👉 “Did you book your check-up yet?”
👉 Over two decade in this space has taught me this: changing patient trends don’t just fill chairs — they reshape how you design, invest and future proof your practice.
A Quick Look at the Numbers
Nationally, 54.9% of Australians now have extras cover, with dental being the biggest driver — dental makes up the largest portion of extras benefits paid (about $262 per insured person). In Victoria, however, extras cover sits slightly lower at 49.9%. The pandemic saw sign-ups soar, but since 2023, coverage has declined as rising living costs bite [APRA, March 2025].
Different Demographics, Different Impacts
✅ Over 14.6 million Australians have general treatment cover (including dental).
✅ Children 5–15 are the most heavily insured — over 700,000 in each cohort.
✅ Young adults (18–29) remain the most under-serviced, despite ‘no gap’ benefits.
✅ Out-of-pocket costs for insured services have stayed steady for over a decade
Young Adults (20–30)
This group shows the lowest uptake — once they’re off their parents’ family policies, many simply don’t see the value. Cost is a big deterrent: 32% of adults delay dental care because of cost [AIHW].
Families (30–50)
Families with kids tend to keep extras cover — regular check-ups, orthodontics, and hygiene visits mean they’re more likely to see value. But even this group is becoming more selective and shopping around for better deals.
Older Adults (60+)
Older Australians hold the most hospital cover but dental usage stays steady across all ages. For seniors keen to keep their teeth healthy, preventative care matters — but rising gap payments are a real concern.
What This Means for your Practices
Once you’ve nailed your site, don’t let poor design trip you up. Data can turn your floor plan into a machine for patient With Victoria’s premium costs among the highest, patients are becoming choosier about when and where they get treatment. So, how do you adapt?
💡 Tip: Design for local advantage
Melbourne’s population is metro-heavy — make your location work. Easy parking, street visibility, and a welcoming fit-out can win over patients who might otherwise put off that dental visit.
💡 Tip: Maximise your property
Practices that can flex their space — adding hygiene-only chairs, cosmetic services, or co-locating with other health providers — make the most of their real estate.
💡 Tip: Target wisely
Younger adults might not book routine check-ups but could be interested in cosmetic treatments with interest-free options. For families, bundle services to stay competitive.
💡 Tip: Be transparent on costs
Clear upfront pricing, flexible payment plans, and promoting prevention help patients feel in control.
💡 Tip: Serve the uninsured
More people will drop extras cover — be the clinic that makes paying out-of-pocket feel worth it. Online bookings, extended hours, and transparent communication build trust.
Final Thoughts
Insurance is still doing its job — keeping everyday check-ups affordable, spreading risk, and nudging patients to come in regularly. But the trend is clear: younger adults increasingly see dental extras as optional, while parents remain hyper-focused on kids’ teeth — until they’re not.
How are your patients using their dental cover — or skipping it?
Are you targeting the right segment of the market?
Ready to future-proof your practice?
👉 Download our 2025 Dental Clinics Market Report for the latest stats, property trends, growth hotspots, and ROI insights you can actually use.
References:
APRA. Quarterly Private Health Insurance Membership and Benefits Summary — March 2025
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Oral health and dental care in Australia
Grattan Institute. How Australia should fill dental and budget cavities
