Joining the practice as a new patient.

Making your first booking

You can book online at any hour, phone 08 9447 1514 during opening hours or stop by the front desk. You don’t need a referral. Just tell us it is your first visit, so we allow enough time for a full examination.

When you book, mention anything that will help us plan: a particular problem such as a chipped tooth or sensitivity, whether you feel nervous, whether you are bringing children and the name of your previous dentist if you would like your records moved across.

If you are in pain, say so when you call rather than waiting for a routine new‑patient appointment. We will try to see you sooner for the urgent problem and arrange a full check‑up afterwards.

How a first check‑up runs

A first visit usually starts with a form and a conversation, then moves on to the examination. X‑rays are taken only if they are needed, and a clean is included where time allows. The general order is:

• Forms: your contact details and a medical history form, so arriving a few minutes early helps.
• A conversation about why you have come in, anything you have noticed and how you feel about dental visits.
• A full examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks and jaw joints, checking for decay, wear, gum health and any changes in the soft tissues.
• X‑rays, only if they are needed to see between teeth or below the gum line. We take these on site.
• A scale and clean, where time allows and it is appropriate for you.
• A summary of what we found, the options for any treatment and a written estimate for anything planned.

Why your medical history matters

Your general health and your mouth are closely linked, and some conditions and medicines change how dental care should be planned. That is why the form asks questions that may seem to have little to do with teeth.

For example, blood-thinning medicines can affect bleeding after an extraction. Some medicines used for osteoporosis or cancer can affect how the jaw bone heals. Diabetes is associated with gum disease, and certain heart conditions may mean antibiotics are recommended before some procedures. Pregnancy, allergies (including to latex or medicines) and any previous reaction to local anaesthetic are also important to know. If you are about to have surgery or start treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, let us know, as a dental check beforehand is often recommended.

Please list every medicine you take, including over‑the‑counter products, vitamins and herbal supplements, and let us know whenever anything changes. Your answers are kept confidential as part of your health record.

Moving across from another dentist

If you have seen another dentist recently, your previous records can save time and sometimes avoid repeating x‑rays. You can ask your old practice to send your records and x‑rays to us, or give us their details and we can request them on your behalf with your written consent.

Records usually include x‑rays, a chart of existing fillings and crowns, and notes about past treatment. Older x‑rays are useful even when new ones are needed, because comparing them shows how things have changed over time.

If you are partway through treatment elsewhere, such as a root canal or a course of gum care, tell us when you book. Bring any treatment plans or referral letters so we can see where things are up to.

A child’s first dental visit

The Australian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit when a child’s first tooth appears or by around 12 months of age, whichever happens first. These early appointments are short. Your child might sit on your lap, look at the chair and let us count their teeth while we talk with you about brushing, bottles, snacks and drinks.

From 18 months to six years, children generally need only a pea‑sized amount of low‑fluoride toothpaste, and we can show you how to brush small teeth effectively. For older children who are new to us, it helps to talk positively about the visit beforehand and avoid words like “hurt” or “needle”.

A parent or guardian should come along and is welcome to stay in the room. If your child may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, bring their Medicare card. Our children’s dentistry page has more on early visits.

Paying for your care

Fees are usually settled at the end of each appointment. If your extras cover includes dental, we can lodge your claim through HICAPS at the time, so you only pay the difference between the fee and your rebate.

How much your fund pays depends on your policy, including your level of cover, any waiting periods and how much of your annual limit you have used. For a larger treatment plan, ask for the item numbers so you can check with your fund before you start. Our health funds page covers claiming, the CDBS and DVA cards in more detail. If you hold a DVA Gold or White Card, bring it to your first visit.

Changing or cancelling an appointment

Plans change, and we understand. If you can’t make it, please give us as much notice as you can. A phone call is the most reliable way to reach us at short notice, and it means the time can go to someone else who needs it, such as a patient in pain.

If you are unwell with a cold, flu or another infection, call us to move your appointment rather than coming in.