Latest news with #dentalimplants
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
ZimVie Announces Launch of RealGUIDE® Dental Implant Software Suite and Implant Concierge® Service in Japan
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZimVie Inc. (Nasdaq: ZIMV), a global life sciences leader in the dental implant market, today announced the launch of its RealGUIDE® Software Suite and Implant Concierge® service in Japan. The launch of RealGUIDE and Implant Concierge in Japan expands dentists' access to a unique digital dental implant ecosystem—from implant planning to placement—with vertically integrated, end-to-end solutions. The dental implant market opportunity in Japan is significant, and Japan is ZimVie's largest market in the APAC region. 'We are proud to offer an innovative digital dentistry solution tailored to the needs of the Japanese market,' said Taishi Kondo, General Manager, Japan. 'These launches are a significant step forward in supporting our customers in delivering new practice efficiencies and high-quality implant care with confidence.' RealGUIDE software provides dentists with everything needed for precise implant planning, surgical guides, and restorative design to elevate patient care while delivering workflow, time, and cost efficiencies. The first complete cloud-based solution of its kind, RealGUIDE consists of several software modules that may be combined as desired for a thorough diagnosis, intended implant positioning, advanced surgical guide design, and cutting-edge restorative design and manufacturing. RealGUIDE software will be integrated with ZimVie's fully owned dental laboratory Dental Technology Institute (DTI) in Japan and its CAD/CAM milling workflow to provide clinicians with a seamless digital dentistry experience—from case planning to final restoration. Implant Concierge is a virtual outsourcing service that simplifies and streamlines implant treatment planning and guided surgery. A user-friendly platform with no upfront investment, it consolidates essential services to reduce complexity and accelerate case turnaround. The solution is fully scalable to support high-volume practices and seamlessly integrates with dental laboratories, ensuring a smooth workflow from start to finish. Together, an expert team of treatment planners, designers, and guided surgery support ensure accuracy and predictability for all experience levels. 'The rising adoption of dental implants presents a significant growth opportunity, and with it, a clear need for more efficient, accurate, and integrated treatment workflows,' said ZimVie CEO Vafa Jamali. 'Digital dentistry is at the forefront of this shift, quickly establishing itself as the new standard in implantology. We have seen tremendous traction in other markets with RealGUIDE and Implant Concierge and are excited to expand into yet another growing and increasingly sophisticated market.' For more information on ZimVie's RealGUIDE, Implant Concierge, dental implants, suite of connected solutions, and continuing education, please visit For more information about ZimVie Japan and DTI, please visit and About ZimVie ZimVie is a global life sciences leader in the dental market that develops, manufactures, and delivers a comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions designed to support dental tooth replacement and restoration procedures. From its headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and additional facilities around the globe, ZimVie works to improve smiles, function, and confidence in daily life by offering comprehensive tooth replacement solutions, including trusted dental implants, biomaterials, and digital workflow solutions. As a worldwide leader in this space, ZimVie is committed to advancing clinical science and technology foundational to restoring daily life. For more information about ZimVie, please visit us at Follow @ZimVie on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning ZimVie's expectations, plans, prospects, and product and service offerings, including new product launches and potential clinical successes. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of management and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. For a list and description of some of such risks and uncertainties, see ZimVie's periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in ZimVie's filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and ZimVie disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers of this press release are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, since there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary note is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Media Contact Information: ZimVie Grace Flowers • [email protected] (561) 319-6130 Investor Contact Information: Gilmartin Group LLC Webb Campbell • [email protected]
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Turkish Dental Provider Offers Hybrid Care Model with New London Consultation Clinic
Maltepe Dental Clinic became the first Turkish dental tourism provider to open a physical consultation and aftercare center in the UK, bridging access gaps caused by the NHS dentist shortage. Turkey, June 4, 2025 -- Maltepe Dental Clinic, a dental care provider headquartered in Istanbul, has launched a new consultation and aftercare facility in London. The move introduces a hybrid care model aimed at offering UK-based patients streamlined access to affordable dental treatment abroad while maintaining continuity of care locally. This model, a first among Turkish dental tourism providers, responds directly to increasing demand from British patients impacted by the ongoing NHS dentist shortage and the high cost of private dental services. Maltepe Dental Clinic is currently the only Turkish clinic operating its own physical dental facility in the UK, enabling patients to receive both pre-treatment consultations and post-treatment follow-ups close to home. Core dental procedures such as implants, crowns, and smile makeovers continue to be carried out at the clinic's modern Istanbul headquarters. Equipped with an in-house laboratory and advanced CAD/CAM technology, the facility supports high-precision dental work while keeping treatment costs lower than UK-based providers. The hybrid approach is emerging as a practical solution for UK residents struggling to find accessible and affordable dental care. According to government data and figures from the British Dental Association, one in four patients who sought NHS dental services in the past two years were unable to secure appointments. Additionally, nearly 96% of NHS practices are not accepting new adult patients. 'The crisis in NHS dental care has left patients with impossible choices—either wait in pain for months or take on excessive private fees,' said Dr. Alper Gürhan, chief clinical lead at Maltepe Dental Clinic. 'This model removes that dilemma. Patients can begin care in London, complete major procedures in Istanbul, and return home knowing they have access to follow-up care locally.' Dr. Gurhan noted that the initial response to the new London clinic has been encouraging. 'We've already seen a rise in consultation bookings since launching in London,' he said. 'People researching affordable dental treatments and comparing UK prices with treatment in Istanbul now arrive at our London Clinic to simplify dental tourism. Knowing they can begin their journey here and return for follow-ups removes the biggest worry about post-treatment care abroad. Patients begin their treatment journey with a consultation in London. At this stage, diagnostics are conducted, and detailed treatment plans are developed. They then travel to Istanbul, where the core procedures are performed. Upon returning to the UK, patients can receive aftercare—including checkups and adjustments—through the London facility. This consistent support throughout the process offers reassurance for individuals new to dental tourism. Beyond continuity of care, Maltepe Dental Clinic hopes its UK presence will help challenge lingering perceptions about dental treatment overseas. The Istanbul site is staffed by bilingual professionals fluent in both English and Turkish, offering a familiar environment for patients who may be hesitant about traveling abroad for medical services. The clinic is also committed to quality assurance, with six international certifications and high ratings on platforms including Trustpilot and Google Reviews. Founded in 2002, Maltepe Dental Clinic has treated more than 14,000 patients from over 85 countries. The clinic's expansion into the UK reflects an evolving global healthcare landscape in which cross-border services are increasingly considered a viable alternative to domestic options. With delays in NHS access and rising local treatment costs, more British patients are now evaluating dental tourism as a feasible choice. The clinic's Istanbul headquarters integrates advanced digital tools such as 3D imaging and CAD/CAM manufacturing. This internal infrastructure allows for greater control over treatment accuracy and timing. An on-site laboratory enables the team to fabricate crowns, veneers, and other restorations in-house, helping reduce overall patient wait times. For many UK patients, the hybrid model strikes a balance between affordability, accessibility, and quality. Those who may have previously viewed overseas care as risky or disconnected now have the option of local engagement with the same provider throughout their treatment process. It's a new path forward for individuals navigating the challenges of finding an NHS dentist or managing the cost of complex procedures. With the London consultation center now open in North London, Maltepe Dental Clinic invites patients to explore this hybrid approach—combining the benefits of advanced treatment in Istanbul with the convenience of a local presence in the UK. Whether patients are exploring dental tourism for the first time or seeking reliable aftercare for procedures completed abroad, the clinic aims to deliver a more seamless experience. About Maltepe Dental Clinic Maltepe Dental Clinic is a full-service dental provider based in Istanbul, Turkey. Established in 2002, the clinic specializes in cosmetic and restorative treatments, including implants, crowns, veneers, and Digital Smile Design. The clinic operates its own in-house dental laboratory and employs a multilingual team. In 2022, Maltepe expanded into the UK with a consultation and aftercare center in London, reinforcing its commitment to patient care and accessibility. The clinic is recognized for its role in advancing affordable dental tourism and continues to innovate in response to global healthcare challenges. Contact Info: Name: Alper Gurhan Email: Send Email Organization: Maltepe Dental Clinic Address: Kosuyolu Cad. No:51 Kadikoy/Istanbul 34718 Phone: +905438626601 Website: Release ID: 89161548 In case of detection of errors, concerns, or irregularities in the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we strongly encourage you to reach out promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will be at your disposal for immediate assistance within 8 hours – resolving identified issues diligently or guiding you through the removal process. We take great pride in delivering reliable and precise information to our valued readers.
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
My face COLLAPSED after botched Turkey teeth op – it's like broken glass smashed in my head & pain worse than childbirth
A MUM says her face collapsed and she was left in the 'worst pain of her life' after a botched dental procedure in Turkey went horribly wrong. Leanne Abeyance, 40, from Telford, Shropshire, flew out for dental implants to replace her 13-year-old veneers — but claims the trip left her disfigured and in constant agony. 11 11 11 11 11 The mum-of-two said she was advised by a Turkish dentist to undergo a sinus lift, bone grafts and have 15 implants fitted — eight on the top and seven on the bottom. DJ Leanne had all her teeth pulled, the implants inserted and returned to the UK, with a plan to go back months later for permanent crowns. But just weeks after the screws were fitted, Leanne said she began suffering with severe headaches, sinus infections, and noticed her face was starting to change shape. 'I'm in the worst pain of my life and I'm in and out of A&E,' said Leanne. 'I can't even touch my face. It feels like broken glass being smashed in my face and smeared around. I've been in a flood of tears." 'My face has collapsed. I'll never have a nice smile. "At the minute, I don't have any teeth in, just screws sticking out. The pain is worse than childbirth.' She initially chose to go abroad because the same work in the UK would have cost £40,000 — whereas the Turkish clinic quoted £8,000. Leanne paid £3,000 upfront and was due to pay the rest after the final fitting. 'When the first lot of injections went in and they started to remove my teeth, I could feel everything,' she said. 'I had about 25 injections in six hours. "The sinus lift felt like they were hammering something up my nose. 'It was like a horror movie that I was fully awake for. "I got picked up and taken back to a nice hotel where fellow customers were there having the same done. "I was on the phone to my friends and family crying my eyes out because I was in so much pain and there on my own. You can't eat because your mouth is so swollen and there are screws sticking out so I was starving.' Leanne left the surgery in May last year happy with her temporary smile, but the pain began before she even got on the flight home. 'In the airport, my face started to hurt so much I was literally buying cups of ice and putting them on my face,' she said. 'My face was black and blue like I'd been in a huge fight. "In the UK, I thought it was all worth it because it was the start of a perfect smile and feeling pretty. Four months later, I'm starting to get bad headaches, toothache where there are no teeth, and sinus problems which I'd never had before.' Despite multiple courses of antibiotics and even an overnight hospital stay on an IV drip, the pain wouldn't go away. A scan at Droitwich Dental Studio in March revealed that two implants had pierced her nasal cavity. 'One implant pierced through my sinuses and the other is in my nose,' she said. 11 11 11 Leanne is now fundraising for private corrective surgery, which she's been told could cost up to £45,000. Her dentist says she may need to have all of the implants removed and redone. 'The pain I'm in is excruciating,' she said. 'It's not as easy as walk in, walk out to the perfect smile like celebrities say. 'There's no such thing as the perfect white smile. I'm not asking for sympathy or anything for free. Now it's a waiting game. My dentist in Droitwich has been great and I'll be using them again in the future. 'I'm ready to have them all cut out and have horrible dentures, but hopefully it will stop the pain I'm in. I can't work, my face swells up, I get bad headaches, nose bleeds, mood swings and my mental health through the roof. 'I've lost two stone in weight and I feel like I'm failing as a mother to my two beautiful daughters. 'I don't want to be seen in public. "My mental health is severely suffering, I can't DJ, I can't be my happy, lively self and can't even do a caravan holiday with the kids. "It's been the worst year of my life. I just want it to be over.' What are the risks of getting surgery abroad? IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad. It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks. Safety standards in different countries may not be as high. No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad. If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment. Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK. Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems. Source: NHS 11 11
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Mum shares horrifying photos of Turkey teeth op gone wrong – and warns ‘the perfect smile doesn't exist'
TEMPTED by glossy social media ads and the low cost of treatment abroad, Leanne, from Telford, Shropshire, decided to fly to Turkey to fix her broken smile. But her dreams of a perfect Hollywood grin were soon shattered when the op turned horror ordeal left her with chronic sinusitus, a swollen face, nosebleeds and "excruciating" pain. 7 7 The mum-of-two, who's also a professional DJ, was living in Turkey in 2009. In need of a filling, she visited a Turkish dentist who went on to offer her a dental bridge and veneers. She said: "My teeth had been ok before, but a dentist in the UK pulled out three teeth she thought were milk teeth because they were small. "So I had a dental plate and hated it. "When I went to the Turkish dentist he said he could make me a bridge and veneers - at the age of 26 who doesn't want the perfect teeth and smile?" Leanne was well aware veneers have a shelf life, usually of 10 years. She continued: "I got around 13 years out of mine, I always knew I'd need implants next." But after enquiring about treatment in the UK, Leanne was told it would cost well over £40,000. She said: "So I looked online, plucked up enough courage and money, and flew out to Antalya for dental implants." On April 2024, she checked into ES Clinic in Turkey for an initial consultation. I went to Turkey to get the perfect Snapchat filter face but my op was more like a horror film - my eye no longer shuts Leanne was told the procedure would involve inserting four screws into the top of her jawbone, and four on the bottom. She would then have temporary teeth put over the top and be required to return four/five months later to have a bracket of 12 teeth on top and bottom screwed in. But because she'd previously had a dental plate, she was informed she'd also need a bone graft, sinus lift and extra screws. Describing the first day of her treatment, Leanne said: "The first lot of injections went in and they started to remove my teeth. I could feel everything. "After around 20 injections I could still feel it, and when they had the suction tool in my mouth I kept choking and gagging. "The sinus lift was like a hammer and felt like them hammering something up. "It's like a horror movie that you're fully awake for." After the first day of treatment was over with, she was picked up and taken back to the hotel she was staying at, where she met other customers having the same procedure done. She said: "You're given ice packs to use, but I couldn't think of anything worse than ice when you have toothache. "So I made some makeshift hot water bottles with two water bottles. "I was there on my own and on the phone to family and friends crying my eyes out because I was in so much pain. "I was also very hungry, but you can't eat because your mouth is so swollen and there were screws sticking out." 7 7 7 Despite being in pain from the procedure, which left her with substantial bruising, Leanne was initially happy with the results of the temporary implants and started feeling "pretty" again just two weeks after the ordeal. She said: "I couldn't have been happier, I was in pain but still smiling. "In the airport on the way home my face started to hurt so much, I was literally buying cups of ice and putting them on my face. "My face was black and blue like id been in a huge fight. "But when I got back to the UK did I think it was it all worth it? Yes, the start of a perfect smile and to feel pretty." But, just a month after having her temporary implants fitted, Leanne started experiencing problems that would eventually result in painful blisters forming in her nose, leaving her face disfigured. She recalled: "I started to get bad headaches, toothache where there were no teeth, and sinus problems, which I'd never had before. "I was in and out of the doctors and given antibiotics. But nothing was clearing this. "Then my face started to change shape, my nose was so sore, I couldn't even touch it. "It felt like broken glass being smashed in my face and being smeared around. It still feels like that today." Worried about the implants, Leanne went to seek help from her dentist in the UK, but says she was met with 'I told you not to go to Turkey so i'm not seeing you'. Leanne said: "I left the dentist in floods of tears. So I went to a private dentist who did a scan and confirmed all the implants were in as they should be." A year later, she still hasn't had the final implants fitted and she's taking back-to-back antibiotics to manage the pain. She said: "I'm getting messages off the Turkish dentist saying to come back to get them finished, but because I'm on all these different antibiotics I don't want to go back over until the infection has cleared. "I constantly get treated for sinusitis. "I got hospitalised over night on an IV feed and got sent home the following day because there was Covid on the wards. "I'm currently in the worst pain of my life going back and forth to A&E. Five different hospitals have said 'we cant do anything'." Leanne has since visited another private dentist who did a 4D scan of her head and was able to confirm what's going on. She said: "One implant has pierced through my sinuses, the other is in my nose. "He couldn't tell me if we could keep any because it's not as easy as just pulling them out like teeth. These are grafted into my bones and have to be surgically removed in hospital." The dentist has referred Leanne to Maxillofacial Clinic for treatment and she's currently waiting for an appointment. She added: "The pain i'm in is excruciating. It's not as easy as 'walk in, walk out' to get the perfect smile like celebs say. "I don't ask for sympathy, but I urge people if they are young and want this perfect white smile there is no such thing. "Now it's a waiting game to have them all cut out and have horrible dentures, but hopefully it will stop the pain I'm in. "I feel so ugly now, I cant go and DJ. One, my face couldn't handle it, and two, the pressure and noise would make my head explode. "I should be going back to Ibiza and doing lots of festivals, but I just want to hide in my room and be locked away from everyone. "My face swells up, I have bad headaches, nose bleeds, mood swings, and my mental health is through the roof. "I just want it to be over. Leanne is currently fundraising for private treatment. To donate, click here. ES Clinic has been contacted for comment. Going abroad for medical treatment IF you're thinking about having medical treatment in another country, it's important to understand how it works and the risks involved. Going for medical treatment abroad is not easy and a GP or NHS England can only do so much to help you. You'll have to make the arrangements yourself, including finding a healthcare provider and making all the travel arrangements. This means it's important to do some research and gather enough information to make an informed choice. You should consider: any language barriers whether you know enough about the people who'll treat you and the facilities available communication between medical staff abroad and in the UK, such as exchanging medical records and arranging aftercare back home how to make a complaint if things go wrong – the NHS is not liable for negligence or failure of treatment You'll need to be aware of how your aftercare will be provided when you return home and understand the conditions under which you'll be treated abroad. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance. Most travel insurance policies will not cover you for planned treatment abroad, so you may need specialist cover. Follow the treatment abroad checklist from the NHS: Think about your reasons for going abroad: Make sure your decision is based on the quality of the medical care you would like to receive and not on how appealing the destination seems for a holiday. Know the warning signs: Think carefully before booking any treatment abroad if there is a hard sell, lack of information, pressure to make a quick decision, no discussion of possible complications, and no mention of aftercare. Get a second opinion: A doctor can give you a valuable second opinion as well as advice about treatment options and whether it's necessary. Do your research: Have you checked the qualifications of the medical team treating you? Have you been able to ask them questions about your treatment? Are you satisfied with the facilities and standards at the clinic or hospital where you'll be treated? Check if you can get funding for treatment abroad: Before considering paying for treatment abroad yourself, find out if you're eligible to receive funding for planned treatment in Europe. Aftercare and possible side effects or complications: Make sure you understand the possible complications and side effects that could arise from your treatment. Do the maths: If your main reason for going abroad is to save money, make sure you've factored in fluctuating exchange rates, the possibility of extending your stay if necessary and the cost of possible return trips. Check you're sufficiently insured: Before travelling abroad for treatment make sure you have appropriate travel insurance and tell your insurer about your plans to have treatment abroad. Source: NHS 7 7
ABC News
27-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Supercare Dental and Cosmetics patients left with missing teeth and superannuation after clinics collapse
Melinda Amourous was slowly losing her top teeth and struggling with self-confidence when she visited a Supercare Dental and Cosmetics clinic in 2022. It offered what seemed like the ideal solution: a full mouth of dental implants, giving her the perfect smile. The cost was $48,000, but they reassured her they would help the single mother of four apply to the tax office to access her superannuation. "I have never spent that kind of money ever in my life. I literally jumped at the chance because it's not anything I would ever be able to afford on my own," Ms Amourous said. Three years later, she has lost more than half her total superannuation balance, cannot eat without removing her teeth, has a bleeding mouth and had to superglue her broken temporary implant dentures together so she can leave the house. "I've missed birthday parties, weddings, school reunions — all sorts of things — because there was just no chance in hell I was putting myself out there for people to look at me with no teeth in." Despite dozens of emails and phone calls to the Kotara Supercare Dental and Cosmetics clinic and its owners, Ms Amourous has been unable to have the work repaired. ABC NEWS can reveal Supercare Dental and Cosmetics was struggling to keep staff after repeatedly failing to pay its dentists. Ms Amourous is among hundreds of patients across the country who have paid millions of dollars up-front for dental work not yet completed at Supercare Dental and Cosmetics clinics, according to a report to creditors. The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission has begun an investigation into the company's Kotara branch after reviewing documents from Ms Amourous showing the standard of care she received. "They are highly, highly unprofessional. I have been through horrific physical pain as well," Ms Amourous said. WARNING: This section contains a reference to suicide. ABC NEWS has spoken to more than a dozen former staff and patients of Supercare Dental and Cosmetics after two of its clinics at Kotara and Tuggerah and a related entity, Usman Dental Pty Ltd, were placed into voluntary administration last month. Late Tuesday, the NSW Supreme Court ordered Usman Dental Pty Ltd be wound up and a liquidator appointed to take control of the company. A hearing will be held to determine the fate of the Tuggerah clinic later on Wednesday. Supercare Dental and Cosmetics has three other NSW clinics — at Penrith, Wilton and Corrimal. As of last week, the company was still taking bookings for new patients at some clinics, even as patients battled to get their money back for unfinished treatment. Do you have a story to share? Email A preliminary report issued to creditors revealed the three entities under administration have a deficit of $5.76 million. It listed "defective work performed by contractors, unrecoverable loans to related entities, inadequate cash flow and high cash use, and poor financial control" as reasons behind the company's failure. There were more than 441 patients between the Kotara and Tuggerah clinic who appeared to have paid over $2.1 million dollars for dental work yet to be delivered, the administrator's report to creditors stated. Much of that money, according to patients and former dentists who worked for Supercare Dental and Cosmetics, was likely to have come from patient superannuation balances. On May 14, the Kotara and Tuggerah clinics posted on Facebook confirming it had entered voluntary administration. It reassured patients the practice would continue to "operate as normal and all scheduled and ongoing treatments are proceeding as planned". A report issued to creditors noted that the administrator's review found "the companies clearly traded while insolvent" and that at least one of the companies "became clearly insolvent by 30 June 2024, however there remains arguments for an earlier date of insolvency". Company records show the director of the three entities under administration is Syma Usman, the wife of dentist Dr Khurram Usman, who treated patients and provided treatment plans at some of the clinics. The combined report to creditors noted Ms Usman may be guilty of two offences under the Corporations Act — failure to exercise due care and diligence and failure to prevent insolvent trading, both of which can carry civil penalties. Five dentists who worked for the company told ABC NEWS they were collectively owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages and were concerned for patient welfare. Several former staff described the company as "predatory" and "aggressive" in pushing patients to withdraw their superannuation to pay for treatment plans, costing tens of thousands dollars. "I've noticed they kept increasing prices, they were at $70,000 for the most expensive treatment but I noticed them trying to increase to $80,000 or $100,000 for a full mouth of implants," one dentist told ABC NEWS. "They are very aggressive in pushing people to take out their superannuation," the dentist said, adding patients were often lower to middle-class with little financial literacy or way of accessing cash other than from their superannuation. "My worry is someone will look at the facts and say my money is gone and might commit suicide." The case reflects a growing concern about the rising number of Australians who are applying for compassionate early release of superannuation to fund medical and dental procedures, with more than a billion dollars accessed last financial year. Dental treatment made up more than half that number, surging to half a billion dollars last financial year — a figure that has more than tripled in the past three years. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) allows patients to withdraw their superannuation to pay for medical and dental work to treat a life-threatening illness or injury, or to alleviate acute or chronic pain. ATO rules do not allow superannuation to be used for cosmetic dental procedures. Despite that, multiple Supercare Dental and Cosmetics advertisements spruiked that dental implants and porcelain veneers "to achieve the smile you've always wanted" were "potentially affordable through your super fund". Speaking more broadly, Xavier O'Halloran, CEO of Super Consumers Australia, said there was now a whole industry of businesses set up to help patients access their superannuation to pay for surgical and dental work. "Some charge fees of around $700 in order to just access super from the ATO, which is a free process, so no one should be paying for that." Mr O'Halloran said some patients did not realise you needed to pay extra tax of up to 22 per cent when withdrawing superannuation early, which can already have a huge impact on your super balance at retirement age. "If you're taking out something in the order of $50,000, you could pretty easily be in excess of $100,000 worse off by the time you retire," he said. "The promotion of these kind of early release schemes leave a lot to be desired and I don't think the promoters have the best interests of consumers at heart. "We can see that through the excessive fees and the coaching practises that have been involved in order to get people to take their money out of super," Mr O'Halloran said, adding it was a practice he believed should be banned. Supercare Dental and Cosmetics patients have had little success getting their money back even after multiple complaints to the ATO, fair trading and healthcare regulators. Newcastle woman Clorissa Bishop said she was left "heartbroken", $22,000 out-of-pocket and with unfinished dental work, as a result of Supercare Dental and Cosmetics' Kotara clinic going into voluntary administration. Ms Bishop, 42, took $55,000 out of her superannuation to fix lifelong issues with her teeth and gums. She says she was also taxed an additional $15,000 when withdrawing her superannuation. Supercare Dental and Cosmetics assisted her to get approval from the ATO and Ms Bishop transferred them the entire amount, as required under the contract she signed. Treatment to have her top teeth removed and replaced with implants began at the Kotara clinic in August 2024, with a dentist who flew in from the Gold Coast. Halfway through the treatment, Ms Bishop says she was warned by the dentist that the company was in financial difficulty. The dentist told her to ask for a refund for work yet to be completed but she was unable to get her money back. Ms Bishop said she was a "mess" when she learnt Supercare Dental and Cosmetics had gone into voluntary administration. "I spoke to the Tax Office and there's nothing they can do." Ms Bishop has made a claim to the administrator for $22,000. She has had no follow-up appointments for her upper teeth implants and her tongue does not sit properly in her mouth. Ms Bishop's lower teeth remain unfixed. "I now can't afford to get that work done and just have to live with it." A former patient of the Tuggerah clinic said Supercare Dental and Cosmetics exaggerated his condition in documents submitted to the ATO by saying he was in a lot of pain when he wasn't. David, who did not want his last name used, withdrew $13,000 from his superannuation but about four months into the treatment, was told by Supercare Dental and Cosmetics that his dentist had left and the work could not be finished. Emails earlier this month from Supercare Dental and Cosmetics' "customer success coordinator" informed David the company was in voluntary administration and the dentists that practiced from their clinics were "independent and responsible for their own treatment and patient care". Even though David paid Supercare Dental and Cosmetics directly, the staff member advised him to contact the treating dentist at his new clinic. That dentist told ABC NEWS his lawyer had advised him to stop treating Supercare Dental and Cosmetics patients because he had not been paid for months and was owed tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid wages. Ms Amourous — who is still wearing her superglued dentures, which cause her pain — said she was also told to directly contact the dentist who did the work to pursue any claims. Emails provided to ABC NEWS show Supercare Dental and Cosmetics staff told Ms Amourous "as a facility provider, we are not the ones who performed the treatment" and said they could assist her to sue the dentist that treated her. "Compensation must be pursued through Dr. [name redacted] insurance or via legal action against Dr. [ name redacted] directly]," the email stated. "We are happy to refer you to a solicitor who specialises in these types of cases if you would like legal representation to pursue compensation directly from Dr. [name redacted]." Ms Amourous said she was then told that after the dentist personally refunded her, she could then pay that money back to Supercare Dental and Cosmetics for a second time to do the repairs. Eventually Ms Amourous was seen by a new dentist at Supercare Dental and Cosmetics last year who she said agreed the work was not up to scratch and offered to fix it. Shortly after that, the new dentist advised he was not being paid either and had left the clinic. Almost three years after the process started, Ms Amourous is still waiting to have her teeth fixed. At 53 years old, she cares for four children, including one with a disability. She remains toothless and said she would never have enough superannuation to comfortably retire. "I have been through horrific physical pain. I've kind of been screaming out for somebody to hear me." Supercare Dental and Cosmetics did not respond to questions before deadline. A creditors meeting is due to be held this Thursday.
