Dental Accountant in Sydney: Dental Industry Analysis
Quantum House acts as a dental accountant for practice owners, associate dentists and specialist clinics. In the video below, our team summarises IBISWorld’s 2024 report on dental services in Australia. It looks at how the industry has performed, what drives patient demand and the pressures on practice margins.
Tax and compliance issues for dental practices
Dentistry carries heavy fit-out and equipment costs. It also mixes employed and contracted clinicians, and its GST rules turn on the type of treatment. As a result, the numbers need closer attention than in most small businesses.
- GST: dental services are listed health services that can be GST-free. The provider must be a recognised professional, and the service must be necessary for appropriate treatment. The ATO sets out the test in its guide to GST-free health services. Therefore, a purely cosmetic service, or goods sold over the counter, may not qualify.
- Awards: dental assistants and other support staff are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.
- Associate dentists: contractor agreements need careful drafting. In NSW, Revenue NSW expressly includes dental clinics in its payroll tax guidance on relevant contracts. It explains when payments to practitioners are taxable and which exemptions apply.
- Super: contractors paid mainly for their labour can be eligible for super guarantee. Moreover, from 1 July 2026 contributions must reach the fund within 7 business days of payday.
- Equipment: chairs, imaging and fit-out are major capital costs. Consequently, depreciation, finance structure and purchase timing all affect tax and cash flow.
What a specialist dental accountant adds
A dental accountant looks beyond the tax return. First, we review how fees flow between the practice and each dentist, because that drives both payroll tax and super exposure. Then we compare your results with the ATO’s benchmarks for general dental surgeons to see whether costs sit in the normal range.
In addition, we help owners plan for growth or exit. For example, buying into a second practice, admitting a partner or selling to a corporate group each has different tax outcomes. Planning early usually produces a better result.
How Quantum House supports dental practices
- Bookkeeping, BAS, payroll and tax returns through our Sydney accounting services.
- Practice structuring and succession planning, including our guide to business succession planning.
- Monthly reporting and cash flow forecasting through our outsourced CFO services.
- Advice for medical and allied health clinics, described on our medical practice accounting page.
If you are looking for a dental accountant in Sydney, contact our team for an initial discussion.