Why We Are Not a “Preferred Provider”
What Does “Preferred Provider” Really Mean?
A “Preferred Provider” (sometimes called “Members Choice”) is a dental clinic or practitioner that has a formal contract with a private health fund. In this agreement, the practice agrees to charge a fixed fee schedule for certain treatments. In return, the insurer highlights that practice to its members — promising lower out-of-pocket costs or “no gap” care. But it’s important to understand: being “preferred” isn’t necessarily about quality. It’s primarily a financial arrangement.
Why We Chose Not to Join That System
Independent Clinical Decision-Making
We believe your dental care should be decided by what’s best for you, not by what a health fund contract dictates. By remaining financially and clinically independent, we’re free to recommend treatments without being constrained by preset fee structures or third-party rules.
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Personalised, High-Quality Care
We don’t want to compromise quality for volume. Our appointments are designed to give you enough time, consideration, and care — not to rush you in and out just to fit a quota. We prioritise long-term relationships, and we aim to give each patient the treatment they truly need, with high-quality materials and workmanship.
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No Conflicting Incentives
Some “preferred provider” schemes raise concerns about conflicts of interest. In some cases, health insurers even own dental practices. That can lead to situations where the insurer’s bottom line — rather than patients’ needs — influences care.
Fairness & Patient Choice
Freedom to Choose Your Dentist
We firmly believe that patients should have the right to pick a dentist they trust — regardless of what their health fund promotes. We don’t want your choice to be limited or swayed by which clinics are “preferred.”
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Supporting True Independence
By not signing on as a preferred provider, we stay true to our values: putting clinical care over financial incentives, and supporting a system where dentist-patient trust matters more than insurer marketing.
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The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters
Industry Perspective
Leading voices in dentistry — including the Australian Dental Association (ADA) — have questioned the ethics of preferred-provider arrangements. They argue that these schemes can limit patient choice, distort true value, and undermine quality.​
Potential Ethical Conflict
When a health fund owns dental clinics, there's a risk of prioritising profit over patient outcomes. Some critics compare it to an insurer owning the very service it is supposed to reimburse — raising serious ethical questions.
What This Means for You
Same Fund, Same Rebate
Even though we’re not a “Preferred Provider,” you can still use your private health fund. We claim via HICAPS, so you can get your rebate on the spot.
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Transparent, Honest Care
We’ll always give you a detailed treatment plan and a quote, and we’ll help you understand what your health fund can cover. Because we don’t have to follow a rigid insurer-mandated fee schedule, we have more flexibility to tailor both care and cost to your needs.
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We choose not to be a “Preferred Provider” because our priority is your health and wellbeing, not fulfilling the financial incentives of an insurance company. By staying independent, we protect the trust, integrity, and quality of care that you deserve.
