Question 1

How long does a check-up take?

Accepted Answer

A first visit at Sienna Smiles is allocated 45–60 minutes. This includes time for your medical and dental history, a comprehensive oral examination, diagnostic radiographs, professional prophylaxis (clean), and a thorough discussion of findings. The Australian Dental Association emphasises that unhurried appointments allow dentists to identify concerns that a brief check may overlook. **New patient appointment:** 45–60 minutes — includes full examination, X-rays, clean, and written oral health plan. **Routine recall appointment:** 30–45 minutes — depends on whether radiographs are due and the extent of calculus removal required. **Additional treatment identified:** scheduled separately unless time permits and you prefer same-day care The AIHW reports that Australians who attend regular dental appointments are significantly less likely to require emergency or complex treatment, reinforcing the value of thorough check-up appointments. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Oral health and dental care in Australia. 2024.

Question 2

How often should I have a check-up?

Accepted Answer

The Australian Dental Association recommends that most adults visit a dentist at least every six months for a routine check-up and clean. However, the right interval depends on your individual oral health risk profile. **High-risk patients** (active gum disease, frequent decay, dry mouth, diabetes, smokers) may benefit from **three-monthly reviews**. **Standard-risk patients** generally do well with **six-monthly visits**. **Low-risk patients** with consistently good oral health may suit **annual check-ups**, at the discretion of their dentist AIHW data shows that only 54% of Australian adults visit a dentist at least once a year, and those who delay care are more likely to present with advanced decay or periodontal disease. If gum issues are identified, our [gum disease treatment](/general-dentistry/gum-disease-treatment) pathway addresses the concern promptly. After each appointment, your dentist will recommend a personalised recall interval documented in your oral health plan. Australian Dental Association. Dental health for life — visiting your dentist. 2024.

Question 3

What's included in the $299 new patient offer?

Accepted Answer

The $299 new patient offer includes a comprehensive examination, professional clean, and digital X-rays for adults who have not previously attended Sienna Smiles. This structured first visit addresses the fact that, according to the AIHW, approximately 1 in 3 Australians delay dental visits due to cost concerns. Full clinical examination — assessment of teeth, gingival tissues, occlusion, soft tissues, and temporomandibular joint. Digital bitewing radiographs — detecting interproximal decay and bone levels. Professional scale and prophylactic clean — removal of calculus and plaque biofilm. Full-mouth periodontal charting — probing depths and attachment levels recorded. Written oral health plan — documented findings, prioritised recommendations, and estimated costs The offer is subject to clinical assessment at the appointment. If your dentist identifies needs beyond a standard check-up and clean — such as extensive subgingival debridement or additional imaging — adjusted pricing is discussed before proceeding. You are never charged for treatment you have not consented to. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Oral health and dental care in Australia — barriers to care. 2024.

Question 4

What if the dentist finds something during my check-up?

Accepted Answer

Your dentist will explain exactly what they found, using your radiographs and intraoral camera images so you can see the concern for yourself. Early detection is a significant advantage of regular check-ups — the AIHW notes that dental conditions identified at an early stage generally require simpler, less invasive, and less costly intervention. All findings are documented and discussed using visual aids (X-rays, intraoral photography). A written treatment plan with itemised costs is provided before any work commences. No treatment proceeds without your informed consent — as required under AHPRA guidelines. Non-urgent findings are scheduled for a follow-up appointment at a time that suits you If something needs clinical attention sooner, your dentist will explain the urgency and discuss the available options. There is never pressure to proceed on the day. If decay is identified early, it may be managed with a [dental filling](/restorative-dentistry/dental-fillings). Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Guidelines for advertising of regulated health services. 2024.

Question 5

Do you see children for check-ups?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alefia sees children for routine check-ups, preventive care, and early intervention assessments. A child's check-up covers their teeth, gums, bite development, and any early signs of concern — explained in a way that is calm and clear for both parent and child. Visit our [children's dentistry](/general-dentistry/childrens-dentistry) page for full details on paediatric services. The Australian Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit when their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday — whichever comes first. According to AIHW data, more than 40% of Australian children aged 5–10 have experienced decay in their primary teeth, making early assessment and preventive care particularly important. Eligible children aged 2–17 may access check-ups and basic dental services through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) — a Federal Government program providing up to $1,158 per child over a two-year period. Sienna Smiles bulk-bills CDBS-eligible services. See our [CDBS information page](/patient-info/child-dental-benefits-schedule) for eligibility details. Services Australia. Child Dental Benefits Schedule — eligibility and services covered. 2025.

Question 6

Is a check-up covered by my health fund?

Accepted Answer

Check-ups, cleans, and X-rays are typically covered under the general dental or extras category of most private health insurance policies. According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), over 13 million Australians hold private health insurance with extras cover that includes dental benefits. The rebate amount depends on your level of cover, your annual limit, and whether you have already claimed dental services in the current benefit year. Sienna Smiles is a preferred provider for HBF, HCF, and NIB, which means eligible members with these funds may receive higher rebates compared to a non-preferred provider. We accept all major Australian health funds. HICAPS is available on-site so your rebate is processed immediately at the time of your appointment — you pay only the gap (if any), with no paperwork to submit later. See our [health funds](/patient-info/health-funds) page for details on accepted providers. HealthDirect Australia. Private health insurance — dental and extras cover. 2025.

Question 7

I haven't been to a dentist in years — is that okay?

Accepted Answer

It is more common than you might think. AIHW data shows that approximately 46% of Australian adults do not visit a dentist in any given year. Many patients at Sienna Smiles have not attended for several years before their first visit with us. There is no judgment — what matters is that you are taking the step now. Your first appointment is a thorough assessment — your dentist evaluates your current oral health comprehensively. All findings are explained clearly using visual aids (radiographs and intraoral camera images). A prioritised treatment plan is created if anything needs attention, sequenced by clinical urgency. Costs are confirmed in writing before each stage — no unexpected charges If you experience dental anxiety, please mention it when booking. Our team can adjust the pace and approach to suit you. Sedation options may also be discussed at your consultation if appropriate. Individual results vary. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Oral health and dental care in Australia — dental visiting patterns. 2024.

Question 8

What's the difference between a check-up and a clean?

Accepted Answer

They are two distinct clinical procedures performed at the same appointment, each serving a different purpose. The Australian Dental Association recommends combining both in a single visit for comprehensive preventive care. **Check-up (clinical examination)** — your dentist systematically examines teeth, gingival tissues, occlusion, soft tissues, and the temporomandibular joint. Diagnostic radiographs are taken as clinically indicated. This is the diagnostic component — identifying caries, periodontal disease, oral pathology, and other concerns at an early stage.. **Clean (prophylaxis / scale and polish)** — a dental practitioner removes supragingival and subgingival calculus and plaque biofilm using ultrasonic and hand instruments, then polishes tooth surfaces. This is the preventive component — disrupting bacterial colonisation and reducing the risk of decay and gum disease. At Sienna Smiles, both are included in a standard check-up appointment. Combining examination and prophylaxis in a single visit ensures that your oral health is both assessed and actively maintained. Australian Dental Association. Preventive dental care — ADA guidelines. 2024.

Question 9

Why do I need X-rays at a check-up?

Accepted Answer

Dental radiographs reveal pathology that is not visible during a visual and tactile clinical examination alone. Bitewing radiographs — the most common type taken during a routine check-up — detect interproximal caries (decay between teeth), early alveolar bone loss around tooth roots, and the integrity of existing restorations beneath the surface. **Bitewing radiographs:** detect decay between teeth and early bone changes — recommended every 12–24 months for standard-risk adults. **Periapical radiographs:** show the entire tooth root and surrounding bone — used when a specific tooth requires investigation. **OPG (orthopantomogram):** a panoramic view of both jaws — used for wisdom tooth assessment, implant planning, or broad screening Sienna Smiles uses digital radiography, which produces up to 80% less radiation than traditional film-based X-rays and provides immediate high-resolution on-screen images for collaborative review with your dentist. Radiographs are not taken at every appointment — your dentist determines frequency based on your risk profile and clinical findings. Australian Dental Association. Dental X-rays — patient information. 2024.

Question 10

Can I book a check-up for my whole family?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sienna Smiles sees patients of all ages — from a child's first dental visit through to adult and senior care. You can book family appointments so that multiple family members are examined in the same session, reducing the number of trips to the practice. Children eligible for the **Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)** — we verify benefit balances and bulk-bill covered services on the day. Adult family members with private health insurance — HICAPS processes each rebate individually at the appointment. Mixed households — CDBS, private fund, and self-funded patients can all be seen in a single family session To book a family appointment, call 08 9455 1234 and let us know how many family members need to be seen. Our scheduling team will allocate the appropriate time so that every family member receives a thorough, unhurried check-up. Services Australia. Child Dental Benefits Schedule. 2025.

More than a quick look and a clean

Every check-up covers this

Full oral examination

Digital X-rays

Intraoral camera

Periodontal assessment

Oral cancer screening

Bite and TMJ check

Existing restoration review

Professional scale and polish

Fluoride treatment

Written oral health plan

What to expect on the day

Book your appointment

Arrive and settle in

Clinical assessment

Professional clean

Your oral health plan

Your first check-up starts at $299

What's included

Common Questions About Check-Ups

Ready for a thorough check-up?

Morethanaquicklookand a cleanMore than a quick look and a clean