Visiting a dentist in Australia

By Blua | Digital health by Bupa

5 minute read

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Published 11 April 2024

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oral health

Key takeaways

Whether you’re new to the country or a local, it’s important to have a dentist close by that you can see for regular check-ups.
Depending on your level of health insurance, you may have to pay some money towards your treatment. Ask for a quote beforehand.
Be sure to floss and brush your teeth before your appointment, and bring a list of any medications, allergies or questions you’d like to ask.

Dental health isn’t just about keeping your teeth and gums happy. It also plays an important role in your overall wellbeing.

Whether you’re looking for a simple clean and preventative check-up, or a sudden toothache is causing problems, here are a few simple tips to make seeing a dentist in Australia painless.

1. Find a local dentist

Your local dentist is the first person you should see for any dental healthcare problems. If you need more specialised care, your dentist can refer you to a dental specialist. Look online for dentists near you or ask friends and family for recommendations. Some dentists specialise in particular areas (including looking after nervous patients), so it’s good to find someone who best suits your needs.

2. Make an appointment

Just like with your GP, it can be hard to walk into a dental practice without an appointment. Dentists are busy people. Make an appointment before seeing your dentist or call ahead in an emergency to make sure you can be seen. In the event there are no appointments available, your dentist may be able to make an exception or recommend a colleague.

3. Be prepared for your treatments

Aside from a general check-up and clean, dentists in Australia can also prevent and treat oral and general health problems by treating more complex issues. Dental treatments can include:

repairing teeth damaged by decay or trauma
treating conditions of the mouth and teeth
carrying out various procedures, such as routine extractions (teeth removal)
using x-rays to detect abnormalities and plan treatment
making dentures and other oral appliances, such as mouthguards.

4. Prepare for your dental appointment

To prepare for your appointment, always make sure to clean your teeth beforehand. If you’ve come straight from work, ask the hygienist if they have a toothbrush you can use before your appointment starts, especially if you’ve recently eaten. Your dentist doesn’t need to see what you ate for lunch. It’s also a good idea to:

wear comfortable clothing
bring a list of medication that you take regularly
flag any allergies to medication or bad reactions you’ve had to anaesthetics
have a list of questions you want to ask.

5. Bring your private health insurance card

When it comes to paying for dental services, fees can vary depending on the dentist and where you live. Health insurance may reduce the bill but may not cover the whole cost. Make sure you bring your private health insurance card to your appointment.

If you don’t have Extras cover, this will mean that you’ll have to pay the full cost of your dental services.

6. Ask for a quote before you agree to dental procedures

Knowing what any treatment may cost is especially important if you’re having a complex treatment, such as an orthodontic treatment. Private health insurance may cover some of the cost depending on your level of Extras cover, but ask for a quote to check if you need to make a gap payment.

At Bupa, trust is everything

Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.

This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.