The one question that comes up more than almost anything else when someone is looking for a new dentist in Perth: how much is this going to cost me? It sounds simple enough, but the answer depends on a few things, including what is actually included in the visit, whether you hold extras cover, and which fund you are with. This guide breaks down the typical cost of a dental check-up in Perth so you can walk into your appointment knowing exactly what to expect.
What a check-up visit actually includes
A routine dental check-up is more than a quick glance at your teeth. At most Perth clinics, including Mia Dental Centre’s general dentistry service, a standard visit typically covers:
- Oral examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks and bite
- Clinical photos to track any changes over time
- X-rays (bitewing or periapical) if they are clinically due
- Scale and clean to remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Fluoride treatment where appropriate
- A treatment plan discussion if anything needs attention
Each of these components has its own ADA (Australian Dental Association) item number, which is how your invoice and any health fund claim is itemised. That is also why the total can look different from clinic to clinic, depending on what is bundled in.
The typical cost of a dental check-up in Perth
Dental fees in Australia are not regulated, so every practice sets its own pricing. That said, there are general ranges that apply across most Perth clinics.
With health fund extras cover
If you hold private health insurance with extras that include dental, your check-up and clean at Mia Dental Centre is gap free with any private health fund. That means you pay nothing out of pocket for your preventive visit.
Mia Dental Centre is a preferred provider for HBF, HCF, and NIB, so members of these funds can be confident their preventive visit is fully covered. We also accept all other private health funds and process claims on the spot through HICAPS, so you only pay the gap (if any) at the time of your appointment.
To see the full list of health funds accepted at Mia Dental Centre, visit our health funds page.
Without extras cover
Without private health insurance, you will pay the full fee at the time of your visit.
At Mia Dental Centre:
- New patients pay $199 for a check-up and clean
- Existing patients pay from $265 for a full check-up and clean
These fees cover your examination, scale and clean, and any clinically necessary X-rays. For a full breakdown of all our treatment fees, visit our transparent pricing page. You can also view how we itemise costs across procedures on our detailed pricing breakdown page.
The “no gap” preventive visit, explained
You have probably seen “no gap” advertised by dental clinics and health funds. Here is what it actually means.
A no-gap visit is one where your health fund covers the entire cost of specific preventive treatments, such as an examination, scale and clean, and fluoride. You pay zero out of pocket. At Mia Dental Centre, your check-up and clean is gap free with any private health fund, so there is nothing to pay out of pocket for your preventive visit regardless of which fund you are with.
For this to apply, the treatment needs to fall within preventive or diagnostic item codes (not restorative work like fillings), and you need to have enough remaining in your annual benefit limit for that calendar year. Our team at Mia Dental Centre can confirm your eligibility when you book.
Why the check-up is the cheap visit (and skipping it is not)
It is tempting to push back your dental visit when there is nothing obviously wrong. But the check-up exists specifically to catch problems before they become painful and expensive.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2024), around 30% of Australians who needed to see a dental professional either delayed or did not visit one in the past 12 months. The same report found that over 87,000 hospitalisations for dental conditions in 2022 to 2023 could have been prevented with earlier treatment.
A six-monthly check-up and clean is a preventive measure. It is the appointment that finds a small cavity before it becomes a root canal. It is the visit that identifies early gum disease before it leads to tooth loss. And it is almost always a fraction of the cost of the treatment you would need if the problem went undetected.
Here is a practical way to think about it:
- A routine check-up and clean is your lowest-cost dental appointment of the year
- A filling costs more than a check-up
- A root canal costs several times more than a filling
- A dental implant to replace a tooth you have lost costs significantly more again
The earlier you catch a problem, the simpler and more affordable the solution.
Tips and frequently asked questions
How often should I get a dental check-up?
Most dental professionals recommend every six months. If you have a history of gum disease or other risk factors, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits. Your Oral Health Therapist can help tailor the right schedule for you.
Can I claim my check-up through Medicare?
Medicare does not cover general dental services for adults. The exception is the CDBS for eligible children. You can learn more on our government schemes page.
What payment options are available if I do not have insurance?
Mia Dental Centre offers flexible payment plans to help you access care without delay. We also accept all major health funds and process claims on the spot. For a broader look at how Perth families are managing dental costs, read our recent article on how Perth families are paying for dental work.
Do I still need a check-up if my teeth feel fine?
Yes. Many dental conditions, including decay between teeth and early-stage gum disease, cause no pain until they are well advanced. X-rays and a clinical examination pick up what you cannot feel. For more on this and other common questions, visit our FAQs page.
Where are Mia Dental Centre’s clinics?
We have two locations: Wanneroo and Mount Lawley. You can find addresses, opening hours and booking links on our locations page.