nib urges Australians to prioritise preventative dental care

• An estimated 87,000 hospitalisations occur each year from preventable dental conditions*  

• More than 150,000 Australians have accessed nib’s No Gap dental network since July 2024

• Customers saved nearly $40 million in out-of-pocket costs in the past 12 months

• The majority of nib members reside in areas with access to a participating No Gap dental clinic

Leading private health insurer nib is calling on Australians to take advantage of preventative dental care to avoid emergency treatments, as an estimated 87,000 hospitalisations occur each year* placing pressure on Australia's already strained hospital system.  

The most common causes of preventable dental hospitalisation include tooth decay, impacted teeth, and gum disease, that can be identified and managed effectively in a dental practice rather than an emergency department.

New data from nib shows over 150,000 Australians have accessed its No Gap dental network since its launch in July 2024. The initiative, which offers eligible members cover for preventative dental care, has saved members $39.6 million in out-of-pocket costs across the past 12 months.

When preventative care is accessible and affordable, Australians can maintain their oral health.

The No Gap dental network covers essential preventative treatments such as examinations, scaling, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and diagnostics at over 500 practices across Australia. More than 90% of nib members live in an area that has a participating No Gap dental clinic, making it an accessible option for people looking to maintain their oral health.  

When dental issues are left untreated, they can escalate into both physical and financial pain. An estimated 87,000 Australians are hospitalised each year for preventable dental conditions - admissions that may have been avoided through regular check-ups and timely preventative care. These hospitalisations not only impact individual health outcomes but also place significant strain on hospital resources and emergency departments.  

Strong early uptake of nib’s No Gap dental network shows that people are taking charge of their dental health.

James Barr, Chief Executive of Australian private health insurance at nib, said preventative dental care should not be out of reach.

"When preventative care is accessible and affordable, Australians can maintain their oral health,” Mr Barr said. “Strong early uptake of nib’s No Gap dental network shows that people are taking charge of their dental health."

Dr Aus Hmud, from nib Dental Care and Pacific Smiles said: "Regular dental check-ups can catch problems before they escalate into expensive treatment or emergencies requiring hospitalisation. Preventative care is crucial for avoiding complications like severe infections, abscesses, gum disease and tooth decay before you even feel any discomfort, which means we can often reverse the damage with simple treatments rather than invasive procedures."  

Dr Hmud shared some key dental prevention tips for home including brushing gently twice a day, floss daily and drink water throughout the day as it keeps mouths hydrated and rinses away food particles.**

nib is urging all Australians with private health insurance to take advantage of their dental benefits and book regular preventative check-ups. For more information on nib and its No Gap dental network, visit www.nib.com.au

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Notes to Editor:

Eligibility and Terms and Conditions may apply. Data sourced from nib Group's No Gap dental network in Australia as of 1 October 2025. Out-of-pocket savings are derived comparing experience to dental services outside the dental network.  

The dental check-up covers an examination or consultation (011 to 015), diagnostics (022, 037), scale and clean (114, 115) or removal of plaque (111), fluoride treatment (121) as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist (dentures not included). The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits.

**The information contained in this release is general in nature and should not be taken as individual dental advice. nib recommends individuals seek advice from a registered dental practitioner for their personal oral health needs.

References:

*Oct 2024 Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia, AIHW Oral health and dental care in Australia, Potentially preventable hospitalisations - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.