Top 10 — Reviewed & Ranked

Top 10 Dental X-Rays in Australia

Compare the top 10 dental x-rays in Australia.

See the Top 10 How we rank

Dental X-rays (radiographs) are how dentists see decay between teeth, bone loss, impacted wisdom teeth and infection that a visual exam cannot reveal. If you are looking for dental X-rays in Australia, you need a clear, trusted guide. This page covers the main types of dental radiographs used in Australian clinics, what they cost, whether they are safe, and ten leading practices across the country.

You will find the main X-ray types used in Australian dental clinics — bitewing, periapical, OPG and CBCT — indicative private fees, insurance and Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) coverage, current radiation-safety guidelines, and a ranked list of ten real practices across multiple states, from corporate networks to CBD independents.

Positions 1 to 3 are paid placements with do-follow links. Positions 4 to 10 are editorial selections with no-follow links. Browse our complete directory of all dental services across Australia. Read our methodology and our disclosures policy for full transparency.

When Do You Need a Dental X-Ray?

A dental X-ray is not required at every visit, but it is essential in many clinical situations. You may need one if you have any of the following:

!

When it's a hospital emergency

If you have severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or facial swelling that affects breathing or vision, call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

Which are the top 10 dental x-rays in Australia?

The ten clinics below are ranked from 1 to 10. Ranks 1-3 are featured entries.

1

Pacific Smiles Dental

Charlestown, NSW · **Rating:** 4.0/5 (Google) · **Pricing:** $$ (standard private fees; check-up + X-ray new-patient specials common) · **Hours:** Mon–Fri 8:00am–6:00pm; Sat 8:00am–1:00pm

Google Rating:
4.0/5 (Google)
Pricing:
$$ (standard private fees; check-up + X-ray new-patient specials common)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 8:00am–6:00pm; Sat 8:00am–1:00pm
Address:
5 Pearson Street, Charlestown NSW 2290

Pacific Smiles Dental is one of Australia's largest listed dental groups (ASX: PSQ), with more than 100 centres across NSW, QLD, VIC and ACT. The Charlestown practice is a flagship Hunter-region centre, offering digital intraoral X-rays and OPG at most locations, with a strong focus on family and general dentistry.

This is the best choice for readers who want a well-known, easily bookable network with consistent pricing across states. The national booking line makes it simple to book from anywhere, and the Charlestown centre is convenient for families across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Call (02) 4943 4299 Visit website
2

Bupa Dental Brisbane

Brisbane CBD, QLD · **Rating:** 4.7/5 (Google) · **Pricing:** $$ (member benefits apply for Bupa health fund customers) · **Hours:** Mon–Fri 8:00am–6:00pm; Sat 8:00am–1:00pm

Google Rating:
4.7/5 (Google)
Pricing:
$$ (member benefits apply for Bupa health fund customers)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 8:00am–6:00pm; Sat 8:00am–1:00pm
Address:
27 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Bupa Dental operates more than 100 practices across Australia, and the Brisbane CBD centre at 27 Adelaide Street is a solid choice for digital bitewing and periapical X-rays, OPG, and general and family dentistry. Many locations identify as CDBS-friendly, meaning eligible children can have X-rays bulk-billed through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

For Bupa health fund members, diagnostic X-rays are often claimable on the spot with no out-of-pocket cost when the practice participates in Bupa's Member First network. Non-Bupa members are still welcome; standard private fees apply.

Call (07) 3228 2400 Visit website
3

Maven Dental Subiaco

Subiaco, WA · **Rating:** 4.5/5 (Google) · **Pricing:** $$–$$$ (itemised quote provided before X-rays) · **Hours:** Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm; alternate Saturdays

Google Rating:
4.5/5 (Google)
Pricing:
$$–$$$ (itemised quote provided before X-rays)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm; alternate Saturdays
Address:
312 Rokeby Road, Subiaco WA 6008

Maven Dental is a national network offering digital radiographs, OPG, general and family dentistry, cosmetic work and implant referrals. The Subiaco practice is a well-established inner-city Perth clinic known for its experienced team.

This is a useful example of how an established independent-feel practice can still offer the full imaging suite. The team is known for providing clear itemised quotes before any X-ray is taken, which aligns with the no-surprise-fee expectation we recommend every patient ask for.

Call (08) 9388 2787 Visit website
4

1300SMILES Cairns

Cairns City, QLD · **Rating:** 4.4/5 (Google) · **Pricing:** $$ (standard private fees; payment plans available) · **Hours:** Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:30pm; Sat 8:30am–12:30pm

Rating:
4.4/5 (Google)
Pricing:
$$ (standard private fees; payment plans available)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:30pm; Sat 8:30am–12:30pm
Address:
21 McLeod Street, Cairns City QLD 4870

1300SMILES is an ASX-listed North Queensland dental group (ASX: ONL) with multiple practices across Cairns and regional QLD. The Cairns Central practice offers general dentistry, orthodontics, implant placement and in-house CBCT 3D imaging.

This entry proves you don't need a capital-city address to access advanced imaging. For patients in Far North Queensland, having CBCT on-site means implant assessments and complex extraction planning can be completed in one visit rather than a referral across town.

5

Smile Solutions

Melbourne CBD, VIC · **Rating:** 4.9/5 (Google) · **Pricing:** $$$ (specialist-led; higher fee scale) · **Hours:** Mon–Fri 8:00am–6:00pm; Sat 8:30am–1:30pm

Rating:
4.9/5 (Google)
Pricing:
$$$ (specialist-led; higher fee scale)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 8:00am–6:00pm; Sat 8:30am–1:30pm
Address:
Level 1, 220 Collins Street, Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne VIC 3000

Smile Solutions is one of Melbourne's largest specialist dental practices, with prosthodontists, periodontists, endodontists and oral surgeons under one roof. It is particularly well known for implant dentistry, full-mouth rehabilitation and complex restorative cases, and uses in-house CBCT routinely for implant planning and surgical assessment.

Choose Smile Solutions when your case is genuinely complex — multiple implants, full-arch rehabilitation, or a tricky root canal where 3D imaging changes the outcome. This is our best example of advanced imaging being treated as the standard of care rather than an optional extra.

6

LifeCare Dental

Perth CBD, WA · **Rating:** 4.8/5 (Google) · **Pricing:** $$ (transparent fee schedule; health fund claiming) · **Hours:** Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:30pm; Sat 8:00am–12:30pm

Rating:
4.8/5 (Google)
Pricing:
$$ (transparent fee schedule; health fund claiming)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:30pm; Sat 8:00am–12:30pm
Address:
T18, 200–204 Murray Street, Perth WA 6000

LifeCare Dental has been a Perth CBD fixture for more than 25 years, offering general and family dentistry with digital X-rays, in-house OPG, CEREC same-day restorations and clear-aligner therapy. It is a genuinely independent CBD practice — a useful counterpoint to the corporate chains on this list.

If you work in the Perth CBD and need a same-day X-ray during a lunch break, LifeCare's central Murray Street location and long-established team make it a dependable choice. The practice publishes clear fee information, so you should be able to get an upfront estimate over the phone.

7

Mosman Dental Surgery

Mosman, Sydney NSW · **Rating:** 4.9/5 (Google) · **Pricing:** $$ (known for clear fee estimates before treatment) · **Hours:** Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm, Sat 9:00am–1:00pm

Rating:
4.9/5 (Google)
Pricing:
$$ (known for clear fee estimates before treatment)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm, Sat 9:00am–1:00pm
Address:
Suite 1D, 1 Spit Road, Mosman NSW 2088

Mosman Dental Surgery is a long-running Lower North Shore family practice built on gentle family dentistry and preventive recalls. The practice uses digital intraoral X-rays and OPG, and its child-friendly approach makes it a strong choice for families who need baseline radiographs for children's orthodontic assessment.

This is the entry we point to for the no-surprise-fee angle. If you have been burned by unexpected dental bills before, ask Mosman Dental Surgery (or any practice on this list) for a written itemised quote before your radiographs — a good practice will always provide one.

8

Dental on Clarendon

South Melbourne VIC · **Rating:** 4.8/5 (Google) · **Pricing:** $$–$$$ (itemised quotes before treatment) · **Hours:** Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm, Sat 9:00am–1:00pm

Rating:
4.8/5 (Google)
Pricing:
$$–$$$ (itemised quotes before treatment)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm, Sat 9:00am–1:00pm
Address:
383 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205

Dental on Clarendon is an established South Melbourne practice with a focus on family and cosmetic dentistry. It offers digital X-rays, OPG and general dentistry with a patient-centred approach, and is popular with local families for its flexible hours.

For inner-Melbourne residents, Dental on Clarendon provides a convenient option with on-site imaging and a team known for taking the time to explain what each X-ray is for and why it is needed — exactly the transparent approach we recommend patients look for.

9

Adelaide DentalCare

Adelaide CBD, SA · **Rating:** 4.8/5 (Google) · **Pricing:** $$ (family-friendly fee schedule; CDBS claiming) · **Hours:** Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm

Rating:
4.8/5 (Google)
Pricing:
$$ (family-friendly fee schedule; CDBS claiming)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
Address:
Level 1, 45 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000

Adelaide DentalCare is a centrally located city practice offering general, preventive and family dentistry for patients of all ages. The Grenfell Street clinic provides digital X-rays, OPG, check-ups and cleans, and is well set up for families with children.

For Adelaide residents, this is a convenient CBD option with modern digital imaging equipment. The practice provides clear fee estimates before any X-ray is taken, so you can make an informed decision about your care.

10

Better Smiles Bondi Junction

Bondi Junction, Sydney NSW · **Rating:** 5.0/5 (Google) · **Pricing:** $$ (standard private fees; health fund claiming) · **Hours:** Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm, Sat 9:00am–1:00pm

Rating:
5.0/5 (Google)
Pricing:
$$ (standard private fees; health fund claiming)
Hours:
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm, Sat 9:00am–1:00pm
Address:
503/3 Waverley Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022

Better Smiles Bondi Junction is a full-service family dental clinic offering comprehensive care for all ages, from routine check-ups to advanced restorative and cosmetic treatments. Digital X-rays and OPG are available on-site for diagnostic imaging during general and emergency appointments.

For Sydney's Eastern Suburbs residents, Better Smiles provides a modern, patient-focused environment with transparent pricing. The practice welcomes CDBS-eligible patients and offers bulk-billed check-ups for children.

Dental X-Ray Costs in Australia

Fees vary by state, suburb and practice tier. The figures below are indicative private-practice prices for uninsured patients. The ADA state branch fee guides inform the ranges. Always ask for a written itemised quote before any X-ray is taken. A standard dental check-up that includes X-rays often costs between $120 and $250.

Medicare does not cover dental X-rays in private practice. Most private health extras funds cover between 60% and 100% of diagnostic imaging, depending on your level of cover and waiting periods. Eligible children aged 2–17 can have X-rays covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (cap approximately $1,026 per child over two consecutive calendar years — verify current rate on Services Australia). Many practices claim CDBS at the chair.

$25 – $55 Single intraoral X-ray (periapical)
$40 – $80 Bitewing X-rays — 2 images
$70 – $120 Bitewing X-rays — 4 images
$80 – $160 Panoramic X-ray (OPG)
$80 – $130 Cephalometric X-ray (ceph)
$250 – $600 CBCT (cone-beam CT, single region)

See our dental costs guide for full fee breakdowns.

How to Choose Where to Get Your Dental X-Ray

Ask these questions before you book.

  1. 1Question Five questions to ask yourself (or the practice) before booking.
  2. 2Question What type of X-ray do I actually need?
  3. 3Question Not every visit requires an X-ray. A standard check-up may only need two bitewings every two to three years for a low-risk adult. If a practice recommends an OPG or CBCT, ask the dentist to explain what clinical question the image will answer. If the answer is vague, seek a second opinion.
  4. 4Question Corporate chain or independent practice?
  5. 5Question Corporate groups like Bupa Dental and Pacific Smiles offer consistent pricing, extended hours and easy booking across multiple locations. Independents like LifeCare Dental or Mosman Dental Surgery often provide a more personalised feel and may offer more flexible itemised quotes. Both models can deliver excellent radiology — choose based on convenience and how the practice communicates.
  6. 6Question Can my health fund cover this on the spot?
  7. 7Question Before booking, call your fund or check the practice's website for Member First / preferred provider status. If you have extras cover, ask whether diagnostic X-rays are no-gap or gap-only at that practice. For Bupa members, Bupa Dental practices are often the cheapest out-of-pocket option.
  8. 8Question A written, itemised quote should list each X-ray type (e.g., '2 bitewings' or 'OPG'), the fee per item, the health fund benefit, and your estimated gap. Practices that refuse to provide this before the appointment should raise a red flag.
  9. 9Question When should I see a specialist instead?
  10. 10Question If you need implant planning, complex root canal treatment, or surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth, a general dentist may take the initial X-ray but refer you to a specialist practice like Smile Solutions for CBCT-guided treatment. Ask whether the 3D scan will happen in-house or at a separate imaging centre — it affects both cost and convenience.

How we ranked

We ranked these clinics using the criteria below.

Frequently Asked Questions

2. Are dental X-rays safe? How much radiation do they use?
Yes — dental X-rays are extremely safe when clinically justified. Australian dental X-ray units must comply with ARPANSA's Code of Practice for Radiation Protection in Dentistry. One bitewing exposes you to about 0.005 mSv, an OPG around 0.01–0.03 mSv, and a small-field CBCT roughly 0.01–0.1 mSv. For context, the average Australian receives 1.5–2.5 mSv per year from natural background radiation alone. Dentists follow the ALARA principle — As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
3. How often do I really need dental X-rays?
It depends on your risk level, not the calendar. Low-risk adults need bitewings every 2–3 years and an OPG every 2–5 years if clinically indicated. High-risk adults — those with active decay, dry mouth or multiple existing fillings — may need bitewings every 6–18 months. Children and adolescents typically need bitewings every 12–18 months depending on caries risk. CBCT is reserved for specific clinical questions that 2D imaging cannot answer.
4. Are dental X-rays covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
Medicare does not cover dental X-rays in private practice; it only covers dento-maxillofacial imaging in public hospitals. Private health extras funds generally cover 60–100% of diagnostic X-rays depending on your level of cover and waiting periods. Eligible children aged 2–17 can have X-rays covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Always ask the practice to check your eligibility before the appointment.
5. Can I say no to dental X-rays?
Yes, you can. Informed consent applies to dental radiographs just like any other procedure. However, if you refuse an X-ray that is clinically necessary — for example, to diagnose a toothache or plan a root canal — the dentist is entitled to decline non-emergency treatment that relies on that image. A good dentist will explain exactly why the X-ray is needed and what the risk of not taking it might be.
6. Are dental X-rays safe during pregnancy?
Australian guidelines recommend postponing non-urgent dental X-rays during pregnancy. If an X-ray is clinically necessary — for example, for a dental abscess — it can be taken with appropriate shielding (thyroid collar and lead apron) and minimal exposure. The radiation dose of a single dental X-ray is far below levels associated with any proven harm to a developing fetus. Always tell your dentist if you are pregnant or suspect you may be.
7. What is the difference between an OPG and a CBCT scan?
An OPG (orthopantomogram) is a 2D panoramic image of your whole mouth, showing all teeth, sinuses and jaw joints on a single film. A CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) scan produces a 3D image of a specific region, showing tooth roots, nerves and bone in cross-section. OPGs are used for general screening and wisdom tooth assessment; CBCT is the modern standard for implant planning, complex extractions and tricky root canal anatomy. CBCT costs more and delivers a slightly higher radiation dose.
8. Do children need dental X-rays? Is it covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Children with a history of decay, or those entering mixed dentition, may need bitewing X-rays every 12–18 months to catch decay between teeth early. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers X-rays for eligible children aged 2–17, with a benefit cap of approximately $1,026 per child over two consecutive calendar years — verify the current indexed rate on the Services Australia website. Parental consent is required before any X-ray of a child is taken.

Are you an Dental X-Rays provider in Australia?

Apply to be featured in our next update.

Apply to be featured

Disclosure: Practices in positions 1 to 3 are paid placements with do-follow links. Practices in positions 4 to 10 are listed editorially with no-follow links. Paid placement never affects positions 4 to 10. Read our full disclosures policy.