Initial Consultation
Your first visit is the most important step towards better oral health! This is the best time for us to learn about your personal goals and circumstances, and work out a plan to suit your needs.
Your initial consultation will include:
- A comprehensive medical, dental and social history review
- An oral examination
- Oral hygiene and dietary risk assessment and preventive care advice
- Discussion of the treatment options with relevant people including the patient, family members (or other medical/financial decision makers), carers, support workers and medical and allied health professionals
- Administration time needed to document and plan treatment
We will explain your health conditions and treatment options in plain language. We can provide written reports as needed, and we will be available to talk about anything you are unsure about. You will be provided with a treatment plan and quote, however it may not be possible to provide this on the day of your consultation if your treatment is complex.
The initial consultation fee does not include travel fees for home visits, or treatment services (such as x-rays and plaque removal) which may be needed for a full assessment.
Before any appointments can be made, we require our registration form and medical questionnaire to be completed. This is because many of our patients are unable to consent for themselves, and have complex medical conditions which impact on their dental treatment. If any information is incomplete, we can collect it during or after the consultation, but this can lead to a delay in the treatment plan.
For patients who no longer handle their own affairs, we require the contact details and consent of their:
- medical treatment decision maker (the person responsible for medical consent). This may be their next of kin or a legally appointed person.
- guardian or power of attorney who handles financial affairs
We are unable to see the patient without the permission of the above people. Please note that professional carers are not permitted to provide consent unless they have been legally appointed to do so. For people who have no next of kin or appointed decision makers, we will contact the Office of the Public Advocate for advice.
Written consent is also needed to receive and share medical information with other health professionals so that treatment can be planned safely and efficiently. Where appropriate, we also request copies of other documents such as your:
- Oral health care plan
- Behavioural support plan
- Advanced care directive