The ATO and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) have warned Australians to be aware of predatory practices when it comes to accessing their superannuation benefits early to pay for dental treatment.
The bodies are jointly concerned some health practitioners and third parties may be inappropriately suggesting patients apply for compassionate release of super to fund this type of health treatment.
“It is unacceptable for anyone to pressure Australians into accessing their superannuation savings early to pay for overpriced or unnecessary treatments,” ATO deputy commissioner Ben Kelly said.
“Superannuation is a long-term investment designed to be used during retirement. Accessing your super early carries long-term financial risks and can cut into your retirement savings.”
Ahpra chief executive Justin Untersteiner indicated patients had the right to trust their practitioners are recommending treatments for the right reasons and not for their own financial gains.
“If you have concerns about the conduct or performance of a registered practitioner, we want you to notify Ahpra. Every notification we receive is taken seriously and carefully assessed, and we look into every concern to determine what action, if any, is required to protect public safety,” Untersteiner explained.
In particular, it was pointed out individuals should be cautious about any information on the internet suggesting superannuation can be accessed for cosmetic or dental procedures and encouraging processes to enable this course of action.
“You should be extremely wary of any facilitator or practitioner who asks for your myGov sign-in so they can ‘apply for you’. You should never share your myGov details with anyone. Sharing your myGov details puts your identity security at significant risk,” Kelly indicated.
Between 2019 and 2025, Ahpra said it received 95 complaints about medical and dental practitioners involved in the compassionate release of super, with most of those related to treatment outcomes or payment disputes. Two doctor practitioners have been referred to tribunals for allegedly providing false documentation to the ATO.
“While most practitioners do the right thing, Ahpra will take action when standards aren’t met,” Untersteiner confirmed.
