FAQ

 

+ What does being an Accredited Practice mean?

It is national recognition by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and QIP (Quality in Practice) of the policies, procedures and protocols that we have in place to ensure that we provide quality care based on the best outcomes for our patients. Accreditation checks and ensures that a dental practice has systems and processes in place to improve the safety and quality of care for patients. It is a gold star against our name for a well-run practice that meets the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards for healthcare.

We are the only accredited dental practice in Kingborough. There are only a few accredited practices in the Hobart Area.

+ Do you accept new patients?

Yes, new patients are very welcome at Kingston Beach Dental. If you would like your records sent from another dental practice we can organise this after you sign the relevant authorising paperwork.

+ What areas do you service?

All Areas, Southern Tasmania, Hobart, Kingston, Kingston Beach, Blackmans Bay, Taroona, Hobart, Kingborough, Channel and Huon Municipalities. We also have patients who travel from the East Coast and Melbourne to see our dentists! We welcome patients from everywhere.

+ Do you have parking available?

Free, level access parking directly at our door is available. We are 15 minutes from the CBD.

+ How much will it cost me?

The out-of-pocket cost depends on the services required; the treatment provided; whether you are a member of a health fund or not and your level of cover; are a Veteran's Affairs patient; and whether you are eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Scheme.

An individualised treatment plan will be developed after your examination and we will discuss the cost of treatment with you. We have HICAPS for on-the-spot health fund claims and EFTPOS facilities.

Payment is required on the day of service. Zip pay and Zipmoney are finance options available after we have completed a comprehensive examination and we give you a treatment plan.

+ What if I need to change my appointment?

Our appointments are confirmed at the time of booking. We make every effort to make a courtesy reminder call, email or SMS on the day before your appointment, and request 24 business hours’ notice to change appointments. It is your responsibility to record the date and time of your appointment when it is made. The surgery and staff will be prepared specifically prepared for you.

We are a family-run business. We have many patients waiting for appointments but it can be difficult for us to fill your appointment if it is cancelled at short notice. We reserve the right to charge a fee for missed appointments and those cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice.

+ Why are regular Continuing Care Appointments important?

We recommend a check-up and clean every 6 months to identify and diagnose any tooth or gum problems early, and to treat them appropriately before other dental issues develop. Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment all help to reduce the need for more complex and expensive dental work. Good oral health is associated with your overall health and wellbeing.

+ Are you a preferred provider practice?

Dr Martyn Sweet, Practice Principal, feels strongly about why it is important that we are NOT a preferred provider practice. Preferred providers are not actually preferred because of their dental ability but because they meet the fee criteria set by the health funds and have agreed to be contractually bound to the health fund. At Kingston Beach Dental, we welcome patients from ALL health funds and believe you should see the provider that YOU prefer, not the dentist who the health fund has a financial contractual arrangement with. This allows the best treatment decisions to be made, through consultation between the dentist and patient, without influence from the fund.