Bring your identification, your health fund details if you have them, any relevant records from your previous dentist, and a clear idea of what you want to discuss. The more prepared you are, the more productive the appointment will be.
Here is a practical checklist and what to expect during the visit.
What to bring
Identification and insurance:
- Photo ID (driver's licence or passport)
- Medicare card
- Health fund membership card (if applicable)
- DVA card or CDBS eligibility confirmation (if applicable)
Medical and dental history:
- A list of any medications you are currently taking (including supplements and over-the-counter medications)
- Any known allergies, particularly to medications, latex, or anaesthetics
- Relevant medical conditions your dentist should know about (heart conditions, diabetes, blood-thinning medications, recent surgeries, pregnancy)
- Any recent dental X-rays, scans, or records from your previous dentist. If your previous practice can email these to us before your appointment, that saves time. If not, bring whatever you have.
Your concerns:
- A clear idea of what brought you in. Is it pain? A cosmetic concern? A check-up you have been putting off? A specific treatment you want to discuss?
- If you have reference photos (for cosmetic consultations), bring them on your phone
- If you have questions written down, bring the list. It is easy to forget things once you are in the chair.
What to tell reception when booking
When you call to book, mention any specific concerns so we can allocate the right amount of time. Useful things to flag include:
- Whether you are attending for a general check-up or a specific issue
- If you have dental anxiety so we can allow extra time and prepare accordingly
- If you need a specific service such as a cosmetic consultation, emergency assessment, or a second opinion
- Whether you are bringing children who may need CDBS-eligible care
- If you need help with payment options or want to check health fund coverage in advance
This helps us match you with the right clinician and time slot at our Everton Park or Nundah clinic.
What happens at the first visit
A first visit at Ivy typically includes:
- A conversation about your concerns, your dental and medical history, and what you are looking to achieve
- A clinical examination of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues
- X-rays or other imaging if clinically indicated
- A discussion of findings - what is healthy, what needs attention, and what the options are
- A treatment plan with clear next steps if treatment is needed
- An explanation of costs before any treatment begins
If everything is healthy and you are attending for a routine check-up and clean, the appointment may be straightforward. If there are multiple issues to address, the first visit is about assessment and planning rather than trying to do everything at once.
Health fund documentation
If you have private health insurance, bring your membership card. We process claims on the spot with HICAPS at Everton Park and Nundah, so you pay only the gap. If you are unsure what your fund covers, you can call them before your appointment or bring your card and we will check coverage on the day.
For families with eligible children, CDBS (Child Dental Benefits Schedule) can cover check-ups, cleans, X-rays, fillings, and other basic dental items. At Ivy Dental, CDBS-covered items are bulk billed at $0 out of pocket while the remaining Medicare balance covers the planned treatment. Bring your Medicare card and we will verify eligibility. For details, see our CDBS guide for parents.
Questions worth asking
You do not need to have questions prepared, but if you are unsure, these are useful starting points:
- What is the most urgent thing that needs attention?
- What can wait, and for how long?
- What are the options for this treatment, and what are the trade-offs?
- What will this cost, and what is covered by my health fund?
- How many appointments will the treatment plan involve?
- What should I do differently at home?
Your dentist should welcome questions. If something is unclear, ask.
What happens after the consultation
After the first visit, you will have a clear picture of your dental health and a plan for any treatment that is needed. If the treatment is straightforward (a filling, a clean, a simple extraction), it may be completed on the same day or at the next appointment. If the treatment is more involved (veneers, implants, orthodontics), the plan will be staged across multiple visits with costs explained at each step.
You are never locked in. A treatment plan is a recommendation, not a commitment. You can take time to consider, ask questions, seek a second opinion, or proceed at your own pace.
Book your first appointment at Ivy Dental
Next step
Book your first appointment at our Everton Park or Nundah location. If you have records from a previous dentist, ask them to forward X-rays and notes to us before your visit - it helps us make the most of your time.
Book your first appointment | Call (07) 3266 7120
For more on what to expect as a new patient, see our new patients page. For location details and parking, see locations.
