What is nib's First Choice Dental network?

We've made a visit to the dentist easy with our First Choice network

08 August 2023 2 minute read

It’s easy to forget to visit the dentist, and if you haven't been in a while you might not know where to start or who to see. At nib, we've decided to make it easy by introducing the First Choice Dental network, opens in a new tab.

Our First Choice Dental network is our community of specially selected dental practitioners, who have promised they will deliver quality care and value for money.

What does this mean for me?

About 33% of Australians, opens in a new tab who needed to see a dentist delayed or skipped their visit in the past year, with cost being a reason, opens in a new tab for around 16% of these delays. Accessing quality dental care at a reduced cost through the First Choice network means you can look after your oral health for less.

By choosing to visit a dental practitioner within our First Choice network, you may end up with more money in your pocket. Dental practitioners within our network charge a set price for certain services or treatments (also known as agreed rates), helping you stretch your Extras limits further and leaving more coverage for unplanned dental treatments.*

Additionally, by visiting dental practitioners within the First Choice network who offer No Gap dental check-ups, eligible members can receive 100% back on preventative dental treatments such as fluoride, cleaning, and more. This means you can keep on top of your routine dental care treatment for less.^#

Use our Find a Provider, opens in a new tab tool to search for a dentist near you through nib’s First Choice network.

What dental treatments can I get?

The type of dental treatment you can receive depends on your needs.

For routine dental care, eligible members can get 100% back on preventative check-ups, including examinations, scale and clean, fluoride treatment, and diagnostics like bitewing and panoramic x-rays when clinically required.#

For more complex dental care, such as fillings, root canal therapy, and minor dental surgery, you can benefit from agreed rates when you visit a First Choice network provider.*

How do I find a First Choice Dental network practitioner?

If you've decided it's time to take a visit to the dentist, one of the first things you need to do is check your policy covers you for this treatment. You can do this by logging into your member account online or via the nib App.

Once you've checked you’re covered, you can search for a dentist, opens in a new tab conveniently located for you, and double check at the time of booking that the dentist is in our First Choice Dental network, opens in a new tab.

Can I access the First Choice network for services other than dental?

You sure can! Our First Choice network includes physiotherapy and optical providers.

What’s next for the First Choice network?

The First Choice network will continue to expand, and quickly become your go-to when looking for a range of quality health practitioners.

Unlike other health funds, the percentage you get back doesn’t change if you don’t use one of our First Choice practitioners. You can still use any recognised practitioner, and the benefits you receive will be the same as per your cover.^

If you have any questions regarding nib's First Choice network, you can contact us, opens in a new tab at 13 14 63, opens in a new tab.

*nib First Choice providers offer competitive fees for many commonly claimed treatments and consultations. These fees are reviewed at least annually and are subject to change. Always check nib.com.au/find-a-provider, opens in a new tab or the nib App before booking to see if your provider participates or simply ask your provider if they are part of nib’s network at the time of booking. Providers occasionally leave the nib First Choice network so it’s important to check before booking to avoid disappointment. Annual limits, waiting periods & T&Cs apply.

^#Payment by nib of dental benefits is subject to serving relevant waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. Check your cover by visiting your member account or call 13 16 42. 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 No Gap offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or government scheme, nor substitutable or redeemable for cash and is only available with dentists who have a No Gap First Choice network provider agreement with nib.

^Benefits are only paid for services from nib recognised providers. A recognised provider is someone who provides a health service, like a dentist, optometrist, remedial massage therapist or physiotherapist who meet the following criteria: (i) They must work in a private practice; and (ii) They must have professional qualifications recognised by nib. To find a provider in nib’s network of healthcare professionals nib.com.au/find-a-provider, opens in a new tab.