What if you could leave the dentist feeling relieved instead of worried?
Most first dental visits are built around finding problems. Ours is designed to help you understand what matters, what can wait, what your options are, and what you actually want to do next.
You'll have 60–75 minutes with your dentist for a thorough assessment, discussion and personalised plan — so you leave knowing where your teeth stand and what makes sense from here.
What is a New Patient Comprehensive Care Visit?
A New Patient Comprehensive Care Visit at East St Kilda Dental is a 60–75 minute first appointment designed to assess your teeth, gums and overall oral health, discuss any concerns, and give you a clear prioritised care plan.
Who is this visit for?
Looking for a new dentist
New to the area, or ready for a practice that takes the time to get to know you.
Haven't been in years
No lectures and no judgement. We simply start with where your teeth are today.
Concerned about your teeth or gums
Sensitivity, bleeding gums, a chipped tooth, or something that just doesn't feel right.
Want a second opinion
Been given a treatment plan elsewhere? We'll take an independent look and explain your options.
Nervous about the dentist
We go at your pace, explain each step before we do it, and you can stop at any time.
Want a thorough baseline
A complete picture of your oral health today, to measure every future check-up against.
Why patients choose to start here
You won't be rushed
We allow time to properly understand your teeth, gums, concerns and goals — not squeeze you through a quick examination.
You'll know what actually needs attention
We'll separate what is urgent, what should be monitored, and what is optional — so everything doesn't feel like it needs to be done at once.
You stay in control
We explain what we see, your options and our recommendations. Then you decide what happens next.
Haven't been in years?
You won't be judged. Many of our patients come to us after avoiding the dentist for a long time. We simply start with where you are today.
Feeling anxious? Learn more about our gentle dentistry for nervous patients.
What you'll know after your first visit
You'll walk out with a clear understanding of your oral health and a plan that makes sense for you.
- A clear picture
of your oral health - What needs
attention now - What can wait
(without worry) - What is optional
and entirely your choice - Which options
are available - Your prioritised next steps
and costs where relevant
What to expect at your first dental visit in St Kilda East
Your first visit may include:
- Comprehensive dental examination
- Necessary diagnostic X-rays
- Gum and periodontal assessment
- Oral cancer screening
- Professional clean where clinically appropriate
- Discussion of any pain, concerns or cosmetic goals
- A clear, prioritised care plan
- Time to ask questions and understand your options
No pressure to commit to treatment on the day.
Pick a time that works for you
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How much does a new patient dental visit cost?
The New Patient Comprehensive Care Visit is one flat price with everything included, and we'll confirm it with you before you book. If you have eligible extras cover, we can process your claim on the day through HICAPS. Your out-of-pocket amount depends on your fund and level of cover. Any further treatment comes with a written estimate first.
Put it off for years? You're exactly who we're best with
No lectures, no judgement. Tell us you're anxious and we go entirely at your pace, with happy gas and gentle, unhurried care. You can stop any time.
What your first visit feels like
Dr Anbar was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. Very comfortable experience as well, from my perspective there was no pain or discomfort. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a new dentist.
I’ve had years of care under this team. They are friendly, do not over charge, offer options of treatments that consider your circumstances. A clinic that has never failed to care and give me the most personalised treatment.
Dr Dean is caring, calm, patient, empathic, professional, warm and open to having a laugh. He and the team at St Kilda East Dental are amazing group who to me practice ‘dentistry as an art form’.
First up - precision and brilliant quality! Plus my dentist Anbar is so kind, gentle and careful. So I have got a dentist who I can absolutely trust, and also I get to have a friendly and nurturing, very personalized experience when I am in there.
I’ve been going to Eddy for over 20 years and couldn’t recommend him more highly. He is always professional, gentle, and extremely knowledgeable. Eddy takes the time to explain everything clearly and makes every visit comfortable and stress-free.
Writing a review after a dentist visit is not something i'm normally compelled to do, however I have been really impressed with Dr Dean and his kind, gentle and informative service that I thought I should! This is my second visit amd I highly recommend.
You'll be looked after by a team that explains things properly.
Your visit may be with Dr Anbar Ganatra, Dr Edmund Goldman or Dr Jarrod Dean. Each takes the time to explain what they see and talk you through your options before anything goes ahead.
Our team
Caring for St Kilda East since 1980
Dr Anbar Ganatra
Cosmetic & General Dentist
Dr Edmund Goldman
Dentist
Dr Jarrod Dean
Dentist
Michelle Callaghan
Dental HygienistNew patient questions
What happens at a new patient dental appointment?
Your dentist starts by talking with you about your dental history, any pain or concerns, and what you'd like for your teeth. Next comes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, with X-rays and a clean where clinically appropriate. We finish by explaining what we found, what needs attention, what can wait and what your options are, and give you a clear, prioritised care plan.
How long does a first dental visit take?
Allow 60 to 75 minutes. That is longer than a standard check-up on purpose: it gives your dentist time to assess your teeth and gums properly, answer your questions and talk a plan through with you, rather than rushing through a quick examination. If you would like breaks along the way, just let us know.
Does a new patient visit include X-rays?
Usually, yes. Most new patients need diagnostic X-rays so your dentist can see between the teeth, below the gumline and into the bone, where problems often begin without any symptoms. We only take the X-rays that are clinically necessary for you. If you've had X-rays taken recently at another practice, mention it when you book.
Does a new patient visit include a clean?
A professional clean is included where it is clinically appropriate, and for most new patients that means a scale and clean on the day. If there is a lot of build-up or your gums need more care, your dentist may recommend completing the clean over a separate appointment so it can be done thoroughly and comfortably. We'll always explain why.
What if I haven't been to the dentist in years?
You're very welcome, and you won't be judged. Many of our patients come to us after avoiding the dentist for a long time. We start with where you are today, go at your pace and explain everything as we go. If you're anxious, tell us when you book: happy gas is available and you can stop at any time.
How much does a new patient dental visit cost?
The New Patient Comprehensive Care Visit is one flat price with everything included, and we'll confirm it with you before you book. If you have eligible extras cover, we can process your claim on the day through HICAPS. Your out-of-pocket amount depends on your fund and level of cover. Any further treatment comes with a written estimate first.
Can I use my health fund for a new patient visit?
Yes. We welcome patients from all major Australian health funds. Bring your health fund card and we can process eligible claims on the spot through HICAPS. Your rebate depends on your fund, policy and level of extras cover, so it's worth checking with your fund beforehand. Payment plans are also available for any larger treatment you choose to go ahead with.
Two easy ways to book your visit
Book online
Choose a time that works for you. Our online booking system is quick, easy and available 24/7.
Book online nowPrefer we call you?
Leave your details and we'll give you a call to find a time that suits you.
Prefer to talk it through? Call us on (03) 9527 3678.