nib preferred provider
nib dentist in Toowoomba — First Choice network provider
Southside Dental Toowoomba is part of nib's First Choice dental network. For nib members, that means we charge nib's agreed rates for common treatments, which lowers your out-of-pocket cost and stretches your extras limit further. Unsure what you're covered for? Call us and we'll check.
How nib's First Choice network works
nib's First Choice network is a group of dentists who've agreed to charge nib members a set, reduced fee — nib calls it an "agreed rate" — for a range of common treatments. Because the fee is lower, the gap between what nib pays and what you pay is smaller, and less of your annual limit is used up per visit. nib reports that visits to network dentists cost its members around 15% less on average than non-network visits.
This applies across preventive care and general treatment alike: check-ups, scale and cleans, fluoride, X-rays, fillings, extractions and root canal treatment. Your benefit is still calculated on your level of cover, so what you get back varies by policy, and annual limits and waiting periods apply.
nib has announced changes from 1 October 2026 to how some dental benefits are paid when members see a dentist outside the First Choice network. If you're with nib, it's worth reading nib's notice on this and checking your cover. Details are at nib.com.au — nib's page is the source of truth and the program can change.
What that means at Southside Dental
Our preventive fees are already capped — the 6-monthly active maintenance visit (examination 012, scale and clean 114, fluoride 121) is $220, and the $199 new patient offer adds two X-rays (022 ×2) and a treatment plan. Where nib's agreed rate for an item is lower than our standard fee, you're charged the agreed rate. Either way, $220 or $199 is the most you'll be charged for those visits, before your nib benefit comes off.
For fillings, crowns, root canal and other treatment, the same principle applies: nib's agreed rates where they apply, a written quote before anything begins, and you pay the gap on the day. Our full fee schedule with item codes is on the pricing page.
Check with nib, or let us check for you
- Ask nib. Log in to your nib member account or the nib app to see your dental limits and waiting periods, or call nib on 13 16 42. You can confirm we're in the network with nib's Find a Provider tool — nib recommends checking before every booking, as practices can join or leave the network.
- Ask us. Call 07 4635 1444 or send your membership number via our contact form. We'll run a HICAPS quote and tell you exactly what you'd pay on the day for a check-up and clean, before you book.
Claiming on the day
Bring your nib card or use the digital card in the nib app. We claim through HICAPS at reception — the benefit comes straight off the bill and you pay only the gap. nib requires First Choice providers to offer electronic claiming, so there's never any paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Is Southside Dental an nib preferred provider?
Yes — we're a First Choice network provider. Search "Southside Dental Toowoomba" in nib's Find a Provider tool to confirm.
Is my check-up free with nib?
It depends on your policy. Some nib extras products pay 100% of the agreed rate for preventive items, which makes the visit gap-free; others pay a percentage. Check your member account, or send us your membership number and we'll run a quote.
What's an "agreed rate"?
A fee nib and the practice have agreed on for a given item, which is lower than average. You're charged that fee rather than the standard fee, so your gap is smaller and your annual limit goes further.
I'm with a brand that uses nib — GU Health, Qantas Insurance, AAMI, Suncorp, Apia or similar. Does this apply to me?
Generally yes. Several insurers issue health cover underwritten by nib, and their members can usually access the First Choice network. Check with your insurer, or we can check when you give us your membership details.
Does the $199 new patient offer work with nib?
Yes. It's claimable on standard item codes (011, 114, 121, 022 ×2). We claim on the spot, and $199 is the most you'll pay.
What changes on 1 October 2026?
nib has said the amount members get back may change when visiting a dentist who isn't in the First Choice network. Because we're in the network, your benefits with us aren't affected by that change — but read nib's notice for the details of your own policy.
Ready to book?
Book online, or contact us first if you'd like your nib cover confirmed. Other funds: HCF · CBHS · Westfund · all health funds.