Your First Visit, Explained—Answers Every New Patient Needs
Your Welcome Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About New Patient Information
How do I book my first appointment?
Scheduling your first dental appointment is straightforward. You can choose the method that’s convenient for you, whether you prefer to do it online, by phone, or in person.
Book online
The online booking system allows you to schedule your appointment at any time, without needing to call. This may be preferred if you would like convenience and flexibility.
To book your first appointment online, here are the steps:
- Visit the clinic’s website and access the online booking page.
- Choose your preferred appointment date and time from the available slots.
- Enter your name, contact details, and the reason for your visit (for example, new patient consultation).
- Submit the form to secure your booking.
- Check your email or phone for a booking confirmation, which will include details of your appointment and any next steps.
Call the clinic
Speaking directly with a team member can be helpful if you have specific questions. It’s also a good option if you prefer a personal touch or need assistance finding a suitable time.
If you would like to book your appointment by phone, here’s what you need to do:
- Call during the clinic’s opening hours.
- Let the receptionist know you are a new patient booking your first appointment.
- Discuss available dates and times, and choose one that suits your schedule.
- Provide your full contact details so the appointment can be recorded.
- Ask any questions about the visit, such as what to bring or the arrival time.
Book in person
This option may suit patients who are nearby and prefer to speak to someone face-to-face. You can also use this time to collect new patient forms or discuss your visit in more detail.
To arrange your appointment in person, here’s what to do:
- Visit the clinic during reception hours.
- Tell the receptionist you would like to book your first appointment.
- Review the available dates and times together.
- Confirm your preferred appointment time and provide your contact details.
- Collect any forms or information you may need to complete before your visit.
All dental services are provided by registered dentists at Beyond Smiles Dental.
Do you provide payment plans for new dental patients?
Yes, payment plan options are available for new dental patients through Afterpay and DentiCare. These allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over time instead of paying in one amount.
Afterpay
Afterpay allows you to pay for your dental treatment in four equal fortnightly instalments. There are no interest charges when payments are made on time.
Here’s how to use Afterpay:
- Set up your account:
Download the Afterpay app from your device’s app store and create your account before your appointment. You will need to provide basic personal and payment details so your account is ready to use for your dental treatment booking. - Inform reception:
When making your booking or arriving for your appointment, let the reception team know you wish to use Afterpay. This allows your payment to be processed through the Afterpay system. - Make your first payment:
The total treatment cost will be divided into four payments. Your first payment is due at the time of booking or treatment, and the remaining payments will be automatically deducted every fortnight.
DentiCare
DentiCare offers payment options for your first dental appointment or treatment over a set period, with no interest charged.
Here’s how to use DentiCare:
- Request a plan:
Let the dental team know you would like to use a DentiCare payment plan for your first dental appointment or treatment. They can provide details on available repayment periods and eligibility requirements. - Fill out the form:
Complete a simple application form at reception or online. You will be asked for personal and banking details so repayments can be set up securely. - Set up repayments:
Once your plan is approved, repayments will be automatically deducted via direct debit at agreed intervals until the total balance is paid in full.
Eligibility criteria apply and are subject to provider approval.
What health fund providers do you work with?
We accept a wide range of private health funds for dental treatment. Participation can vary between locations, so we recommend checking with the clinic when booking to confirm your preferred provider is available.
Some of the health funds we commonly work with include the following:
- nib
- Bupa
- Medibank
- ahm
- CBHS Health Fund
- Defence Health
- HCF
- HBF
- HIF
How do I know if I’m due for a dental checkup?
Routine dental checkups are often recommended as part of maintaining good oral health. The timing can vary based on your individual needs and your dentist’s advice.
You may be due for your next dental checkup if you notice any of the following:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing:
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which is caused by plaque accumulation. Repeated or persistent bleeding should be checked by a dentist to assess gum health and recommend care. - Hardened deposits on teeth:
Hard, yellow, or brown buildup (tartar) that does not come off with regular brushing may require removal by a dentist. Professional cleaning helps maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevents further buildup. - Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste:
Persistent bad breath or a constant unpleasant taste can sometimes be related to food choices, lifestyle habits, or oral hygiene. If these changes continue despite regular brushing and flossing, it may be a sign of an underlying dental concern that should be assessed. - Tooth sensitivity:
Discomfort or sharp sensations when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet items may be linked to enamel wear, receding gums, or other changes. A dentist can help determine the cause and suggest ways to reduce sensitivity and protect your teeth. - Changes in teeth or gums:
Noticeable changes, such as tooth discolouration, swelling, gum recession, or changes in shape, can be early indicators of dental problems. Prompt assessment helps identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment. - Toothache or discomfort:
Tooth pain, whether constant or occasional, can interfere with daily activities like eating and sleeping. Even mild or infrequent discomfort should be assessed to determine the cause and prevent worsening. - Time since last visit:
If it has been several months or longer since your last dental checkup, it may be time to schedule another checkup. Even if you feel fine, some dental conditions, such as early tooth decay or gum disease, can develop without causing obvious discomfort. Regular visits help detect and address concerns before they progress.
These signs may suggest a dental review is appropriate. Only a dentist can confirm if care is required.
How do I prepare for my first dental appointment?
Being prepared for your first dental appointment can make the visit more efficient and help your dentist understand your needs. Taking a few simple steps before your first dental visit can also help you feel more comfortable on the day of your appointment. Here’s what to do:
- Confirm your appointment details:
Check the date, time, and location of your appointment, and review any instructions provided when you booked. This helps you arrive on time and be aware of any preparation required beforehand. - Gather your health information:
Bring a list of the medications you take, relevant medical history, and details of past dental treatments. Having this information helps your dentist provide safe, personalised care and avoid potential complications. - Bring your health fund card (if applicable):
If you have private health cover, bring your membership card so any eligible claims can be processed immediately. This can avoid the need to submit claims manually later. - Prepare any questions or concerns:
Write down any questions, concerns, or topics you would like to discuss with your dentist, such as symptoms, treatment options, or preventive care advice. This helps avoid overlooking anything important during your appointment. - Maintain normal oral hygiene:
Brush and floss as you normally would before your appointment. This allows your dentist to clearly assess your teeth and gums without plaque or food particles obscuring the view. - Arrive a little early:
Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment. This provides time to complete any required forms, update your details, or give additional information about your medical and dental history.
Can I get dental care if I don't have private cover?
Yes, you can still receive dental care even without private health cover. There are different ways to pay for dental treatment, and your dentist can explain which options may be suitable for your circumstances. These include the following:
- Paying in full on the day:
You can settle the cost of your dental treatment at the time of your appointment using cash, EFTPOS, or credit card. This is a simple payment method that involves no eligibility checks, contracts, or third-party approval processes. - Spreading the cost over time:
Some third-party providers offer payment plan options that allow you to pay for treatment in instalments rather than one lump sum. Examples include Afterpay and DentiCare, which have specific terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements. Approval is subject to the provider, not the dental clinic. - Accessing superannuation for dental treatment:
Services like SuperCare can assist eligible patients in applying for the early release of their superannuation under the Australian Government’s Early Release of Superannuation program. This option may be used for certain dental treatments that meet program criteria. It is not a payment plan, and fees may apply for the application service. Approval is determined by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). - Government-funded dental schemes: Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to access public dental services or government-funded programs through your dental clinic. Examples include the following:
- The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides eligible children and teenagers with a set amount towards basic dental care each year.
- The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) scheme offers dental services for eligible cardholders. The treatments covered and any requirements for prior approval depend on the type of card and the treatment needed.
Eligibility criteria vary by program and location and may include factors like age, income, concession card status, or veteran entitlements. This is determined by external authorities, not the clinic.
Are dental X-rays included in a checkup appointment?
Dental X-rays may be included as part of a dental checkup if they are needed to assist in diagnosis or treatment planning. This depends on the type of appointment, your oral health needs, and your dentist’s assessment. They are more likely to be included in the following situations:
- New patient assessments:
If you are visiting the clinic for the first time, X-rays may be taken to give your dentist a complete view of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This helps establish a baseline for your dental records and identify any concerns that may not be visible during a visual examination. - Comprehensive checkups:
A dentist may include diagnostic X-rays as part of a full dental checkup. This is more likely if you have not had X-rays taken in the past 12–24 months. It may also apply if your dentist needs updated images to monitor your oral health. - Specific treatment consultations:
Consultations for procedures like dental implants, Invisalign, bridges, and crowns may require X-rays to assist with treatment planning. While the consultation itself may not have a fee, any required X-rays, including OPG scans, are usually billed separately. - Follow-up after treatment:
X-rays may be included in post-treatment appointments to check healing. They can also confirm that recent dental work is functioning as intended or monitor treatment progress. - Symptom-based investigations:
If you have symptoms like pain, swelling, or unexplained changes in your mouth, your dentist may recommend X-rays during your checkup. These images can help identify issues that are not visible through a visual examination alone.
X-rays are recommended only if clinically necessary. Additional costs may apply.
How is my personal information handled at the dental clinic?
Dental clinics protect your personal information in line with national privacy laws and professional obligations. Your details are managed in the following ways:
- Collected for necessary purposes:
Personal details, medical history, and treatment records are collected only to provide dental care and meet legal record-keeping requirements. - Stored securely:
Information is kept in locked paper files or encrypted digital systems to reduce the risk of unauthorised access or loss. - Used for your care:
Records are used to plan and provide treatment, monitor progress, and coordinate with other health professionals when required. - Access and sharing:
You may request access to your dental records. Information is shared only with your consent or when required by law.
Do you offer dental care for children?
Yes, dental care is available for children of all ages, with services tailored to their stage of growth and oral health needs. Common aspects of children’s dental care include the following:
- Regular checkups:
Routine examinations allow dentists to monitor oral development, check for cavities, and help maintain healthy teeth and gums as your child grows. - Preventive treatments:
Professional cleaning and fissure sealants can help protect teeth from decay. - Fluoride treatments:
Fluoride application can help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of decay, especially in developing teeth. - Oral hygiene education:
Dentists can teach children and parents age-appropriate brushing and flossing techniques to help develop good oral hygiene habits early on. - Management of dental problems:
Treatment is available for conditions such as cavities, dental injuries, or tooth sensitivity, using approaches aimed to help children feel comfortable. - Orthodontic assessments:
An early orthodontic assessment can help identify potential dental alignment concerns and guide whether treatment may be needed in the future. - Eligibility for government programs:
Some children may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which provides Medicare-funded dental services for eligible patients aged 0–17.
Do new patients need a referral to see a dentist?
New patients generally do not need a referral to see a dentist. You can arrange an appointment for a checkup, professional cleaning, or other routine care directly. This applies whether you are visiting for the first time or returning after some time away from dental visits.
In many cases, you can contact the clinic directly to arrange a suitable time for your dental visit. A referral is generally only required if another healthcare provider has advised you to see a dentist as part of your medical care. If you are not certain whether a referral is needed, contact the clinic before your appointment to confirm.
How long does a new patient appointment usually take?
The length of a new patient’s dental appointment can vary. Common factors that may influence how long your visit takes include the following:
- Type of appointment:
A dental checkup may take less time than an appointment that also includes a professional cleaning, X-rays, or treatment for a specific concern. - Medical and dental history review:
Your first visit often includes time to review your medical and dental history. You may also be required to complete forms that provide your dentist with essential information, enabling them to tailor your treatment accordingly. - Diagnostic testing:
Appointments that include X-rays or other diagnostic procedures usually take longer. These tests help diagnose conditions that may not be visible during an examination. - Treatment needs:
If issues are identified during your checkup and treatment is initiated in the same appointment, the overall duration of the visit may be extended. - Patient questions:
Discussing your questions, treatment options, and oral care advice is an important part of the first appointment. This can also add to the time needed for the visit.
When booking a new patient appointment, you can ask the clinic for an estimated time based on the services planned for your visit.
Is there a waiting list for new dental patients?
Waiting times for new dental patients vary based on appointment availability and the type of treatment required. The following factors can influence how quickly you may be able to book an appointment:
- Current appointment demand:
Periods of high demand, such as school holidays or the end of the year, may mean a longer wait for non-urgent appointments. Quieter times may allow for earlier bookings. - Type of appointment:
Routine checkups may be available sooner than appointments that require more time, such as complex procedures or multiple treatments in one visit. - Urgency of care:
If you have pain, swelling, or other urgent dental concerns, clinics often try to prioritise your appointment so you can be seen sooner. - Preferred time and day:
Weekend appointments are often booked further in advance. Being flexible with your appointment time may help reduce your wait. - Location and provider availability:
Wait times may vary between clinic locations. The availability of specific dentists or oral health professionals can also influence when you can be seen.
You can contact the clinic directly to ask about current wait times for a new patient appointment and discuss the available options.
