New Patient Information - What to Expect at Core Dental product guide

None - Patient Information Guide

Source: coredental.com.au | Scraped April 2026

Contact & locations

• Phone: 13 13 16
• International: +61 3 9132 4190
• Email: marketing@coredental.com.au
• Locations: 8 practices across Melbourne (more coming soon)
• Hours: Open 6 days a week with extended trading hours
• Online booking: Available via website

Practices include (locations noted on website):

• South Melbourne
• Wyndham / Hoppers Crossing area
• (6 additional Melbourne suburb locations)

First visit / new patients

What to expect

1. New patient form: After booking online, you'll receive a link to complete a new patient form. Fill it out before you arrive, or get there 10 minutes early to do it at reception.
2. Bring your health insurance card (physical or digital) if you have private dental cover.
3. First appointment options:
   • Comprehensive check-up: Full mouth assessment (30-60 mins). Covers your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and bite. X-rays and photos may be taken.
   • Complimentary consultation: Obligation-free, 30 minutes max. Good for comparing treatment plans, getting a second opinion, or just asking questions. You'll leave with written item numbers and costs. (New patients only, one per patient, not combined with other offers, with general dentists only.)
   • No-gap check-up and clean: For new patients with eligible private health insurance - no out-of-pocket cost.

Booking

• Phone: 13 13 16
• Online: Via the website
• $50 deposit required at the time of booking (refunded at your appointment)
• For phone bookings: A secure payment link is sent via Podium; your booking is confirmed once the deposit is received

Cancellation policy

• 24+ hours notice required for a full refund of your deposit
• Less than 24 hours notice, or failure to attend: deposit forfeited; a cancellation fee may apply
• To cancel or reschedule: Call 13 13 16

Practice policies

Payment

• Payment is due on the day of your appointment (all patients, including TAC/WorkCover)
• TAC/WorkCover patients pay on the day and claim from their insurer separately; future appointments depend on approval status
• Cards accepted: All major credit/debit cards, EFTPOS, cash; Amex at some locations
• HICAPS: On-the-spot health fund claiming - your rebate is processed before you pay the balance
• Deposits are applied toward treatment, or held as credit for future visits (your choice)

Appointment deposit

• A deposit is required at booking (amount varies)
• Fully refundable for complimentary consultations

TAC / WorkCover patients

• Payment required upfront on the day
• Claim from your insurer separately
• Future appointments subject to approval

Health insurance & rebates

• HICAPS processes claims on the spot
• Most major Australian private health funds accepted
• Several health funds pay orthodontic rebates only when a specialist orthodontist performs the treatment - worth checking with your fund before you start
• No-gap check-up: Available to new patients with eligible private health insurance dental cover (first visit only)
• CDBS (Child Dental Benefits Schedule):
  • For eligible children aged 0-17
  • Up to $1,095.60 over 2 years for basic dental services
  • Families must receive relevant Australian Government payments
  • Check eligibility via MyGov (Medicare) or call the Department of Human Services
  • Core Dental bulk-bills for CDBS-covered services
  • If CDBS funds aren't available on the day, the patient pays and claims via Medicare

Affordability

How Core Dental keeps costs manageable

Group purchasing power means Core Dental can source premium materials at lower cost and pass those savings on to patients. Before any work begins, you'll receive a written treatment plan with fixed costs - no surprises. Your dentist can also walk you through the short- and long-term cost trade-offs (for example, extracting a tooth versus saving it), so you can make a decision that makes sense for your situation and your budget.

Payment plan options

• Payright: 0% interest, fortnightly repayments, treatment plans up to $20,000, terms 3-30 months
• TLC: Personal loan $2,001-$50,000, up to 84 months, rate depends on credit score
• Supercare: Early access to superannuation for dental treatment
• My Denta Plan / other plans: Available for Invisalign
• Up to 30 months no deposit, interest-free plans for all treatments (general, cosmetic, specialist)
• Applications processed in-practice

See pricing-guide.md for full details on each payment plan.

Ambience & comfort

Core Dental puts real thought into the physical environment. Practices are designed with natural light, comfortable furniture, scented candles, and relaxing background music. Children's books and entertainment are available for younger patients. Temperature is carefully controlled, and the equipment throughout is current.

Every team member is selected for both clinical competence and a genuinely caring approach - because how you're treated matters as much as the treatment itself.

Pain and anxiety management

Core Dental offers a full range of options depending on your needs:

• Local anaesthetic
• Happy gas (nitrous oxide)
• IV sedation
• General anaesthetic (via Sleep Dentistry / hospital day surgery)

Sleep Dentistry is available for highly anxious patients at the South Melbourne practice. Treatment is carried out under general anaesthesia by a team that includes a specialist anaesthetist, nurse, dentist, and dental assistant. A dedicated recovery room with comfortable furniture and calm lighting is available afterwards.

What to expect during treatment

General

Your dentist will explain their provisional diagnosis and all available treatment options before anything proceeds. You'll receive a written, itemised quote before any work begins. All treatments are performed by AHPRA-registered practitioners.

Orthodontic treatment (Invisalign / braces)

Some adjustment is normal at the start of treatment. Mild pressure or discomfort when switching aligners or after adjustments is common and usually settles within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief can help in the meantime.

Oral hygiene during treatment:

• Brush twice daily and floss once daily
• Professional clean every 4 months during orthodontic treatment
• General dental check every 6 months during treatment

Retainers are required after all orthodontic treatment to hold your results in place and are included in the quoted price. Missing appointments or wearing aligners inconsistently can extend your treatment time.

Orthodontic treatment risks

It's worth knowing what can occasionally occur during orthodontic treatment:

• Gum disease and tooth decay (oral hygiene is the patient's responsibility)
• Minor tooth root shortening (resorption)
• Vitality changes in teeth that were previously traumatised
• Relapse - teeth shift naturally with age; retainers prevent this
• Jaw growth changes, particularly in children
• Wisdom teeth may affect stability after treatment (removal may be recommended)
• TMJ symptoms such as jaw pain or dysfunction
• Treatment time can vary depending on individual biological response

Post-extraction / surgery care

After wisdom tooth removal, avoid smoking for at least 72 hours, and for the first 24 hours avoid drinking through a straw, alcohol, hot liquids, excessive spitting or rinsing, and physical exertion. Stick to soft foods while you heal.

You'll receive a post-op pack containing gauze, mouthwash, a syringe, a medical certificate, and pain medication if needed. An after-hours emergency number is also provided.

Dry socket: If you experience severe pain 3-4 days after an extraction, contact the practice straight away.

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is not painful - it's carried out under complete local anaesthesia. The tooth may feel sore or tender for a few days afterwards, which is normal. While the temporary filling is in place, avoid hot, hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. A crown or restoration is recommended after root canal treatment to protect the tooth long-term. Continue gentle brushing and flossing in the treated area.

Fillings

Local anaesthetic numbs the area and wears off in around 2 hours. While you're still numb, avoid hot food or drinks and be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue. Some sensitivity is normal for days or weeks after a filling, especially if the cavity was deep. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental appointments will help the filling last as long as possible.

Wisdom teeth - recovery

Recovery time after a simple removal varies from person to person. Follow the post-extraction care instructions provided at your appointment.