For Australians · Super Fund Dental Guide
Your super can fund
your dental work here.
Australians can access their superannuation early through the ATO's Compassionate Release scheme to fund dental implants, All-on-4, crowns, and major restorative work at Picasso Dental in Vietnam. Our team guides you through every step, from treatment plan to ATO paperwork, so there is no guesswork.
How it works
What is Compassionate Release of Super?
The short version: the ATO lets you access your super early when you need it for a genuine medical reason and cannot get treatment through the public system.
1
Medical necessity, not a loophole
Compassionate Release of Superannuation (CRS) exists for exactly this situation: when you need dental work to relieve genuine pain or restore function, and the public health system cannot help you in a reasonable timeframe. It is a legal ATO process, not a workaround.
2
The ATO approves it; your fund pays it
You apply online via myGov. The ATO reviews your application, typically within 14 days. Once approved, your super fund releases the funds directly to your bank account, minus any applicable tax withheld at source.
3
Apply before treatment, not after
The expense must be unpaid when you apply. Picasso issues a written quote valid for 6 months in Australian dollars specifically so you can submit it with your ATO application before booking flights or paying any deposit.
4
Two Australian practitioners must certify
Your Australian GP and a registered Australian dentist each complete ATO form NAT 74927. Our team tells you exactly what clinical information to ask them to include, so their reports meet the ATO's current requirements first time.
Eligibility
What treatments qualify?
The ATO approves release for treatments that relieve documented pain or restore function. These are the cases where Picasso patients have successfully used CRS.
| Treatment | Typically qualifies? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Implants Single or multiple missing teeth | Yes | Restores function, relieves chronic pain from bone loss or failed teeth |
| All-on-4 / All-on-6 Full-arch restoration | Yes | Addresses severely compromised dentition causing chronic functional impairment |
| Full-mouth rehabilitation Multiple crowns, bridges, implants | Yes | Complex case with documented pain and inability to chew adequately |
| Root canals + crowns Infected or broken teeth | Yes | Treats acute or chronic pain from infection or structural failure |
| Bone graft + sinus lift Pre-implant procedures | Yes | Necessary to enable qualifying implant treatment |
| Elective veneers (cosmetic only) No pain or functional issue | No | Cosmetic treatments without a clinical pain or functional basis do not qualify |
| Teeth whitening | No | Cosmetic only |
Not sure whether your case qualifies? Message our team with your dental history and we will give you an honest assessment before you spend money on practitioner reports.
Savings
What does your super actually cover?
The savings at Picasso often allow your super to cover far more comprehensive treatment than the same balance would fund at an Australian clinic.
| Treatment | Australia (AUD) | Picasso Vietnam (AUD) | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Implant + Crown OSSTEM | $5,000–$7,500 | $1,400–$2,200 | ~70% |
| All-on-4 per arch OSSTEM | $25,000–$35,000 | $9,500–$14,500 | ~60% |
| All-on-4 per arch Nobel Biocare | $30,000–$40,000 | $13,500–$18,000 | ~55% |
| Zirconia Crown Per unit | $1,800–$2,800 | $280–$550 | ~80% |
| Root Canal — Molar | $1,800–$3,500 | $180–$320 | ~90% |
Same implant brands (Nobel Biocare, Straumann, OSSTEM) as leading Australian clinics. Written manufacturer warranties of 7–10 years on implant fixtures. Get my AUD treatment plan →
Our support
We walk you through it.
Most patients have never touched the ATO's super release process. Our international coordinator has guided dozens of Australian patients through it. Here is exactly what we do for you.
A
Your ATO-ready treatment plan in 48 hours
WhatsApp us your X-rays or OPG scan. Within 48 hours you receive a written treatment plan priced in Australian dollars, itemised by procedure, valid for 6 months. This is the itemised quote the ATO requires as proof of your expense before they approve the release.
B
A clinical letter for your Australian GP and dentist
We write a clinical justification letter explaining your diagnosis, the treatment rationale, and why the treatment requires specialist multi-stage care. Your Australian GP and dentist can reference this letter when completing their ATO form NAT 74927 reports. It means their appointments are shorter and their reports are more thorough.
C
We tell you what to ask your practitioners
The most common reason ATO applications are rejected is vague medical reports. We give you a plain-English checklist of the four things the ATO requires each practitioner to address. Take it to your GP and dentist appointments. It significantly reduces the chance of rejection or a request for further information.
D
Tax calculation: how much to apply for
Your super fund withholds tax before paying you. If you are under 60, expect roughly 17–22% withheld. We help you calculate the gross amount to request so that after tax, you have enough to cover treatment. No spreadsheets required.
E
Full documentation after treatment
Once treatment is complete, we provide itemised receipts with implant serial numbers and warranty certificates. The ATO can audit that released funds were used for the approved treatment. You will have everything you need.
F
No fee for this guidance
Coordinating Australian patients through the CRS process is part of how our international team works. There is no charge for the documentation package or the guidance. You pay for treatment, not paperwork.
Process
From first message to treatment: 6 steps.
Most patients go from first contact to ATO approval in 4–6 weeks. Here is how the process works, and where Picasso supports you at each stage.
Questions
Common questions.
Can I use super for treatment I have already had?
No. The ATO only releases super for expenses that are currently unpaid, or for borrowed money (such as a medical loan) still outstanding. If you pay from savings first, you cannot apply for reimbursement. Picasso issues a 6-month valid quote precisely so you can apply before spending anything.
Will I pay tax on the super I withdraw?
Yes, if you are under 60. Your super fund withholds approximately 17–22% before paying you. If you are 60 or over, the withdrawal is generally tax-free. Our coordinator helps you calculate the gross amount to apply for so you receive enough after tax to cover treatment. You will also need to declare the taxable component in your annual income tax return.
What if my ATO application is rejected?
You have 14 days to request a review. The most common rejection reasons are vague medical reports, outdated quotes (must be under 6 months), and no explanation of why treatment cannot be obtained in Australia. Our documentation package and practitioner checklist are specifically designed to address all three. If rejected after review, we can help you explore staged treatment, medical finance, or payment plans instead.
How much notice does Picasso need before I travel?
Once your funds are cleared, we can usually schedule your first treatment visit within 1–2 weeks for most procedures. Complex cases involving CBCT-guided surgical planning may need slightly longer. Message us early in the process, ideally when you receive ATO approval, so scheduling is already underway when funds arrive.
Does Picasso Dental accept foreign currency and bank transfers?
Yes. We accept international bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, and can discuss instalment arrangements for larger treatment plans. Prices quoted in AUD include the conversion at the agreed rate. All payments are documented with itemised invoices suitable for ATO compliance.
Will my long-term super balance be affected significantly?
Yes. Early withdrawal reduces your balance and the compound returns it would have earned. A $30,000 withdrawal at age 45 could mean significantly less at retirement. Both the ATO and AHPRA recommend getting independent financial advice before applying. We will never pressure you to proceed. If staged treatment or financing makes more sense for your situation, we will say so.
Start here
Send us your X-rays. We handle the paperwork.
WhatsApp your current X-rays or OPG scan to our international coordinator. Within 48 hours you receive your AUD treatment plan, clinical justification letter, and practitioner checklist, everything you need to start your ATO application. Free. No commitment.
70,000+ patients · Since 2013 · Nobel Biocare & Straumann certified · 6 clinics across Vietnam