Family dental care works when it fits around real life: school runs, shift work, a baby who needs feeding and a grandparent who doesn't like driving far. As a family-owned practice in Hocking, that's what we plan for. If you're looking for a family dentist in Hocking, or you've searched "family dentist near me" from Wanneroo, Landsdale or Darch, here's what that looks like in practice.
What a family dentist in Hocking does differently
A family dentist sees patients of every age at one practice. That sounds simple, but it changes a few things.
Fewer trips. Ask about booking family members together when you call.
Room for little ones. A pram fits beside the chair, so a parent can have their check-up with the baby right there.
The same dentists each visit. You see the same faces each visit, and the kids grow up knowing who they're seeing.
Shared habits. Seeing the whole family makes it easier to talk about habits at home, like snacking or sports drinks.
Our family dentistry page lists everything we offer under one roof.
Children: from the first dentist appointment to the teens
A child's first dentist appointment is mostly about getting used to the place. They sit in the chair, we count their teeth and talk to you about brushing and food. Short, positive early visits make later ones easier.
As they grow, check-ups pick up the things that matter at each age: new adult teeth coming through, deep grooves in new back teeth, and a mouthguard once they take up contact sport. There's more on our children's dentistry page and in our article on dental care for kids.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Some families are eligible for the CDBS. According to Services Australia, it covers a capped amount for each eligible child over two consecutive calendar years, and the cap is indexed every 1 January. It covers check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. It doesn't cover orthodontic or cosmetic work, or dental care in a hospital. It's for children aged 0 to 17 who are eligible for Medicare, in families that get certain Services Australia payments, so check with Services Australia. We accept the CDBS for eligible children.
Family dental care for parents and grandparents
For adults, family dental care means regular check-ups and cleans, plus the work that comes with time: fillings, crowns and bridges, implants, and full or partial dentures. We bill DVA directly for eligible treatment for Veteran Card holders, and our Veterans' Affairs page has the details.
Older parents often have different needs from the rest of the household: dry mouth from medicines, older fillings that need watching, or a denture that has stopped fitting well. Seeing them at the same practice as the grandkids means one less appointment to organise on a different side of town.
If anyone in the family is nervous, tick the box on our booking form. We'll book more time, explain each step as we go, and stop whenever they ask.
What family dental care costs, and how funds help
Dental fees are charged per item number, so the cost depends on what each person needs. We give a written estimate with item numbers before any treatment. We're a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF, nib and Bupa, which usually means a smaller gap, and we claim on the spot through HICAPS. Our government programs page explains the CDBS in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Can we book the whole family on the same day?
Ask when you book, and we'll tell you what times are available for family members together.
Is a family dentist different from a paediatric dentist?
A paediatric dentist is a registered specialist in children's dentistry, often for children with more complex needs. A family dentist looks after everyone's routine and general care. If your child ever needs a specialist, we'll explain why and arrange the referral.
Do you see young children?
Yes, we see patients of every age, including young children. An early visit is a good chance to ask questions about teething, brushing and bottles.
Is one family dentist easier than separate dentists for each of us?
It's a matter of convenience. One practice means fewer trips, records in one place and one number to call when something goes wrong.
To book your family in with a family dentist in Hocking, call Hocking Dental Care on (08) 9306 2755 or book online.
