Local dentist in North Beach: changing dentists, made easy
By North Beach Dental · · 4 min read
Changing dentists is one of those jobs people put off for years, sometimes long after they've stopped going regularly. Maybe your old practice is now a long drive away, or you've never quite felt listened to. Moving to a local dentist in North Beach is simpler than it sounds. Here's what's involved.
Why a local dentist in North Beach is worth it
A search for "local dentist near me" is usually about more than distance. It's about having a practice that's part of your week rather than a trip you dread.
Check-ups actually happen. When the practice is close, regular visits fit around work and school instead of being postponed.
Someone checks in. We often follow up with patients after treatment. If something doesn't feel right after a filling or extraction, you're dealing with people nearby who already know what was done.
No surprises on costs. We explain treatment plans and costs up front, before any work begins.
Your history stays in one place. Years of records and X-rays make it easier to spot slow changes in your teeth and gums.
It matters most when something goes wrong. A cracked tooth on a Friday afternoon is far less stressful when you can call a practice nearby that already has your X-rays and knows your mouth.
Changing dentists: a step-by-step guide
Book your first visit. You don't need permission from your old dentist, and you don't need to tell them first.
Request your records. Ask your previous practice for copies of recent X-rays and treatment notes. If they're hard to get, don't worry; we'll talk you through what's needed.
Check your health fund. Your yearly limits belong to your policy, so changing practice doesn't reset them. We're a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF and nib, and we claim through HICAPS on the spot.
Write down your medicines. Include anything new since your last dental visit, such as blood thinners or medicines for blood pressure or bones.
Mention any worries. If you've had a bad experience before, tell us when you book. It helps us plan your visit.
Your first visit: what to expect at the dentist
Your first dentist appointment with us starts with listening. We go through your history and ask what's on your mind. Then we examine each tooth, your gums and your bite, and take digital X-rays if they're due.
A scale and clean removes the hardened tartar that brushing can't shift. Our hygiene page explains what's involved. At the end, we tell you what we found, what needs doing and what can wait, with the costs explained before anything is booked.
For most adults, our usual recall is an exam, scale and clean every six months, and bitewing X-rays every two years. Your dentist may suggest a different interval for you.
A local dentist who knows the area
We're a family-owned practice at 17 Lawley St, North Beach. Our patients come from North Beach, Watermans Bay, Trigg, Carine, Karrinyup and nearby suburbs. You can read more about our practice or meet our team before your first visit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell my old dentist I'm changing dentists?
No. You can see any dentist you like. If you'd like your records moved, ask your previous practice to send them.
Will changing dentists affect my health fund?
Your limits and waiting periods stay with your fund. What may change is your gap, because preferred provider arrangements differ between practices. We explain costs before treatment so you can check with your fund.
What if I'm part-way through treatment elsewhere?
Bring whatever details you have. We'll look at where things are up to and explain your options, including whether finishing with your previous practice makes more sense.
How long does the first visit take?
We allow time to go through your history and answer your questions, so it can run a little longer than a routine check-up. We'll tell you how long to allow when you book.
Can my whole family move at once?
Yes. We see children and adults. Our new patients page explains what each person should bring.
Ready to switch to a local dentist in North Beach? Call North Beach Dental on (08) 9447 1514 or book your first visit online.