New Patients

First Consultation: Information gathering and generalised treatment discussion
At your first consultation we will discuss your main concerns and issues, complete a comprehensive examination of your oral and facial tissues, and take any additional records we may require such as photographs, radiographs and study models. This process will likely require a 30-60 minute time commitment from you. While it is our preference for all consultations to be face to face due to its importance in building your patient/prosthodontist relationship, for regional patients, we may be able to streamline this process through an initial telehealth appointment. After this initial appointment we will be able to give you a general idea of treatment options and prices for you to consider.

Second Consultation: Information review and custom treatment discussion
After your first consultation, we will arrange a second consultation to provide you with a selection of comprehensive itemised treatment plans. During this visit we will discuss our findings from the first consultation, the risks and benefits of each treatment solution and the estimated costs and timeframes. It is an extremely important part of the consent process that you understand the physical and financial implications of your selected treatment plan. As such, we encourage questions and are extremely happy for you to bring a list with you! This second consultation will require a further 30-60 minute time commitment. Additionally, prosthodontic outcomes may be enhanced by collaborating with other dental specialists to provide comprehensive care. If any further referrals or collaborations are required for you to achieve your goal, these options will also be discussed at this time.

Due to the complex nature of prosthodontic treatment, it requires ongoing supervision and maintenance to ensure its longevity. Similar to a car, you would not expect to drive it out of the dealer and have it last forever without getting it serviced. Once yearly recalls are recommended to ensure adequate maintenance of the dental treatment you have put considerable time and finances into. Without these recalls, dental disease could go undiagnosed, potentially causing significant damage and resulting in the premature failure of the treatment provided. You are still encouraged toyou’re your general dentist for your regular check ups and cleans.

While cost is undoubtedly an important factor in choosing a dentist, it should not be the sole determining factor. Unfortunately there are many hidden costs associated with poor treatment outcomes, and often these are not realised until a few years have passed after the initial treatment was provided. Patients should prioritise quality of care, personalised treatment options, and the dentist's reputation and credentials to ensure optimal outcomes and long-term oral health.

Discussions of treatment costs will begin at the first visit so you have time to think about your current financial priorities. We can provide general estimates at this first consultation, however a detailed estimate cannot be provided until a full diagnostic work up is complete. While we aim to be reasonably competitive, the treatment we provide is usually quite complex and is ultimately reflected in the price. At the final consultation we can also provide an estimate of what your health fund rebate will be, providing your health fund allows this service.

If cost is a concern for you please discuss this with your provider as we can offer the following solutions:

Staged Treatment
In prosthodontics, staged treatment refers to a strategic approach to dental restoration that involves completing the treatment in multiple stages over a period of time (this could be years). This approach allows for careful planning, implementation, and assessment of each stage of treatment, ultimately leading to optimal outcomes for the patient. In most cases, staged treatment is desirable and welcomed however your provider will ultimately be able to inform you whether this is appropriate for your required treatment.

Health Funds
We accept all health funds but are not a ‘preferred provider’ for any. The amount covered by your health insurer depends on your level of cover and if your health fund has a ‘Preferred Provider’ scheme in place. Preferred provider schemes are just arrangements between health insurers and participating dental practices to charge a set fee (usually lower than those who are not ‘preferred providers’) per treatment item. This can potentially affect the quality of the treatment you receive if providers take shortcuts in material quality or treatment time to deliver these services to you, in an effort to minimise the financial pressure of these arrangements. These schemes ultimately take away your right as a patient to choose your practitioner. There are funds available that do not have preferred provider schemes. Please click on the following link to be directed to the Australian Dental Association site for further information https://selfservice.ada.org.au/time2switch/Home

Department of Veterans Affairs
We currently accept Gold Card DVA patients, however on some procedures there may be out of pocket charges.

Superannuation Early Release
In exceptional circumstances you may qualify for early release of your superannuation. We can provide the contact information for people who are able to assist further if required.