Workplace injuries can happen unexpectedly, and when they do, they can affect your ability to work and overall well-being. Dental injuries at work are more common than many people realise, whether from a fall, an accident involving machinery, or an unexpected impact. If you’ve suffered a work-related dental injury in Australia, the best thing you can do is to tap into your workers’ compensation to cover your dental fees.
Now, how would you know if you are eligible to claim your WorkCover benefits?
Before anything happens to you (knock on wood!), it’s important to understand WorkCover and how it applies to dental injuries to help you get the treatment you need without financial stress.
Here’s everything you need to know about WorkCover dental claims, eligibility, and the steps to access treatment.
What is WorkCover?
WorkCover is a workers’ compensation insurance program designed to support employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to their jobs. It covers various medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, including dental treatments resulting from workplace accidents.
Basically, this is your safety net just in case you get injured during work.
Physical injuries are not the only type of injuries covered by workers’ compensation. If your job has caused or contributed to your dental injury, you may be able to claim WorkCover payments to cover necessary treatments such as dental fillings, extractions, root canals, or even dental implants in severe cases.
Common Work-Related Dental Injuries
Workplace environments vary, but dental injuries can happen in a range of jobs, from construction sites to office spaces. Some of the most common work-related dental injuries include:
- Chipped or Broken Teeth – Caused by falls, accidents, or impact from tools and machinery.
- Knocked-Out Teeth – Often due to direct trauma, such as being hit by an object or falling.
- Jaw Fractures or Dislocations – Resulting from high-impact accidents or falls.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Damage to the gums, lips, or tongue from workplace incidents can also happen unexpectedly.
- Tooth and Jaw Pain – Long-term strain from repetitive jaw movements or poor ergonomics in certain jobs may also be a reason to claim dental workers’ compensation.
Other Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
Physical Injuries
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Fractures, including spinal fractures
- Wounds and cuts
- Burns
- Falling objects
- Hearing loss from loud machinery
- Respiratory problems from dust or fumes
- Silicosis
- Asbestosis
Psychological Injuries (Mental Health Conditions)
- Prolonged work stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Violent incidents at work
Learn more about the common injuries covered by workers’ compensation.
Am I Eligible for a WorkCover Dental Claim?
To qualify for a WorkCover dental claim, you must meet certain criteria:
- Your Injury Must Be Work-Related – The dental injury must have occurred during work hours or as a direct result of your job duties. It’s important to make sure that your injury has strong proof to deem it eligible for a WorkCover dental claim.
- You Must Be an Employee – Eligibility can be different for various states or territories in Australia. However, for general inquiry, you can claim your WorkCover benefits if you’re deemed to be a worker (casual, part-time, or full-time employee) in your state and if your injury, illness, or death is work-related.
Contractors and self-employed workers are not considered workers and may have different coverage options. - The Injury Must Be Reported – You must notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible and complete an incident report.
- You Need Medical or Dental Assessment – A WorkCover-approved doctor must assess your injury and confirm the need for treatment, especially when the injury needs a dental procedure.
If you are able to meet these requirements, you can proceed with lodging a WorkCover claim.
How to Lodge a WorkCover Dental Claim
Filing a WorkCover dental claim doesn’t have to be complicated. Here is a typical step-by-step process of how to claim your workers’ compensation:
1. Visit Your GP First
Your first step should be visiting your general practitioner (GP). They will assess your injury and determine if you require a dental consultation.
2. Request a Referral for a Dental Consultation
If your GP confirms that you need dental care, ask them to submit a referral to your WorkCover insurance provider. This step ensures your treatment is formally recognised as part of your workers’ compensation claim.
3. Get Insurance Approval Before Booking Your Appointment
Before scheduling your dental visit, wait for your WorkCover insurance provider to approve the consultation. This approval is crucial to avoid paying out-of-pocket.
If you haven’t received confirmation, you can follow up with your insurer or pay upfront and claim reimbursement later. For a smoother process, we recommend booking your appointment and emailing the insurer in advance to reduce the risk of upfront costs.
4. Attend Your Dental Consultation
Once approved, visit our dental clinic for a thorough examination. We’ll assess your injury and recommend a suitable treatment plan.
5. Submit the Treatment Plan for Approval
After your assessment, we will send your proposed treatment plan to your WorkCover insurer for further approval.
6. Begin Your Treatment
Once your treatment plan is approved, you can get your treatment done to your preferred dentist. If you’re in Toongabbie or surrounding areas, we can help you with your treatment to restore your oral health and function as soon as possible.
If your WorkCover claim is denied, you may need legal assistance to dispute the decision. When you work with our team, we can recommend you to our lawyer to ensure you get your claim.
For more information on the claim process, refer to the Australian government’s user guide for employees when claiming WorkCover for dental.
What Dental Treatments Does WorkCover Cover?
WorkCover covers a wide range of dental treatments, depending on the severity of your injury. These may include:
- Emergency Dental Treatment – Pain relief, temporary fillings, or tooth extractions.
- Restorative Procedures – Fillings, crowns, or root canals to repair damaged teeth.
- Tooth Replacement – Bridges, dentures, or dental implants for missing teeth.
- Jaw and Soft Tissue Treatment – Surgery or therapy for jaw fractures or soft tissue damage.
Important: It’s also best to consult a dentist experienced with WorkCover claims to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment without delays. They also have knowledge about WorkCover and the documentation you may need on your behalf. Dentist Near Me Toongabbie is an example of that.
Take Action and Get the Care You Need
A dental injury at work can be stressful for you, but one thing you cannot delay is your treatment. So, in case you’re faced with such challenges, WorkCover can help fund your necessary dental procedures, ensuring you recover without financial burden.
Our team at Dentist Near Me Toongabbie is here to help in any way possible to ensure you get treated for your work-related dental injuries. We offer expert care for work-related dental injuries and can assist with WorkCover claims.
Call us at (02) 7905 0814 or book an appointment online to discuss your treatment options and WorkCover eligibility.
