FAQs

How often should I visit the dentist?

We generally recommend you visit the dentist twice a year for a regular check-up and scale and clean. However, some people may require more or less regular visits depending on their oral health needs.

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When should I start bringing my child to the dentist?

We recommend bringing your child to the dentist once their first tooth emerges. While this may seem quite early for a dental visit, it helps to establish good oral health habits and is a good opportunity to discuss things such as teething, brushing technique, nutritional advice and decay prevention.

It is important to establish good oral hygiene habits early in life. Even if your child has only a few teeth bacteria can cause decay. It is important to start brushing their teeth as soon as they erupt. A great way to start is by wiping your childs gums with a flannel twice a day. Once teeth erupt you should switch to a soft childs toothbrush and brush with no toothpaste until 18 months.

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Do you participate in government dental schemes?

We participate in:

The Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS)

The CDBS helps you keep your kids’ teeth in great shape by providing you with up to $1095 that you can use over a two calendar year period on a range of dental services including examinations, routine cleaning, fillings, and root canals. For more information about the CDBS please visit the medicare website.

Department of Veterans Affairs

If you’re a veteran, and a holder of a Gold Card or White Card with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), you are eligible to receive dental treatment through the Medicare Benefits Scheme. Some white card holders may have certain restrictions on dental treatment.

If you have any further enquiries about the DVA dental care program, you can phone DVA on 1800 555 254 (Regional callers)

SA Dental Service Schemes

For Pensioner concession card and health care card holders we may be able to see you under the Emergency Dental Scheme. You will need to call the Port Pirie South Australian Dental Service on 08 8638 4426 to be screened for eligibility and be issued with a voucher number. We are not currently accepting the General Dental Scheme or Pensioner Denture Scheme vouchers.

Do you accept my health fund?

With our HICAPS terminal we are able to accept the majority of Australia Health Funds and claim on the spot. You can check your fund’s participation at the HICAPS website.

How do I take care of my teeth at home?

We recommend you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes(morning and night) with a pea sized amount of fluoridated tooth paste and soft toothbrush. You should brush in small circular motions with your toothbrush bristled angled 45 degrees to your gums. You should replace your toothbrush around every three months or if you have had an infection (such as a cold or flu). You should also be brushing your tongue and cheeks to remove bacteria from these surfaces.

It is also important to clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Our dentist and oral health therapist can show you the correct technique to do this effectively.

Do you send your lab work to Australian laboratories?

We use Adelaide-based specialist dental laboratories exclusively to ensure that all of our work is made to Australian standards and supports our local economy.

Are you a preferred provider with my health fund?

We are not preferred providers with any health funds. A preferred provider is simply a provider who is contractually bound to that health fund including setting fees. At Jamestown Dental we believe in keeping your health care independent and have chosen not to sign up with any health funds.

To find out more visit the Australian Dental Association "Time to switch" website: https://www.ada.org.au/time2switch/Home