Prosthodontic Patients

Our dental philosophy centres on delivering comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs, embracing a holistic approach to treatment. Our ultimate goal is for you to keep and maintain your own teeth for as long as possible with the least amount of intervention. Unfortunately, even with the advent of dental implants, there is just no equal or better replacement for your own teeth. We believe in understanding the individual’s dental concerns, oral health goals, and personal preferences to develop a customised treatment plan that addresses their specific requirements.

This philosophy encompasses several key principles:

  • Patient-Centred Care: We prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of each patient, actively involving them in the decision-making process and addressing their concerns with empathy and understanding.
  • Holistic Assessment: We recognise the interconnectedness of oral health with overall health and consider factors beyond just dental issues when developing treatment plans. This includes evaluating systemic health conditions, lifestyle factors, and aesthetic preferences to deliver comprehensive care.
  • Customised Treatment: We customise treatment plans to meet the unique needs and preferences of each patient, considering factors such as oral and general health status, treatment goals, budgetary constraints, and personal preferences.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: We strive to stay knowledgeable in the latest advancements in dental research and technology, incorporating evidence-based techniques and materials into treatment plans to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients.
  • Preventive Focus: While addressing immediate dental concerns, we also emphasise preventive strategies to maintain long-term oral health and minimise the need for future interventions.
  • Continuous Education and Improvement: We are committed to ongoing professional development, continuously expanding our knowledge and skills to provide the highest standard of care to my patients.

By adhering to these principles, we aim to empower our patients to achieve and maintain optimal oral health and enhance their quality of life.

Medical History

All new patients will be sent a medical history form via email/link prior to your first visit to the practice. If you are unable to complete the form online please arrive to your appointment 10-15 minutes early to allow time to complete the appropriate paperwork. It is vital that we have a complete medical history as this can have a significant impact on your treatment outcomes. Patients are often surprised by different types of medical conditions that can have an impact on your oral health and vice versa.

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.

Ongoing Maintenance Requirements

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. There are some ‘preferred provider’ health funds that offer the same rebate for particular treatment items whether you see a preferred provider or not. We encourage you to speak to your health insurer to find out the details of your policy, including the maximum amount or items that can be claimed in a year.

Department of Veterans Affairs
We currently accept Gold Card DVA patients.