FIRST VISIT

Our aim is to provide you with all the information needed to make informed decisions about managing your health.

Booking Your First Visit

To book an initial consultation please either 


Urgent Appointments

Advise the staff if the matter is urgent and we will endeavour to arrange an expedited appointment.

Appointment Types

First appointments generally fall into two categories.

 

Comprehensive Examination

For patients looking for complete assessment of their teeth, gums, jaw, and other hard and soft tissues. This is the best option if you are looking for a new general dentist, or if you feel you may have more than one dental issue to address.

 

Emergency Examination

For patients in pain, or with any sort of other dental emergency (e.g. a broken tooth, or lost filling), the doctor will assess this specific tooth or area in the mouth. We will do our best to ensure that we get you out of pain on the day of your appointment.

What to Bring?

A medical history form will be emailed to you for you to complete prior to your first appointment with us. Alternatively, please attend the practice 10 minutes early to fill out the form in person.

 

Please bring any other information that relates to your medical history, as well as your health fund card (if applicable). 

 

Other Information

  • Private Health Fund Card
  • Medicare Card (for children covered under the Children’s Dental Benefits Scheme)
  • DVA Card
  • List of Current Medications
  • List of any allergies to pharmaceuticals or other
  • Details of any dental specialists that you are

During Your First Visit

You should expect to be greeted at reception upon arrival and then seen by the doctor.

 

Medical History 

During your first visit you and the doctor will discuss:

  • General health and Medications,
  • Previous dental treatment and problems, 
  • Current symptoms and related health, 
  • Risk factors, lifestyle and family history

 
Honesty is important as it provides all the information needed to assess and properly treat you.


Examination

The doctor will perform a clinical examination of your teeth and mouth. Your tongue, neck and jaw will also be examined.


Diagnostic Imaging
You will require diagnostic testing to fully assess your dental health. This can include x-rays to check for decay and assess your bone level, “cold testing” to check the nerves of your teeth, or other types of diagnostic testing. The doctor will discuss these with you before performing testing.


Diagnosis

After reviewing any diagnostic results, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment.

Deciding on Treatment

Treatment Options

You will be recommended multiple treatment options, as well as referral to a specialist (if applicable). Potential risks and complications will be discussed with you.


Recommendations
If you have any specific concerns or fears regarding your condition or treatment, we recommend speaking to the doctor, or contacting the practice for clarification.

 

Fees

Fees will be discussed with you prior to proceeding with any type of treatment.

 

Treatment Plans

If you require multiple appointments, you will be provided with a treatment plan. This details costs, appointment lengths, and item number codes.

Appointment Policy

Appointment Policy

Your time is valuable. Our practice endeavours to run on schedule and your punctual attendance will assist this. We will do our best to notify you should the doctor run late, however sometimes this can happen with little notice. We appreciate your patience while we provide care and attention to other patients during their treatment.

 

Late Arrivals

We do understand that circumstances may arise unexpectedly, however, late arrivals can compromise the service we are able to provide to you, and can also inconvenience other patients. 


We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but in some instances, appointments may need to be rescheduled.


Cancellation and No Show Policy

We do ask that you contact us and give at least 24 hours notice should you need to reschedule or cancel your booking.


Regular cancellations, or unattended appointments without notice, may incur a cancellation fee. We consider this a last resort, as our motivating concern is the quality of service we are able to provide you and our other patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are your business hours?

    Our practice is open from 8.30am – 5.00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We are also open on regular Saturdays from 8.00am – 12.00pm.

  • How Long is a First Visit?

    Allow one hour for your first visit to Family Dental Practice. For children, allow thirty minutes. 

  • Can I Bring a Friend or Family?

    You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. Please be aware that for some procedures we may ask that they remain in the waiting room; however, they are more than welcome to be in the treatment room with you before and after treatment has commenced. 

  • What if I Am Pregnant?

    It is safe to have most dental treatments while you are pregnant. In fact, it’s very important to continue your regular check-ups and cleans as you’re at higher risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental issues whilst pregnant. 

  • What Health Funds do you accept?

    We accept all Australian Private Health Funds, and have a HICAPS terminal available at the practice. This means you only need to pay the gap fee for your dental treatment.

  • Do you take Medicare?

    Medicare covers dental treatment for some children under the age of 18 under the Children’s Dental Benefit Scheme. If your child is covered under this scheme, you can lodge your receipt with Medicare and be reimbursed the full cost of their dental treatment.

  • Do you take DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs) patients?

    Yes. Please bring your DVA card to your appointment, and the cost for your dental treatment will be fully covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

  • Do you have payment plans?

    Yes. Our practice can provide payment plans with ZipPay to help spread out the cost of more complex or expensive treatment. Please ask our staff about your options.

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