Smile together with insurance?

Yes. You can use Smile together with insurance. Here are the steps you take.

Join Smile by clicking on Join Now.
Make an appointment with a Smile participating dental practice and inform them you are a member of Smile.
Visit the Smile participating dental practice and present your Smile Card (or Smile Temporary Card/Email) on arrival. Refrain from presenting your insurance card.
After treatment, ensure reception knows you are member of Smile and obtain your dental receipt from reception listing dental items/services performed and tooth/teeth treated. Refrain from presenting your insurance card.
If you can claim, use your dental receipt to claim from your insurance company directly after leaving the practice.

To benefit from Smile and insurance, please ensure you follow the steps correctly as this is your responsibility.

8. Should I use Smile or insurance at the dentist?

You should use Smile. Here are the steps you take.

Join Smile by clicking on Join Now.
Make an appointment with a Smile participating dental practice and inform them you are a member of Smile.
Visit the Smile participating dental practice and present your Smile Card (or Smile Temporary Card/Email) on arrival. Refrain from presenting your insurance card.
After treatment, ensure reception knows you are member of Smile and obtain your dental receipt from reception listing dental items/services performed and tooth/teeth treated. Refrain from presenting your insurance card.
If you can claim, use your dental receipt to claim from your insurer directly after leaving the practice.

To benefit from Smile and insurance, please ensure you follow the steps correctly as it is your responsibility to follow the steps correctly.

9. Why can't I use Smile and insurance (hi-caps) at the dentist?

Dentists may have contractual obligations with insurance companies to charge according to the insurance companies’ fee schedule if you present your insurance card. This means you will not receive the reduced Smile Dental Fees.

10. What are the benefits of having Smile and insurance?

Below are several benefits of being a member of Smile and having insurance.

Receive reduced dental fees for any dental treatment.
Receive reduced dental fees for treatment not covered by insurance companies.
Overcome waiting period restrictions imposed by insurance companies.
Overcome benefit limits imposed by insurance companies.
Overcome treatment exclusions imposed by insurance companies.
Overcome pre-existing condition restrictions imposed by insurance companies.

11. Can I be member of Smile without having insurance?

Yes. You can be a member of Smile without having insurance.

Participating Dentist Questions

1. Should I visit a participating dentist?

Yes. If you are a member who would like to receive great dental care and reduced dental fees, visit a participating dentist.

2. How do I find a participating dentist and their contact details?

To find participating dentists click on Find Dentists.
Click on the area that applies to you (e.g. Dentists in Brisbane).
Click on any participating dentist to view contact details.

3. How do I find the nearest participating dentist?

To find the nearest participating dentist click on Find Dentists.
Enter your postcode where requested and click on ‘Search’.
Click on any participating dentist listed for the address and telephone number.

4. Are participating dentists fully qualified?

Yes. All participating dentists are fully qualified and registered to practice dentistry in their relevant state or territory.

5. How is the quality of participating dentists ensured?

Dentists adhere to a Participation Agreement and we monitor that the details of this Agreement are maintained.
Dentists adhere to Quality Undertakings such as patient care, infection control and professional development.
We conduct a search with the dental board to ensure that the dentists are registered to practice.
We confirm with the dentist that they have professional indemnity insurance.
We visit each dentist to monitor the professionalism of the practice and their support team.
We collect feedback from members in order to monitor the service of the dentists and their support team.
We address any negative feedback received from members directly with the participating dentist and their team.

6. Are any of participating dentists specialists?

Yes. We have begun to add some specialists such as orthodontists. We intend to add more specialists in the near future.

To ascertain whether there is a specialist that could assist you, click on Find Dentists.

7. How do participating dentists benefit?

Participating dentists benefit by receiving new patients and rewarding patient loyalty.

8. Will there be a participating dentist in my area soon?

Yes. We are always adding new locations. Simply leave your name and email within the Dentist Arrival Notification Form and we will contact you via email when a participating dentist arrives in your area.

Treatment Questions

1. Does Smile cover sedation dentistry?

Yes. Smile covers sedation dentistry. Keep in mind, not every dentist performs sedation dentistry. Simply confirm with participating dentists whether they perform the treatment you require.

2. What does Smile cover?

Smile covers any dental treatment performed by participating dentists.

3. Are good quality materials used for treatment?

Yes. Participating dentists use good quality dental materials best suited to treat your dental issue.

4. Does Smile cover general anaesthetic?

Smile covers local anaesthetic. A general anaesthetic requires a medical specialist so this is not covered.

5. Does Smile cover the dental treatment I require?

Yes. All dental is covered. Simply contact a participating dentist to confirm they perform the treatment you require.

6. Does Smile cover root canal treatment (i.e. endodontics)?

Yes. Smile covers root canal treatment. Keep in mind, not every dentist performs root canal treatment. Simply confirm with participating dentists whether they perform the treatment you require.

7. Does Smile cover wisdom tooth extractions?

Yes. Smile covers wisdom teeth extractions. Keep in mind, not every dentist performs wisdom teeth extractions. Simply confirm with participating dentists whether they perform the treatment you require.

8. Does Smile cover dental implants?

Yes. Smile covers dental implants. Keep in mind, not every dentist performs dental implants. Simply confirm with participating dentists whether they perform the treatment you require.

9. Does Smile cover braces (i.e. orthodontics)?

Yes. Smile covers braces. Keep in mind, that not every dentist performs orthodontic treatment. Simply confirm with participating dentists whether they perform the treatment you require.

10. Does Smile cover invisalign?

Yes. Smile covers invisalign. Keep in mind, not every dentist performs invisalign. Simply confirm with participating dentists whether they perform the treatment you require.

Miscellaneous Questions

1. How do I contact Smile?

To keep plan fees low, we correspond via email. To answer your question quickly, simply refer to the Questions & Answers and Terms of Use or any other page on the website for assistance. If you can't find the answer to your question, simply send us an Email. We will respond within roughly 1 - 3 work days.

2. Why haven't I received a response from Smile?

There are several reasons you may not have received a response.

If you have sent us an email, consultants respond in roughly 1 - 3 work days.
If the answer to your question is on the website, consultants respond in 4 - 5 work days.
If your question is related to dental treatment, consultants do not respond.

3. Why can't consultants assist with dental treatment questions?

Consultants are not trained in dentistry. Please refer to our dental health section or contact dentists directly.

4. Can I obtain a replacement Smile Card?

Yes. Replacement Smile Card/s will incur a charge of $24.95.

Simply email us and let us know your name, postal address and contact number.
A consultant will contact you to arrange payment over the telephone.
Your original Smile Card/s will be cancelled.
You will be issued with a new Smile Card/s.

You will receive your replacement Smile Card/s in roughly 5 - 10 work days.

5. How do I provide feedback to Smile?

Simply communicate feedback to Smile by clicking on Email.

6. How do I update my personal details?

The easiest way to update your details is to login to the Member Area and update your own details. If you have forgotten your password simply click on Member Area then on ‘Request a Password Reset’ within the Member Area.

7. How do I login if I have forgotten my password?

Simply click on Member Area then click on ‘Request a Password Reset’ below the login button within the Member Area. Afterwards, enter your email address where requested and click on submit. The email address you enter must be the email address previously supplied to Smile. A Password Reset Request email will be sent to this email address with instructions.

Can't find an answer to your question?
Phone us on 1300 238 648 (Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm AEST) or
click on Email Us to send a message.

Questions & Answers

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Being a member of Smile for the last two years I have saved lots of money and would not choose any other option for my dental costs. Thank you! Reneta Raeva
Melbourne, VIC

We have nothing but praise for Smile and the participating dentist we attended in Brisbane. Everyone involved was extremely professional & understanding. Emmanuel Maggacis
Browns Plains, QLD

I have saved $900 dollars on my dental work which means everything to me as I’m a low income earner. I still find it hard to believe how easy it is to join and get real savings and no gimmicks! Sue Thomas
Agnes Water, QLD

I was sceptical at first of there being a discount on dental service, other than through insurance, but Smile are true to their word and I got the discount at the participating dentist in Toorak. Fiona Darroch
Middle Park, VIC

Hello Smile! I have found being a member of the Smile group fantastic. The savings I have made by being a part of your group has been considerable especially in the hard times. Kym Trebeck
Raceview, QLD

We really love the whole concept of Smile. The payment plan is reasonable and manageable. Thanks for making dental care way less painful 'to the pocket' and putting us with dentists who care. Alan Coates
Carindale, QLD

Smile made me happy to go to the dentist because the prices were so much more affordable now than through normal city dentists. David Clark
Carlton, VIC

Genuinely cannot speak highly enough about Smile dental plan and the participating dentist in Clarendon. Lucy Beaman
Southbank, VIC

You guys are unbelievable! I can't believe I found such an amazing answer to my worries about expensive dentistry. I am a happy member! Monique Prenol
Mooloolaba, QLD

I have only recently become a Smile member but have already had the great benefits of the savings from the dental plan. Wendy Simmons
Tewantin, QLD