Switching dentists can feel like paperwork, so people often put it off. It's simpler than it sounds. Moving to a local dentist in Hocking, close to home, usually makes every check-up after that easier to keep. Here's how it works if you're moving your care to us from Hocking, Wanneroo, Landsdale, Darch or nearby.
Why a local dentist in Hocking makes a difference
When people search "local dentist near me", they're usually after more than a short drive. A practice close to home changes how often you actually go.
Appointments are easier to keep. A short trip is easier to fit around school and work. A long one gets put off.
You see the same faces. We're family owned, and you see the same dentists each visit, so your history isn't new to us every time.
Small changes get noticed. Comparing new X-rays and photos with earlier ones helps catch small problems early.
Help is nearby when something breaks. A cracked tooth is less stressful when you can call a practice that already has your records.
Switching dentists: what you actually need to do
Book your first visit. You don't need permission from your old practice, and you don't need to tell them first. Our new patients page explains what to bring.
Ask for your recent records. Your previous practice can usually send copies of recent X-rays and treatment notes. If they can't, that's fine; we'll talk with you about what's needed.
Check your health fund. Your annual extras limits belong to your policy, not to the dentist, so changing practice doesn't reset them. We're a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF, nib and Bupa, and we claim on the spot through HICAPS.
List your medicines. Write down anything you take, including blood thinners, and any health changes since your last visit.
Tell us if you're nervous. Tick the nervous-patient box on the booking form and we'll book more time.
What to expect at the dentist on your first visit
Your first dentist appointment with us starts with a conversation. We go through your history and ask what's bothering you, if anything. Then we check your teeth and gums, take digital X-rays if they're due, and use the intraoral camera so you can see your teeth on the screen beside the chair.
Depending on what's needed, a scale and clean may happen at the same visit or be booked with our hygienist, Nishtha. Our check-up and prevention page explains what's included.
If anything needs treatment, you get a written estimate with item numbers before we start. Nothing goes ahead until you've agreed to it. If you'd like time to think it over or check with your fund, take it.
A local dentist for the whole household
We see patients of every age, so switching dentists can mean moving the whole family at once. Kids, parents and grandparents end up with their records in one place and one number to call. More on how we work is on our about us page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell my old dentist I'm switching dentists?
No. You're free to see any dentist you like. If you'd like your records moved, just ask your previous practice to send them, or ask us how to request them.
Will changing practice affect my health fund?
Your limits and waiting periods stay with your fund. What can change is your gap, because preferred provider arrangements differ between practices. We'll quote item numbers so you can check with your fund before treatment.
Is the first dentist appointment longer?
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.
What if I'm halfway through treatment somewhere else?
Bring whatever details you have. We'll look at where things are up to and talk you through the options. Sometimes finishing with the practice that started the work makes more sense, and we'll say so.
More common questions are answered on our FAQs page. Ready to move to a local dentist in Hocking? Call Hocking Dental Care on (08) 9306 2755 or choose a time online.
