Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How often should I come to the dentist?

In most people plaque build up and hardens to form calculus (tartar) gradually over a few months if it is not cleaned off. Once it hardens it can only be removed by a professional clean. Research has shown that 6 months is the ideal frequency for the majority of adults and children between professional cleans. Adults with periodontal (gum) disease, children with braces and the elderly should be seen more often.
Q. When should children start visiting the dentist?

Ideally children should be examined once they start getting their first teeth, to check that all is progressing as it should. The Australian Dental Association recommends around the first birthday is a good time to do this. For very young children they don’t need a separate visit of their own. Just bring them along to a parent or siblings examination appointment. However be sure to let the reception know of this ahead of time to make sure we can accommodate you.
Q. How often should I brush?

It is generally accepted that most people should brush at least twice per day. In the morning after breakfast and last thing at night before retiring are probably the best times.
Q. Do I need to floss?

A wise old professor once said to me while I was at dental school "You only need to floss the teeth you want to keep!" Flossing is the best way to clean between teeth where the majority of caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) disease occurs. Ideally you should floss twice a day just prior to brushing. If this is not possibly we recommend at least once per day.
Q. How much will it cost?

This is a very good question but one that is difficult to answer. Costs are worked out based on the time taken and skill required to complete a procedure. Some procedures require laboratory work to be made or special expensive equipment to be used. This will add to the cost. At Duncraig Village Dental we are aware of trying to not surprise you with the bill. At your first visit we try to keep the bill to a minimum and give you a cost estimate of future treatments. However we cannot generally give a firm quote as sometime clinical conditions will dictate a change in the treatment plan. We will try to keep you updated with costs as they become apparent.
Q. How much will my health fund rebate?

As the rebate changes from Health fun to health fund and also depending your particular table and how long you have been a member we feel it is not appropriate for us to give you advice on your expected refund. However we can provide you with an itemised cost estimate so that you may speak to your particular fund and get a quote from them as to your exact refund. No guess work means no surprises.
Q. Why is Duncraig Village Dental not a participating provider to certain Health funds?

Duncraig Village Dental is a recognised provider to all Australian health funds. However in recent years some health funds have introduced a scheme to try and reduce the gap between the fee charged and the rebate. This has mainly been done by health funds that have not increased rebates for many years despite the cost of providing treatment increasing above the level of inflation. One particular health fund has rebates that are exactly the same as 1994. This scheme involves contracting dentists to provide services to their members at a fee that is set by the health fund, which is always below that dentist’s usual fee. For this the patient may be eligible to receive a rebate that is higher than if they went to the dentist of their choice. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) as do most dentists (90% of dentists are not contracted providers) believe this is not fair that a patient should be forced to leave a dentist of their choice so that they receive a higher rebate.

These types of schemes invariably lead to the health fund interfering in clinical decisions. Also if the fund drives down the fees dentists may be forced into cutting corners to contain costs. This leads to lowering of standards. At Duncraig Village Dental we believe in keeping standards as high as possible and avoiding situations where standards could ultimately be compromised.