Payment Policy

Tooth Sparkler Family Dental Care

Last updated: 28th January 2026

1. Our Approach to Fees and Transparency

At Tooth Sparkler Family Dental Care, we are committed to clear and open communication about fees, treatment options, and payment arrangements. Our aim is to support informed decision-making and ensure there are no unexpected costs.

2. Fees and Treatment Estimates

• Fees are based on the treatment provided and relevant dental item numbers
• A treatment plan and fee estimate will be provided for recommended care
• Fees, options, priorities, and timelines will be discussed before treatment proceeds

3. Payment at Time of Service

Payment is required on the day of treatment, unless prior arrangements have been made with the practice.

We accept the following payment methods:

• EFTPOS / Visa / Mastercard
• Stripe (including contactless and online payments where applicable)
• Afterpay (subject to Afterpay terms and eligibility)
• Cash
• HICAPS health fund claiming (where available)
• Approved payment plans (by arrangement)

Any gap payment not covered by your health fund, Medicare, or DVA is payable at the time of your appointment.

4. Private Health Funds, Medicare & DVA Claims

Where eligible, we are able to process private health fund claims electronically via HICAPS at the time of your appointment as a convenience to our patients.

While we are happy to facilitate immediate claiming, Tooth Sparkler Family Dental Care is not your health fund and does not determine:

• Your level of cover
• Annual limits or waiting periods
• Percentage rebates
• How much your fund contributes toward your dental treatment

Health fund benefits are determined solely by your individual policy and your insurer.

We kindly ask that any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding private health fund rebates or claim outcomes be directed directly to your health fund. Our team does not have access to your policy details beyond what is processed through HICAPS.

We also respectfully request that all interactions with our staff remain courteous. Our team is here to support you with your dental care and payment processing, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Medicare and DVA claims will be processed in accordance with eligibility and program requirements.

5. Electronic Payment or Claiming Outages

In the event that electronic payment systems or health fund claiming services are unavailable due to:

• NBN or internet outages
• Power disruptions
• HICAPS, EFTPOS, or system outages
• Other technical difficulties beyond our control

Alternative payment options will be offered, including:

• NAB EasyPay
• Stripe
• Direct deposit / bank transfer

In these circumstances:

• Full payment will still be required on the day of treatment
• Patients will be provided with the necessary receipt and item numbers
• Health fund rebates must be claimed separately by the patient directly with their health fund

We appreciate your understanding that system outages are outside the practice’s control and thank you for your cooperation should alternative payment arrangements be required.

6. Deposits, Cancellations & Non-Attendance

• Deposits may be required for long or complex appointments
• We require at least 48 hours’ notice to change or cancel appointments
• Late cancellations or failure to attend may incur a fee reflecting the time reserved

7. Outstanding Accounts

Accounts not settled within agreed terms may be followed up by the practice. In some cases, unpaid accounts may be referred to a third-party collection service.

8. Changes to This Policy

This Payment Policy may be updated from time to time. The most current version will always be available on our website.