Frequently Asked Questions
Most new patients have a handful of practical questions before booking. This page brings together the ones we hear most often — about check-ups, kids, emergencies, costs, parking, claims, and what to expect on the day. If you do not see your question here, you are very welcome to call the practice and ask.
Ready to book? Head straight to our online booking page, or read on for the common questions.
Booking and visits
How do I book an appointment?
The easiest way is through our online booking page, which lets you choose a date and time that suits you. You can also phone the practice during business hours.
Do I need a referral to see you?
No — anyone can book directly with us. Referrals are only needed for some specialist procedures, and your dentist will arrange one if relevant.
What if I have not been to the dentist in years?
You are not alone, and there is no judgement here. We start with a calm examination and plan a manageable path from there. See our first visit page for what to expect.
How often should I have a check-up?
For most adults, every six months works well. Some patients benefit from three- or four-monthly visits, particularly those with gum disease, diabetes, or a higher decay risk. We will recommend the right interval for you.
How long does a check-up appointment take?
A new patient comprehensive examination usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Routine check-ups for established patients are typically 30 minutes.
Can I bring my partner or a support person?
Yes — you are welcome to bring someone into the surgery with you.
Children and family
From what age can kids see the dentist?
The Australian Dental Association suggests a first visit at around 12 months, or within six months of the first tooth coming through. See our children’s first dental visit page.
Do you bulk-bill children?
Eligible children are bulk-billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Bring your Medicare card and we can check eligibility on the day.
Can the whole family book on the same day?
Yes — we are happy to schedule back-to-back family appointments where possible. Mention it when you book.
Costs and health funds
How much will my visit cost?
For routine items we can give a guide on the phone. For anything more involved, we prepare an itemised written quote at the planning appointment so you can check rebates with your fund before treatment.
Are you a HICAPS provider?
Yes. We can claim eligible private health fund rebates at the practice, so you only pay any gap on the day. See our HICAPS page.
Are you a preferred provider for any fund?
Sandgate Family Dental is not currently a preferred provider for any private health fund. You can still claim from your fund — only the size of the rebate may differ.
What payment methods do you accept?
Eftpos, Visa, Mastercard, and cash. We can also discuss staged treatment and payment options for larger plans — see our payment options page.
Will Medicare cover my dental visit?
Medicare does not cover routine adult dental care. The exception is the CDBS for eligible children. DVA Gold and White cardholders may be covered for eligible dental treatment, and we are happy to work with NDIS participants — see our NDIS dental care page.
Emergencies
What do I do in a dental emergency?
Call the practice. We keep urgent appointments available each day for things like toothache, broken teeth, abscesses, and knocked-out teeth. See our emergency dental page for more.
What if my tooth is knocked out?
For an adult tooth, time matters. Pick it up by the crown, gently rinse in milk if dirty, and either place it back in the socket or store it in cold milk on the way to the dentist. See our knocked-out tooth page for first-aid steps.
What about after hours?
For serious injury or significant facial swelling, head to your nearest hospital emergency department. For after-hours dental support, see our information on after-hours dental care.
At the appointment
Will my treatment hurt?
For anything that would otherwise be uncomfortable, we use local anaesthetic — applied after topical numbing gel. Most patients feel pressure and movement rather than pain. If anything is uncomfortable during treatment, raise your hand and we pause.
Do I need X-rays?
Usually a small set at your first visit, and occasionally during routine reviews where clinically useful. We use modern digital X-rays with a low dose and a lead apron. See our digital imaging page.
I am nervous about coming in — can you help?
Yes. Please tell us when you book. We plan a longer, calmer appointment, agree a stop signal, and take it step by step. See our dental anxiety page.
I have a strong gag reflex — is there anything you can do?
Plenty. Position changes, breathing techniques, digital scans instead of impressions, and shorter appointments all help. See our gag reflex page.
Parking and access
Where do I park?
There is on-street parking around the practice. If you have a Mobility Parking Permit and would like advice on the closest spots, give us a call before your appointment.
Is the practice wheelchair accessible?
Please call us to discuss specific access needs so we can plan the visit accordingly. See our accessibility page for what we offer and how to flag needs in advance.
Can I bring a service dog?
Yes. Service dogs are welcome at the practice.
Specific situations
Can I have dental treatment while pregnant?
Yes. Routine examinations, cleans, and most treatment can go ahead safely. Elective treatment is often deferred until after the birth. See our pregnancy and dental care page.
I take blood thinners — does that affect treatment?
For most appointments, no. For extractions and surgical work we plan around the medication carefully. See our medication and dental treatment page.
Do you treat anxious adults?
Yes. A meaningful share of our patients describe themselves as nervous. We adjust pace, communication, and appointment length. See our dental anxiety page.
I do not speak English well — can you help?
We can arrange a translator or interpreter for your appointment. Let us know at booking. See our language support page.
Do you see NDIS participants?
Yes. We are happy to work with self-managed, plan-managed, and agency-managed participants. See our NDIS dental care page.
Cleans and prevention
What is the difference between a check-up and a scale and clean?
A check-up is the examination — looking at teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues. A scale and clean removes plaque and tartar that brushing cannot reach. Most patients have them together.
Are professional cleans painful?
Most patients tolerate cleans easily. Where teeth or gums are sensitive, we can adjust the technique or numb the area beforehand.
Do I really need to floss?
You need to clean between your teeth every day in some form — floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. Your dentist or hygienist can show you what works best for your teeth.
Sterilisation and safety
Are the instruments sterile?
Yes. We follow Australian Standard AS/NZS 4187. Every reusable instrument is autoclave-sterilised in a sealed pack, opened in front of you. See our sterilisation and infection control page.
Related information
- Patient information hub
- Your first visit
- Payment options
- Dental anxiety
- Emergency dental care
- Health funds
- About Sandgate Family Dental
Still have questions?
If your question is not covered here, please call the practice during business hours — our team is happy to talk it through. Otherwise, book online when you are ready.