Not sure what to book? Call us
Book online for your first visit, or call if you have pain or swelling, a child to book, or are unsure which appointment type is appropriate.
New patients
Here is what to expect.
Whether you are returning after a long break, changing practices, booking for your child, or unsure which appointment you need, your first visit usually begins with an assessment and a discussion about your concerns. Your dentist can explain the findings, suitable options and expected costs before further treatment is planned.
Know the plan before you decide
If treatment is recommended, we will explain what deserves attention, what can wait, the available options and the expected fees before treatment begins. You can also ask for item numbers to check with your health fund.
A few details help us prepare
Arrive a few minutes early and let the team know about any access needs, dental anxiety, or urgent concerns.
Your first visit
What happens, step by step
You do not need to know what treatment you need before you book. Tell us what has brought you in. We will start with your dental and medical history, listen to your concerns, examine what is relevant and explain what we find.
- 01
Tell us what brings you in
When you book, mention that it is your first visit and whether you have a specific concern. You can also raise anxiety, access, cost, or timing if it affects the appointment you choose.
- 02
Arrive and settle in
Reception can help with forms, health fund details, and any records you bring. If you feel nervous, let the team know before the examination begins.
- 03
Your dentist checks what is happening
The appointment may include a conversation about your dental history, an examination, gum and tooth checks, and radiographs or photos where clinically indicated.
- 04
Discuss what happens after the assessment
If treatment is recommended, your dentist discusses appropriate options, timing, expected fees, and what may be staged or checked with your health fund.
What to expect
Your first visit, step by step
Some people come in for a routine check-up. Others have pain, a broken tooth, an old treatment plan or simply a feeling that something has changed. The appointment will be shaped around you rather than forcing every new patient through exactly the same visit.
Teeth, gums and existing dental work
Your dentist checks teeth, gums, bite, fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, or implant restorations where relevant.
Medical and dental history
Bring details of medications, allergies, recent dental records, appliances, and anything that helps the team understand your care.
Records where needed
Radiographs, photos, scans, or measurements may be recommended when they help confirm what is happening or plan treatment.
Options and fees
Costs are discussed before treatment begins, and item numbers can help you check cover with your health fund.
Nervous patients and families
If you are nervous, tell us before you arrive
You will not be judged for feeling anxious or for how long it has been since your last visit. Let reception know when you book. Your dentist can explain each step, pause when needed and focus the first visit on understanding the situation rather than trying to do everything at once.
If it has been a while
That is okay. You do not need to know what treatment you need or explain why you have been away. The first visit can focus on your oral health now and what matters first.
If you feel nervous
Mention it when you book so it is not something you have to raise once you are in the chair. Your dentist can explain each step, pause when needed, and discuss further support where suitable.
Bringing a child?
Tell us your child's age, any concerns and how they usually feel about dental visits. We can keep the appointment age-appropriate and explain the findings to you clearly.
Fees, Health Funds, Payment Options
Helpful
Before you arrive
What to bring or mention
Do not delay booking because you cannot find an old record or every detail. Bring what you have; the information below helps the team prepare and answer practical questions.
- Your health fund card or digital membership details if you plan to claim.
- A list of medications, allergies, medical conditions, and recent surgery or pregnancy details.
- Any recent radiographs, treatment plans, appliance details, or dental records if available.
- Questions about cost, timing, health funds, anxiety, access, or what appointment to book next.
Find us
Finding the practice on Waratah Ave
Dalkeith Dental is upstairs in a building shared with Dalkeith Medical Centre, Dalkeith Physiotherapy, and Clinipath. If access, parking, timing, or appointment type is unclear, call before your visit.
Before Your First Appointment
Questions Before Your First Visit
Practical answers about first appointments, what to bring, returning after time away, health funds, children's visits, and when to call reception.
Your first appointment starts with a conversation about what brought you in, your dental history, and what you would like help with.
- Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work.
- Radiographs, photos, or records may be used where clinically indicated.
- If treatment is recommended, options and likely costs are explained before treatment begins.
Your dentist will explain the findings and discuss appropriate next steps based on your individual circumstances.
Visit Dalkeith Dental
