Language Support at the Dentist
If English isn’t your first language, we can help arrange a translator or interpreter for your appointment. You’re also welcome to bring a family member or friend to interpret. Let us know when you book, so we can plan your appointment.
Book online (opens in a new tab)Rather talk first? Call (07) 3269 6252
12 Lagoon St, Sandgate QLD 4017 · Open Saturday mornings, 8:00AM to 12:00PM · Preferred provider for HCF, CBHS, nib and HIF
This page explains how we can support patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds at Sandgate Family Dental.
Language support at a glance
- Tell us when you book
- Which language you’re most comfortable in, whether you’d like an interpreter in person or by phone or video, and who is coming with you.
- Arranging an interpreter
- If you’d like our help, let us know at least a few days before your appointment. That gives us time to organise it.
- Interpreter costs
- A family member, friend or community member can interpret at no extra cost. Privately arranged professional interpreters may charge. That arrangement is between you and the interpreter.
- Our team’s languages
- Our clinical team mainly speaks English. We work with you and your interpreter to help keep the conversation clear.
- Health funds
- Preferred provider for HCF, CBHS, nib and HIF; approved provider for Smile.com.au. What you get back depends on your policy, cover and limits.
- Where and when
- 12 Lagoon St, Sandgate QLD 4017 · (07) 3269 6252 · Mon–Thurs 8:30AM–5:00PM, Fri 8:30AM–4:00PM, Sat 8:00AM–12:00PM.
On this page
How we can help
If English is not your first language, there are a few things we can do to make appointments easier:
- Arrange a translator or interpreter for your appointment — let us know which language you would prefer when you book
- Welcome a family member, friend, or community member to come in with you to help interpret
- Speak slowly and clearly, and use simple language
- Show rather than tell — using diagrams, a hand mirror, or our screen to walk through what we are seeing
- Provide written treatment plans and quotes that can be translated at home
- Allow extra time so nothing is rushed
We will not assume what you need — if there is something specific that would help, please ask.
Bringing a translator or interpreter
You are welcome to bring a translator with you to your appointment. This might be:
A bilingual family member or friend
A community member from your church, mosque, temple, or community group
A professional interpreter you have used before
A telephone or video interpreter on speaker
The Australian Government’s Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is a long-standing option many patients use.
If you would like us to help arrange an interpreter on your behalf, please let us know at least a few days before your appointment so we have time to organise it.
What to tell us when you book
Useful things to mention:
- Which language you are most comfortable in
- Whether you would like an interpreter (and if so, in person or by phone/video)
- Whether you are bringing a family member or friend to help
- Any specific accessibility needs — see our accessibility page
- Any medical conditions or medications that we should know about — see our medication and dental treatment page
What an interpreter-supported visit looks like
Visits with an interpreter usually run a little longer than usual, simply because everything is being said twice.
We allow extra time so nothing feels rushed. A typical interpreter-supported appointment includes:
- We introduce everyone in the room, then go through your medical and dental history in your preferred language.
- Your dentist examines your teeth, pausing for translation, and shows you photos, X-rays or a diagram on screen.
- We talk through any findings and options in plain language. You take home a written treatment plan and itemised quote.
Children and family
If you are bringing a child to their appointment and would like the discussion to be in your preferred language, the same options apply — bring a bilingual family member, or let us know if you would like us to arrange an interpreter.
We try to avoid placing children in the role of translating complex medical information for parents wherever possible; a dedicated interpreter is usually more comfortable for everyone.
Translation of written information
Health information in your language
The Health Translations directory (run by the Victorian Department of Health) has reliable patient information in many languages, and we are happy to point patients towards resources that suit their language.
Your written plan and quote
We can also prepare a printed treatment plan and quote in English that can be translated at home or shared with family.
Cultural considerations
If there are cultural preferences that affect your dental visit, please let us know:
We will do our best to accommodate within the realities of the practice.
Confidentiality with interpreters
Professional interpreters
Professional interpreters arranged through services like TIS National are bound by confidentiality obligations.
Family and friends
Family members and friends helping informally are not bound by the same formal obligations, so think about who you are comfortable having present — particularly when discussing sensitive medical history.
Either option is fine — it is your choice.
What we will be honest about
We want to be upfront. Our clinical team primarily speaks English. We will work with you and with an interpreter to make sure your appointment goes smoothly, but we do not advertise any specific in-house language other than English. The interpreter or family member you choose carries the bridge between languages — and we will make sure they have the time and space to do that well.
Visiting us
Sandgate Family Dental, 12 Lagoon St, Sandgate QLD 4017 · (07) 3269 6252
Mon–Thurs 8:30AM–5:00PM · Fri 8:30AM–4:00PM · Sat 8:00AM–12:00PM
Language support FAQs
Do you have staff who speak languages other than English?
Our clinical team primarily speaks English. Rather than claim languages we do not consistently offer, we would rather plan a translator or interpreter for your appointment so the conversation is as clear as possible.
How do I arrange an interpreter?
Let us know at booking and we will help organise one. Many patients use TIS National (a free Australian Government interpreter service) for healthcare appointments, and we can support that too.
Is there a fee for an interpreter?
If you arrange a family member, friend, or community member to interpret, there is no additional cost. Government-funded interpreting (e.g. TIS National) is often free for the patient in healthcare settings. Privately arranged professional interpreters may charge — that arrangement sits between you and the interpreter.
Can my child interpret for me?
It is your choice, but we generally recommend a dedicated interpreter for adult medical conversations, particularly when discussing medications, treatment options, or anything sensitive. Children are welcome at appointments — they just do not need to carry the responsibility of complex translation.
Will the appointment take longer?
Yes, usually a bit longer — we allow extra time when an interpreter is involved, so the conversation has room to breathe.
What if I just want a check-up and the language is straightforward?
Many patients with conversational English manage routine check-ups without an interpreter. For longer treatment discussions, an interpreter can still be useful. It is your call.
Can my whole family come in together?
Absolutely. Bringing family along for support is welcome, and we are happy to plan family appointments together where possible.
Related information
Book an appointment
If you would like us to help arrange an interpreter, please let us know at least a few days before your appointment. Otherwise, you are welcome to bring a family member or friend along.