Got a question?
Answer to frequently asked questions are below. If your question isn't answered here, contact us.
Can I become a patient at your practice?
Absolutely! Just book an appointment online, or call our reception team. For new patients we prefer to complete a full mouth examination, including x-rays as a starting point - however, if you have a particular dental problem bothering you, can can book just for that. Not all our dentists are accepting new patients at the moment.
What happens at my first appointment?
At your first appointment, your dentist will perform a full mouth examination, digital x-rays (to check if there is any dental treatment needed and the condition of existing restorations), and determine if a visit to the hygienist is needed. If treatment is required, a plan including costings will be provided to you for your consideration.
How much will my appointment cost?
Treatment costs vary depending on what treatment is provided at the appointment. Our dentists ensure you are fully informed of the price of treatment before starting. An initial appointment for full mouth exam with bitewing xrays starts from $125.
What are your opening hours?
Hillcrest Dental Centre is open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. We are closed on public holidays.
Tamahere Dental Centre is open from Monday & Tuesday 8am to 5pm, Wednesday and Thursday 8am to 4:30pm and Friday 8am to 1pm. We are closed on public holidays.
For Emergency Dental treatment outside these hours please phone the Hamilton On-Call Rostered dentist 027 492 3475.
Is there parking available?
At both locations, Hillcrest and Tamahere, there is ample free parking situated outside the front door. At Hillcrest, there is additional parking behind the building – entrance is off Masters Avenue.
Is there wheelchair access?
Yes, and there are also wheelchair car parks available if required at both our practices. Our Tamahere practice is upstairs but there is a lift.
When do I have to pay for my treatment?
Payment is required in full after each appointment. We do not offer payment plans, but you can use Zip to spread the cost of your appointment over four fortnightly payments.
What form of payments do you accept?
Payment can be made by EFTPOS, Mastercard, VISA, GEM Visa, cash, Zip and for Southern Cross Health Insurance Members, we offer Easy Claim. We do not accept Q Card or American Express.
Do you offer late night or weekend appointments?
We take bookings for appointments between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday. If you have a dental emergency outside these hours please phone 027 492 3475. This Hamilton On-Call service is provided in collaboration with other local dentists so if you need to be seen it may not be with us.
Do you repair dentures?
No. If you need a denture repair, you will need to contact a dental technician/dental lab.
Will there be a cancellation fee if I cancel my appointment?
We do appreciate to be informed as soon as possible if you are not able to attend your scheduled appointment. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. If you cancel your appointment within 24 hours, we may charge a fee. If you do not attend your confirmed appointment, a fee will be charged.
Do you offer WINZ quotes?
Some patients are eligible for a dental grant from Work and Income to cover urgent treatment. If you are interested in applying for this grant, please tell us at the time of booking your examination/consultation. If WINZ do not agree to fund your dental visits, you will be liable for the costs.
I'm nervous!
That's ok - lots of people are! We try our best to be gentle but thorough and we aim to be honest without judgement. If your anxiety is very severe, we may be able to offer you IV sedation. We don't offer oral sedation and ask that you don't take this (even if prescribed by your doctor) prior to your appointment. Call to speak with us about how we can help you achieve dental fitness, even if you are scared.
Do you see children?
We provide free, regular dental care for adolescents from school year 9 (first year of high school) until their 18th birthday. Ministry of Health eligibility criteria applies. Visit our Youth Services page for more information.
We can see children from babies to school Year 8 only with a referral from the community oral health service (Waikids) or if they have had an accident. If your child hasn't seen the community oral health service recently, please call 0800 TALK TEETH to make an appointment or visit a clinic near you.