Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing & Payments

  • We accept a wide variety of payment methods including: Eftpos, Cash, and HICAPS.

    We also offer payment plan options such as the National Dental Plan from Humm, which (if approved) allows you to pay for the cost of your dental treatment over easy fortnightly instalments. You can find out more about the National Dental Plan from Humm here.

  • Yes - we offer dental payment plans through the National Dental Plan (NDP) from Humm. With NDP you could finance up to $20,000 in treatments and spread the cost over easy to manage fortnightly payments.

    We are happy to chat to you about what this involves. Please mention this to us when booking your appointment so we can organise the necessary paperwork beforehand. You can find out more information about the National Dental Plan and their finance options here.

  • We are not, and this is why... At Dental 88 we believe in treating everyone equally. Same treatment, same cost, same rebate. We use quality products sourced from reputable companies who back up their claims with research and studies.

    As we’re not a “preferred provider” this may mean your treatment with us is not “gap free” however quality health care doesn’t mean it will be expensive either. Our fees are set with guidance from last year’s ADA (Australian Dental Association) average fee report.

  • While we aren’t a preferred provider, we accept all major health funds. Your rebate will depend on your provider and cover, so please check with your insurer to see what rebates you are eligible for.

    Some health funds and benefit programs include: AHM, AIA, Australian Unity, Bupa, CBHS, Defence Health, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Doctors Health Fund, Frank Health Insurance, GMF, GU Health, HBF, HCF, HIF, Latrobe, Medibank, Medicare, NIB, Police Health, Qantas, Teachers Health, and TUH.

  • Short for Health Industry Claims and Payments Service, HICAPS is a program which allows you to claim money back from your healthcare provider (including us) on the spot when you make a payment. This means you won’t need to submit an online claim or line up at Medicare in person.

    At Dental 88, we offer HICAPS which allows us to process any health insurance or medicare rebate for you when you pay for your treatment on the day.

New Patients & Booking An Appointment

  • Yes of course, we will endeavour to see anyone in pain on the day they call. You can make an appointment by emailing us at admin@d88.com.au or calling us on 08 9756 8000.

  • It’s very simple to have your records and x-rays transferred. Our friendly staff can organise a transfer form for you to sign then return to us and that’s it!

  • Yes, we are proud to offer ethical second opinions and referrals to specialists at our dental practice. We understand that dental issues can sometimes be complex and require expert input. That's why we prioritise providing unbiased advice and guidance to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.

  • Seeking a second opinion allows you to gain a fresh perspective on your dental diagnosis or treatment plan. Our experienced team of dental professionals will carefully review your case and provide you with an honest, ethical and objective evaluation. This empowers you to make informed decisions about your oral health and explore alternative treatment options if necessary.

General Dental Care & Questions

  • Yes! If you need to see a dentist urgently, please call us on 08 9756 8000 and we will do our best to fit you in as soon as possible. If you are unable to contact us in an emergency situation, please call Busselton Hospital on 08 9753 6000.

  • We recommend seeing our dentist yearly at least 6 monthly in most cases. Our Oral Health Therapist will see you on a 6 monthly basis to carry out active maintenance. If our Oral Health Therapist sees anything of concern at these 6 monthly maintenance visits, she will advise that you see our Dentist. We believe that prevention is better than the cure.

  • Toothaches are serious, and should not be ignored. At Dental 88, we have an appointment available for toothaches. Should your child have a toothache or a fall, we will see them as our 1st priority. Please call our practice on 08 9756 8000 or if you are unable to contact us in an emergency situation, please call Busselton Hospital on 08 9753 6000.

  • We have two different types of professional teeth whitening systems.

    1. involves making long-lasting, custom made trays specifically for you. We provide you with the whitening gel, so you can then whiten your teeth at home and at your own convenience.

    2. involves the use of whitening gel and a LED technology mouthpiece to use at home, however this system is not a custom fit.

    We stock additional whitening gel to purchase in our practice if you wish to ‘top up’ over the following months or years. We usually require a 30 minute appointment to evaluate if your teeth are suitable and to take the impressions for your trays if needed.

  • At your 6 month maintenance appointment our Oral health Therapist will give you a thorough clean and spend extended time creating a personalised oral health plan for you.

  • Clean your teeth and gums twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. This will help stop decay and gum disease as well as bad breath.Sugars in food and drinks encourage the growth of germs in plaque, so only have sugary food and drinks occasionally, and ideally have them at meal times.

    It is important to floss every night to ensure that food or debris in between the teeth is removed before going to bed. Flossing helps clean in between the teeth, where toothbrush bristles cannot get access to and will help minimise the occurrence of halitosis, gum disease and cavities.

  • We recommend bringing your child to the dentist from around 3 years of age onwards. The first visit is usually a ride on the chair and an introduction to our Dentist or Oral Health Therapist. Your child will also get to meet our resident furry friends Rufus the Dog, Tony the Tiger and Dino. We will endeavour to make your child’s first visit a fun and positive one. Children love the little rewards we give at the end of the appointment.

    You may also be eligible for the Child Dental Benefit Scheme which you can find more information about here.

Hygiene & Safety

  • At Dental 88, we prioritise the health and safety of our patients and staff, which is why we have implemented comprehensive infection control protocols. Here's how we manage infection control:

    1. Strict Sterilisation Procedures: We follow stringent sterilisation procedures for all dental instruments and equipment. Our dental tools go through a rigorous process of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.

    2. Disposable and Single-Use Items: We utilise disposable items whenever possible to ensure a one-time use and eliminate the potential for cross-contamination. This includes items such as gloves, masks, syringes, and bibs.

    3. Regular Hand Hygiene: Our dental team practices regular hand hygiene, including thorough handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

    4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Our staff wears appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and eyewear, during all dental procedures. This provides an additional layer of protection for both patients and dental professionals.

    5. Sterilisation Monitoring: We regularly monitor and validate our sterilisation equipment to ensure it is functioning effectively. This involves using indicators, running tests, and maintaining accurate records to guarantee the highest standard of sterilisation.

    6. Clean and Disinfected Environment: We maintain a clean and disinfected environment throughout our dental practice. All surfaces, treatment areas, and waiting areas are regularly cleaned and disinfected using medical-grade disinfectants.

    7. Dental Unit Waterlines Maintenance: We follow specific protocols to maintain and monitor the quality of water used in dental procedures. Regular testing and maintenance of our dental unit waterlines help prevent any potential microbial contamination.

    8. Ongoing Staff Training: Our dental team undergoes regular training and education on infection control protocols and procedures. We stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and recommendations from reputable organisations to ensure the highest level of infection control.

    9. Patient Screening and Precautions: We implement thorough patient screening procedures to identify any potential infectious risks. Additionally, we take necessary precautions, such as using dental dams, high-volume suction, and appropriate aerosol control measures, to minimise the spread of airborne particles.

    We are committed to maintaining a safe and sterile environment for our patients and staff. If you have any specific concerns or questions regarding our infection control practices, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

  • Patient safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict infection control protocols, including the use of sterilised instruments, disposable items, personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a clean and disinfected environment. We also follow proper techniques and guidelines to minimise any risks associated with dental procedures.

  • We strictly follow sterilisation guidelines and standards set by the Australian Dental Association (ADA). All dental instruments and equipment are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilised after each use. Our sterilisation processes are regularly monitored, tested, and validated to ensure their effectiveness.

  • Yes! We utilise digital X-rays, which significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays. Digital X-rays also provide instant imaging, allowing for efficient diagnosis and treatment planning.

  • We know how important this is which is why we maintain detailed records of our patients’ allergies and sensitivities to materials or medications. Our dental team is trained to carefully review these records and take the necessary precautions to avoid any potential allergic reactions. We utilise alternative materials or medications whenever possible to accommodate specific patient needs. If you have an allergy or sensitivity to something, please let our staff know so we can do our best to accomodate you.