What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment gives your dentist time to understand your concerns, medical history, dental history and goals. We will ask what brought you in, whether you have pain or sensitivity, and whether there is anything about dental treatment that makes you feel nervous. Your dentist will then assess your teeth, gums, bite, jaw and any specific areas of concern. Where clinically appropriate, X-rays or photos may be recommended to help with diagnosis and treatment planning.
Before You Arrive
To help your appointment run smoothly, please bring:
- Your Medicare card
- Your private health fund card or digital membership details
- A list of medications and medical conditions
- Any recent dental X-rays if you have them
- Details of previous dental treatment if relevant
- CDBS eligibility details for children if applicable
- Any questions or concerns you would like to discuss
If you are a new patient, we may ask you to complete a medical history form before your appointment or when you arrive. This helps your dentist understand your general health before recommending dental care.
Medical History and Dental Concerns
Your medical history can affect dental care, including X-rays, anaesthetic, medication advice, bleeding risk, allergies and treatment planning. Please tell us about any medical conditions, medications, pregnancy, allergies, previous reactions or recent hospital treatment. If you have a specific concern such as toothache, swelling, a broken tooth, wisdom tooth pain, bleeding gums or teeth grinding, please let the team know when booking or when you arrive.
Dental Examination and Gum Check
Your dentist may check the teeth, gums, soft tissues, bite, jaw joints and existing dental work. This can help identify concerns such as tooth decay, gum inflammation, calculus build-up, cracked teeth, worn teeth, failing fillings or other issues that may need monitoring or treatment. If treatment is recommended, your dentist will explain the concern, discuss suitable options and outline risks, alternatives and likely costs where possible before treatment planning.
X-Rays, Photos and Digital Records
Dental X-rays may be recommended where clinically appropriate. They can help your dentist assess areas that are not visible during a normal examination, such as between teeth, under existing fillings, around roots, near wisdom teeth or around bone support. Not every patient needs X-rays at every visit. Your dentist will explain why an X-ray is recommended and how it helps with diagnosis or treatment planning.
Scale and Clean, Fluoride and Preventive Care
Depending on your appointment type and oral health needs, your visit may include a scale and clean to remove plaque, calculus and surface stains. Fluoride may also be discussed where suitable, particularly for patients with higher decay risk or sensitivity. Your dentist or oral health team can also discuss brushing, flossing, diet, mouth breathing, gum health and preventive care for adults and children.
Treatment Options, Costs and Next Steps
If your dentist finds a dental problem, they will explain what was found and discuss suitable options. This may include monitoring, preventive care, fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, extraction, referral, or other treatment depending on the concern. Before treatment begins, we aim to explain the options, risks, alternatives, estimated costs and appointment steps where possible. For larger treatment plans, you may receive a written estimate or item numbers to check with your health fund.
Health Funds, HICAPS and Payment
Relax Dental & Facial Care accepts all private health funds and offers HICAPS claiming where available. Your rebate depends on your fund, level of cover, item numbers, waiting periods and annual limits. Please bring your health fund card or digital membership details to your appointment. For children, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule may apply if your child is eligible. Our team can help explain CDBS claiming and health fund information before or after your visit.
For Nervous Patients
If you feel anxious about dental treatment, please tell us when you book or when you arrive. We can take time to explain each step, answer questions and help you understand your options. Many patients feel more comfortable when they know what is happening and why.
Children's First Dental Visits
Children’s first visits are often about becoming familiar with the dental setting, checking tooth development and helping families with brushing, diet and prevention. The appointment may include a gentle check-up, cleaning where suitable, oral hygiene advice and discussion of CDBS if eligible.
First Visit Checklist
A quick checklist can help you feel prepared before your first dentist appointment in Blackburn North.
- Book your appointment online or by phone
- Bring your Medicare card
- Bring your health fund card or digital details
- Bring any recent dental X-rays if available
- Bring a medication list
- Tell us about allergies, medical conditions or pregnancy
- Let us know if you feel nervous
- For children, bring CDBS or Medicare details if relevant
- Arrive a little early if forms need to be completed
Book Your First Visit
Relax Dental & Facial Care welcomes new patients from Blackburn North, Blackburn, Box Hill, Nunawading, Forest Hill, Mitcham and nearby suburbs. Call 03 9894 3039 or book online to arrange your first dental visit.
