Your First Visit to Sandgate Family Dental

If you have not been to the dentist in a while, or you are simply new to the area, the first visit is mostly about getting to know you. We take time to understand your history, listen to anything that has been on your mind, and check in unhurriedly. Most new patients tell us they leave the first appointment feeling clearer about what they need — and a little more relaxed than they expected.

This page walks through what to bring, what to expect, and how to book. You can book your first visit online at a time that suits you, or phone the practice during business hours.

Booking your first appointment

Most new patients book through the online booking page. If you are unsure which appointment type fits, choose a comprehensive check-up and clean — our front desk team will tailor it to you. If you are coming in for a specific concern, mention it when you book so we can allow enough time.

New families are also welcome to ask about our new patient offer when booking.

What to bring on the day

To keep your first visit smooth, please bring:

A current Medicare card (and a CDBS-eligible child’s card if relevant)
Your private health fund card, if you have dental cover — we are HICAPS providers and can claim on the spot
A list of any current medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements
Notes on any medical conditions or recent surgery your dentist should know about
Recent dental records, X-rays, or treatment plans from a previous dentist (digital is fine — email ahead if easier)
Any DVA, NDIS, or workplace cover details that apply to you
Glasses or hearing aids if you use them

If you forget anything, do not worry — we can usually work around it. The medical history form is the most useful piece of information, and we will fill it in together if you prefer.

Paperwork and medical history

Before we look in your mouth, we will go through a short medical and dental history with you. We ask about:

General health and any chronic conditions (heart, diabetes, autoimmune, etc.)
Medications, allergies, and reactions to anaesthetic in the past
Past dental treatment, including anything that did not go well
Anxiety, gag reflex, or sensory sensitivities — see our pages on dental anxiety and managing a strong gag reflex
Pregnancy, if relevant — our pregnancy and dental care page covers what is safe and when
Your dental goals — what you would like sorted, prevented, or improved

This information shapes the appointment. A patient on blood thinners, for example, is managed quite differently from someone with no medical complications — see our information on medication and dental treatment.

What happens during the appointment

A typical new-patient comprehensive examination takes around 45 minutes to an hour. The steps are:

1. A welcome and short chat

We meet at reception, settle you into the surgery, and go through your history together. If there is something specific worrying you, this is the time to mention it.

2. A full examination

Your dentist checks each tooth, your gums, your bite, your jaw joints, and the soft tissues of the mouth. We include an oral cancer screening as part of the routine examination.

3. Digital imaging if needed

For most new patients we recommend a small set of digital X-rays, which use a low dose of radiation and let us see between teeth and below the gum line. Our digital imaging page explains what to expect.

4. A scale and clean if appropriate

If your gums are healthy enough, we will usually do a scale and clean at the same appointment. If your gums need more attention, we may book a separate longer visit so we can do the job properly.

5. A clear plan and quote

We finish by explaining what we found, in plain language, and walking through any treatment we recommend. You will receive an itemised quote with item numbers so you can check rebates with your fund before committing to anything.

If you have not been in a while

Plenty of our new patients have not seen a dentist in several years — sometimes longer. There is no judgement here. We simply pick up from where you are now and work towards a calm, manageable plan. If you have been avoiding the dentist because of anxiety, please mention it when you book. We can adjust the pace, take more breaks, and explain each step before we do it.

Bringing your family

We see patients of all ages, from babies through to grandparents. If you would like to bring your child along to their own first visit at the same time, see our information on your child’s first dental visit. Many families find it easier to book back-to-back appointments.

Health funds and payment

We are HICAPS providers and can process eligible private health fund claims at the practice, so you only pay any gap on the day. The exact rebate depends on your policy, level of cover, and annual limits. We accept eftpos and cash, and can discuss payment options for larger treatments at the planning stage — see our payment options page.

First visit FAQs

How long does the first appointment take?

Allow about 45 minutes to an hour. We would rather take our time than rush a first visit.

Will I have treatment on the day?

If a scale and clean fits comfortably into the appointment, we usually do that on the day. Larger treatment is planned for a separate visit so we can quote and book it properly.

What if I am nervous about coming in?

Please tell us when you book. We can plan a quieter time of day, allow extra time, and start gently. Our dental anxiety page has more practical detail.

Do I need a referral?

No — you can book directly with us. Referrals are only needed for specific specialist procedures, which your dentist will arrange if relevant.

Can I get a copy of my X-rays from my previous dentist?

Yes. Your previous practice will usually email digital copies to you or to us on request. If that is not possible, we can take new images.

Do you bulk-bill children under CDBS?

Yes — eligible children are bulk-billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. See our CDBS bulk-billed children’s dental page.

Where do I park?

There is on-street parking around the practice. If you have any mobility or access needs, please let us know when you book — see our accessibility page.

Related information

Book your first visit

We would love to meet you. Whether you are due for a routine check-up or there is something specific on your mind, our Sandgate dental team will look after you. Book online or phone the practice during business hours.