Starting with a new dentist can feel like a bigger step than it is. Maybe you’ve moved to Hornsby, your old clinic has closed, or it has simply been a few years since your last check-up. Whatever the reason, knowing what happens at a first visit takes most of the uncertainty out of it.
This guide walks through a typical first appointment at Hornsby Dental, from booking to paying, so you know exactly what to expect.
Before your appointment
Booking the right appointment
When you book, tell us why you’re coming in. A routine check-up and clean needs a different amount of time from a toothache, a broken filling or a question about straightening your teeth. If you’re in pain, say so: we keep same-day emergency appointments available six days a week.
It also helps to let us know if you feel anxious about dental visits. We can allow extra time, explain each step before we start and talk about options such as happy gas. Our gentle dental care page explains more.
Your new patient forms
We’ll send you a link to complete your forms online before the visit. If you can’t do them online, please arrive about 10 minutes early and fill them in at reception. The forms ask about:
- Your medical history, including any conditions such as diabetes, heart problems or pregnancy
- Medications and supplements you take, especially blood thinners and medicines for bone density
- Allergies, including to latex, antibiotics or anaesthetic
- Your dental history and what you’d like help with
Your medical history matters because many conditions and medicines affect your mouth, how you heal and which treatments are safe for you.
What to bring
- Your health fund card, so we can claim on the spot
- A list of your medications (a photo of the packets is fine)
- Any recent dental x-rays, or your previous dentist’s details if you’d like us to request them
- Your glasses if you need them to read forms or treatment plans
Getting to Hornsby Dental
We’re at Suite 21, 14 Edgeworth David Avenue, about three minutes’ walk from Hornsby Station, so it’s easy to come by train or bus. If you drive, there is free street parking nearby. We’re open on Saturdays from 8:30am to 4pm, which suits many people who work or study during the week.
What happens during the visit
1. A conversation first
Your dentist starts by going over your medical history and asking about any concerns. Do you have sensitivity, bleeding gums, a tooth that catches floss, or something about your smile you’d like to change? This is your chance to mention anything, even if it seems minor.
2. A full examination
Your dentist then checks:
- Your teeth for decay, cracks, worn areas and the condition of any existing fillings or crowns
- Your gums for bleeding, inflammation and pockets that can point to gum disease
- Your bite and jaw for signs of grinding or clenching
- The soft tissues of your cheeks, tongue and throat, as part of routine oral cancer screening
3. X-rays when they’re needed
X-rays show what can’t be seen by eye: decay between teeth, problems under old fillings, bone levels and teeth that haven’t come through. If you have recent x-rays from another dentist, we may not need to repeat them. Modern digital x-rays use a very low dose of radiation.
4. A scale and clean
For a new patient check-up, the visit usually includes a professional scale and clean. We remove hardened plaque (tartar) from above and just below the gum line, then polish away surface stains. If it has been a while, some areas may feel tender; tell us and we’ll slow down or numb the area.
5. Fluoride
A fluoride treatment helps strengthen enamel and protect against decay. It’s quick and doesn’t need any special aftercare.
Talking through the results
Once the examination is done, your dentist explains what they found. Where it helps, we’ll show you photos or x-rays so you can see what we see. If you need treatment, we’ll go through your options, including the option of waiting and monitoring where that’s reasonable.
If treatment is recommended, you’ll get a written plan with costs. You don’t have to decide on the day. Take it home, check your health fund cover and ask any questions.
How long it takes and what it costs
Allow 45 to 60 minutes for a new patient check-up and clean. At Hornsby Dental, the new patient visit covers an examination, scale and clean, x-rays and fluoride for $219, or No Gap if you have eligible health fund extras. See our new patient offer for details.
We’re a preferred provider with Bupa, Medibank, nib and Westfund, and we process health fund claims on the spot with HICAPS, so you only pay any gap. Our health funds page explains how this works, and our price list shows other common treatments.
After your first visit
Most people then settle into a check-up and clean every six months. Your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have gum disease or a high risk of decay, or less frequent visits if your mouth stays very healthy. We’ll send you a reminder when you’re due.
Choosing a dentist: questions worth asking
If you’re comparing clinics in Hornsby, these questions help you find a practice that suits you. A good clinic will be happy to answer them before you book.
Is it easy to get to, and are the hours practical?
You’re more likely to keep up regular check-ups if the clinic is close to home, work or public transport, and open when you can actually attend. Weekday evenings or Saturday appointments make a big difference for many families.
Will they explain costs before treatment?
Ask whether you’ll receive a written treatment plan with fees before anything beyond the check-up is done, and whether they can claim from your health fund on the spot. Clear costs up front avoid surprises later.
Which health funds are they a preferred provider for?
Preferred provider arrangements can reduce or remove your out-of-pocket cost for check-ups and cleans. If you have extras cover, check whether the clinic is a preferred provider for your fund.
What can be done under one roof?
Some people only ever need check-ups and the odd filling. Others need crowns, orthodontics or tooth replacement over time. A practice that offers a broad range of treatment means fewer referrals and less repeating of your history. At Hornsby Dental this includes crowns, orthodontics, implants and cosmetic dentistry, with specialist referral when it’s needed.
How do they look after nervous patients?
If you feel anxious, ask how the team handles it: longer appointments, explanations before each step, the option to pause, and sedation options such as happy gas. Feeling in control makes a real difference.
What happens in an emergency?
Toothaches and broken teeth rarely happen at convenient times. Ask whether the clinic keeps same-day appointments for emergencies, and what to do if something happens after hours.
Making the most of your first appointment
- Write down your questions beforehand. It’s easy to forget them once you’re in the chair.
- Mention changes since your last visit: new medications, pregnancy, a diagnosis, or anything that has changed in your mouth.
- Be honest about your habits. How often you floss, how much sugar you have, and whether you smoke all help your dentist give advice that fits your life.
- Ask what to focus on at home. Your dentist can point out the areas you’re missing when brushing and show you the right size of interdental brush.
- Book your next visit before you leave, so it’s locked in at a time that suits you.
First visit FAQs
Do I need a referral to see a dentist?
No. You can book directly with us online or by phone.
Will the check-up hurt?
An examination doesn’t hurt. A scale and clean is comfortable for most people; if your gums are inflamed some areas may feel tender, and we can numb them if needed.
It’s been years since I saw a dentist. Will I be judged?
No. Many new patients haven’t seen a dentist for a while. Our job is to help from wherever you’re starting, not to lecture.
Can I bring my children to the same appointment time?
Yes. Families can book back-to-back appointments, including on Saturdays. See children’s dentistry.
What if I need treatment on the day?
Small things can sometimes be done straight away if time allows. Otherwise we’ll book a separate appointment that suits you.
Find out more about new patient check-up and clean in Hornsby.
Book a visit at Hornsby Dental
Hornsby Dental is at Suite 21, 14 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby, about three minutes’ walk from Hornsby Station, with free street parking nearby. We’re open Monday to Friday 9am–6pm and Saturday 8:30am–4pm. Book online or call (02) 8090 1100.
This article is general information only. It isn’t a substitute for advice from your dentist about your own mouth and health.