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Dora Street Dental
General Dentistry

Check-Up & Clean.

A gentle six-month exam, scale and polish.

  • 30 to 45 minutes
  • Every 6 months
  • All major health funds
Dr James Bakker performing a calm, gentle check-up

A regular check-up is the easiest way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We do a thorough exam, take any x-rays needed, and follow up with a professional clean, fluoride included.

Dr James Bakker at work in the surgery
Close treatment work at Dora Street Dental
The Dora Street Dental team treating a patient

What to expect

How a check-up & clean
appointment runs.

We keep things calm and unhurried. Here's the rhythm you can expect from start to finish, no surprises.

  1. Welcome & catch-up

    We start with a friendly chat, anything bothering you, anything that's changed since your last visit. New to the practice? We'll take a few minutes to get to know your dental history.

  2. Thorough exam

    Dr Bakker checks every tooth, your gums, your bite and the soft tissues. If x-rays are due, we take them with a low-dose digital sensor, and always explain why first.

  3. Scale, polish, fluoride

    We remove built-up plaque and tartar, polish the surfaces back to smooth, and finish with fluoride to help strengthen enamel.

  4. Plan & next steps

    We explain what we found in plain English. If anything needs follow-up, you'll leave with a clear plan and a written estimate, no surprises, no pressure.

What's included

Every appointment, in full.

  • Full visual examination of every tooth, your gums and bite
  • Soft-tissue and oral cancer screening
  • Low-dose digital x-rays (when clinically indicated)
  • Professional scale to remove plaque and tartar
  • Polish to remove surface staining
  • Fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel
  • A clear, written plan if anything needs follow-up

Why it matters

Catching small issues early, a hairline crack, the start of decay, gum inflammation, prevents bigger, more expensive treatment down the line.

Common questions

Things people
often ask.

Can't see your question? Call us on (02) 9570 4044 and we'll happily talk it through.

How often should I have a check-up and clean?

Most patients are best seen every six months. Some, for example, if you've had gum issues, are mid-orthodontic treatment, or are pregnant, benefit from three- or four-monthly visits. We'll suggest a schedule that suits you.

Does a check-up and clean hurt?

A routine clean shouldn't be painful. If your gums are inflamed it can feel a little tender, let us know and we'll work gently. For very sensitive patients we can use topical numbing gel, local anaesthetic or happy gas.

How long does the appointment take?

Plan for 30 to 45 minutes. New-patient first visits typically run a little longer because we take a more detailed history and may take initial x-rays.

Do I need x-rays at every visit?

No. We follow current Australian radiation guidelines and only take x-rays when there's a clinical reason, usually every 1 to 2 years for adults at low decay risk. We'll always explain why before taking any.

Do you accept my health fund?

We accept all major Australian health funds and process claims on the spot via HICAPS. Most patients with extras cover are fully covered for a six-monthly check-up, we'll confirm any out-of-pocket before we start.

What if you find something during the exam?

We'll explain what we've found, whether it's urgent, and your options. We never push treatment. You'll get a written plan with a clear breakdown so you can take it home and think it through.

Hurstville & St George

Caring for check-up & clean patients across the local area.

We see patients from Hurstville, Penshurst, Allawah, Mortdale, Carlton, Beverly Hills and across the wider St George and Sutherland Shire region. The practice is a short walk from Hurstville Station with on-street parking nearby.

Dr James Bakker at work in the surgery

39 Dora Street, Hurstville

Modern dentistry, the gentle way.

Booking

Ready to book your check-up & clean?

Call us or book online, we'll find a time that suits.