Why Are Young Australians Skipping Dental Check-Ups?

Think back to school days. Mum or Dad booked the dentist, drove you there, and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule may have covered the cost. Check-ups just happened.

Then you finished school, started working or studying, maybe moved out, and somewhere along the way the dentist simply dropped off the list. Sound familiar?

If so, you are far from alone. The Australian Dental Association's 2025 Consumer Survey of more than 25,000 Australians found that young adults are delaying or avoiding dental care, and the reasons are very relatable. Let us look at what is going on, and how to get back on track without the stress.

What the Research Tells Us

The ADA's findings, released during Dental Health Week in August 2026, paint a clear picture:

• Barriers are common. Around three quarters of respondents said they face barriers to accessing dental care.
• Cost is the biggest obstacle for young adults, with busy lifestyles and less access to support also playing a part.
• Wisdom teeth trouble is widespread. About 60 per cent of 18 to 25-year-olds reported wisdom tooth issues, such as pain, swelling, crowding or infection.
• Social media is shaping decisions. About three in five Australians said social media influences their cosmetic dental choices.

National data backs this up. The Australian Bureau of Statistics found that one in four Australians delayed or skipped a dental visit they needed in 2024–25.

Five Reasons Young Adults Stop Going

1. Money is tight

Rent, groceries and study costs come first. Many young adults also come off their parents' private health insurance, and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule stops at the end of the calendar year in which you turn 18. The first bill you pay yourself can feel like a shock.

2. Nobody is booking it for you

At home, someone else remembered. On your own, one year without a check-up can quietly become four.

3. Life is busy

Shifts, uni, sport and a social life all compete for time. Without pain, a check-up slides to the bottom of the to-do list.

4. "Nothing hurts, so I must be fine"

This assumption can end up costing you more. Early decay and gum disease often cause no pain at all. We explain why in Tooth Decay Without Pain: Can You Have a Cavity and Not Know It?

5. Nerves

A bad experience years ago, or just general anxiety, can keep people away. And the longer the gap, the more nervous many people become about what the dentist might find.

Why Skipping Now Costs More Later

Missing a check-up feels like saving money. In reality, it usually moves the cost into the future and makes it bigger. A small cavity can grow into a case for root canal treatment and a crown. Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum disease, which is more involved to manage if it progresses. Our blog on why you should not ignore bleeding gums explains more.

Timing matters too. The late teens and twenties are when wisdom teeth usually arrive, and regular check-ups, with X-rays when your dentist recommends them, allow planned care rather than emergency care.

The Social Media Factor

Wanting a confident smile is completely normal. The concern is when cosmetic treatments or unregulated products are prioritised over basic oral health, or when DIY trends cause damage. Before trying a viral hack, read DIY Teeth Whitening: Are TikTok Dental Hacks Damaging Your Teeth?

If you are interested in teeth whitening or clear aligners, a check-up first makes sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for it.

A Quick Note for Parents of Teenagers

You can help prevent the drop-off before it starts:

• Use any remaining CDBS balance before the end of the calendar year in which your teenager turns 18, if they are eligible
• Book a check-up that includes a wisdom tooth assessment
• Show them how to book their own appointments and claim on a health fund
• Check how long they can stay on your family health insurance
• Encourage a custom mouthguard for contact sport

What to Expect When You Come Back

If it has been a while, here is what a typical return visit at MS Dental looks like:

1. A chat. We ask about your health, any concerns, and how long it has been. No lectures.
2. A full examination of your teeth, gums and soft tissues.
3. X-rays if needed, to check between teeth and assess wisdom teeth.
4. A clean to remove plaque and tartar, which usually leaves teeth feeling noticeably smoother.
5. A clear plan, with what is urgent, what can wait, and what it will cost.

You will not be pushed into treatment on the day. Take the plan home, check your health fund, and decide your next step.

Getting Back on Track: Practical Tips

• Book just one check-up. It gives you a clear picture and a plan.
• Ask for a prioritised plan if you need several things done.
• Check your extras cover. See our preferred provider information.
• Ask about spreading the cost. See our payment plans.
• Tell us if you feel anxious. We will explain each step and you can take breaks.

If cost is the main barrier, our guide to affordable dental care in Newcastle outlines the options.

"But I Cannot Afford It Right Now"

That is a real concern, and it deserves a real answer. Here are a few practical starting points:

• If you are on a family health insurance policy, check whether you are still covered and what your dental limits are
• If you hold a Health Care Card, you may be eligible for NSW public dental services
• Ask for a prioritised plan, so you only pay for what is urgent now
• Ask about spreading the cost of larger treatment

One check-up now is often cheaper than an emergency later.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is general information only and does not replace advice from your dentist.