Seeing a dentist or dental health practitioner

Seeing a dentist#

Good teeth-cleaning habits and regular visits to a dentist are the best way to take care of your teeth, mouth and gums. Seeing a dentist in your local area is your first step for dental health problems.

If you need more specialized care, your dentist can refer you to another dental health professional or a specialist. Regular dental check-ups help prevent oral problems from developing. Depending on your oral healthcare needs, a variety of services and professionals can help.

Public dental healthcare#

In many places, public dental services offer free or subsidized general, emergency and denture care to eligible people, often through community health services.

Eligibility for public dental care varies by location, but it commonly includes:

• children and young people
• people who hold a relevant concession or healthcare card, and their dependants
• young people in out-of-home care, such as kinship or foster care
• refugees and people seeking asylum
• people in youth justice custodial care
• registered clients of mental health or disability services
• people experiencing financial hardship

How much you pay for public dental healthcare depends on your situation and the type of treatment you need. You may be able to get treatment for free, or there may be a cost involved. Some countries also run publicly funded schemes that provide dental benefits for children in eligible families, so it is worth checking what is available where you live.

To make an appointment, eligible people can contact a local community dental clinic. If you need specialized oral health treatment, your local dentist can provide a referral.

Private dental healthcare#

Most dentists work in private practice, and many people have a regular dentist who has cared for them for years. If you need to see a dentist and do not have a regular one, it is a good idea to ask family, friends or people in your local area to suggest someone who can look after your ongoing dental healthcare needs.

Private dentists and dental health professionals set their own fees, which can vary depending on the dentist and the type of treatment required. These costs can be offset if you take out dental insurance, which is offered under many private health insurance policies or as an insurance extra.

There are generally two types of dental insurance cover:

• General dental usually covers cleaning, removal of plaque, x-rays and smaller fillings.
• Major dental usually includes cover for orthodontics (braces), wisdom teeth removal, crowns, bridges and dentures.

How often should you see a dentist?#

Everyone has different oral health needs and risk levels, which should be reflected in how often they visit the dentist. Talk to your dentist about your risk level and how frequently you need to come in. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, make an appointment as soon as possible.

Preparing for your dental appointment#

To prepare for your appointment, it is a good idea to:

• wear comfortable clothing
• avoid drinks containing caffeine or sugar on the day of your visit
• bring a list of any medication and vitamins you are taking (name and dosage)
• bring a list of any allergies to medication or bad reactions you have had to local anesthetics
• have a list of questions to ask

During your dental appointment#

At your check-up, expect your dentist to:

• carefully examine your mouth, teeth and gums
• ask about your general health and any issues you have with your teeth, mouth or gums
• ask about your oral healthcare at home and give advice on ways to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy
• ask about your diet, smoking and drinking
• explain any risks associated with treatment you may need, and the costs
• let you know when your next check-up is due

Key points#

• Regular dental check-ups help prevent oral problems from developing.
• Public dental services may offer free or subsidized care to eligible groups, such as children, concession card holders and people experiencing financial hardship.
• Private dentists set their own fees, which can be offset with dental insurance.
• How often you should see a dentist depends on your individual oral health needs and risk level.
• See your dentist as soon as possible if you have tooth pain or sensitivity.

Where to get help#