Welcome, New Patients

Check Up & Clean Gap Free or Capped at $150 – Valued $350*

We get it—seeing a new dentist can feel like a big step. That’s why we’ve made your first visit simple, transparent, and stress-free. For just $150—or nothing at all if you’re with a health fund with dental cover which covers up to $150 or more for this service—you’ll walk away with answers, peace of mind, and a clear plan for your smile.

Why Choose Illawarra Dentists for Your Dental Care

We provide reliable and professional dental care across three trusted locations, offering quality service, modern techniques, and a commitment to patient comfort at every visit.

Care That Feels Like Family

We believe great care starts with listening. Our team of dentists takes time to understand your concerns, explain options clearly, and prioritise your comfort at every step. With a gentle approach, we build long-term relationships with patients of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. It’s the kind of care that grows with you—always personal, always thoughtful, and always delivered with genuine warmth.

Experienced Team You Can Rely On

Across all locations, our team brings decades of combined experience in preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Whether you need a routine check-up or complex dental work, we’re committed to consistent, high-quality care delivered by people who genuinely enjoy what they do. You’ll benefit from trusted hands, collaborative advice, and a team that values your long-term oral health goals.

Modern Clinics With a Local Touch

Our clinics are equipped with digital scanners and intraoral cameras, and our team uses the latest techniques to provide accurate and efficient dentistry. But what really sets us apart is our warm, community-based feel, where you’ll always be greeted by a friendly face that remembers your name. We combine advanced dental care with genuine connection, so your experience feels easy, familiar, and stress-free every time.

Your First Dental Visit Just Got More Affordable with Our New Patient Offer

Enjoy more value on your first dental visit with our limited New Patient Offer, designed to make quality care more accessible from day one.

This affordable option helps you get started without financial pressure, so you can focus on your oral health with confidence and feel comfortable discussing your needs with our caring team.

What’s Included In Our New Patient Offer

Your first visit includes preventive dental care and tailored treatment planning to support long-term oral health from day one.

Book Your Dental Visit With Confidence

Feel supported at every step. Our team offers professional guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

New Patient
Information.

We’re excited to welcome new patients with genuine care, open communication, and a calm environment designed to help you feel at ease from the start.

Helping New Patients Feel Comfortable From Their Very First Appointment

We understand visiting a new dentist can feel unfamiliar or even a little daunting. That’s why we take the time to listen, explain each step, and create a calm, welcoming experience from day one.

Your first appointment is an opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns, and feel genuinely cared for. We’ll review your health history, discuss your goals, and support you every step of the way.

Payment Options & Financing

We offer flexible payment and financing options to help you plan dental care that suits your treatment needs and budget.

We Accept All Health Funds and Make Claims Easy

Bring your health fund card, and we’ll process claims on the spot, making your visit simpler, quicker, and more convenient.

What Happens at Your Appointment

Know what to expect—gentle care at every stage of your appointment, from start to finish.

You’ll be welcomed by our team and asked about your dental and medical history. This helps us understand your needs, preferences, and priorities before starting your examination or discussing personalised treatment options.


Your dentist will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and bite to assess your overall oral health. If necessary, X-rays will be taken to gain a clearer view of areas not visible during the visual exam. A professional dental cleaning may also be included to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Throughout the appointment, we’ll clearly explain each step so you feel informed, at ease, and fully comfortable.

After your exam, we’ll take the time to explain our findings, discuss any recommended treatments, and answer your questions. You’ll be fully supported in understanding your options and making informed decisions about your dental care.

What Happens at Your Appointment

Know what to expect—gentle care at every stage of your appointment, from start to finish.

You’ll be welcomed by our team and asked about your dental and medical history. This helps us understand your needs, preferences, and priorities before starting your examination or discussing personalised treatment options.

Your dentist will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and bite to assess your overall oral health. If necessary, X-rays will be taken to gain a clearer view of areas not visible during the visual exam. A professional dental cleaning may also be included to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Throughout the appointment, we’ll clearly explain each step so you feel informed, at ease, and fully comfortable.

After your exam, we’ll take the time to explain our findings, discuss any recommended treatments, and answer your questions. You’ll be fully supported in understanding your options and making informed decisions about your dental care.

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Our Clinic Locations

We offer quality dental care across multiple locations, providing convenience and support that will suit your lifestyle and schedule.

Woonona Dentists

Our clinic focuses on patient comfort and calm communication. We take time to understand your concerns and guide you through care without pressure or confusion.

Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday By Appointment

Dapto Dentists

From the first visit to follow-up, we provide gentle care centred on your comfort. We explain each step clearly and support your choices with care.

Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday By Appointment

Shellharbour Dentists

Every visit begins with an honest conversation and thoughtful care. We create a supportive environment where your comfort, preferences, and goals guide each step of treatment.

  • Suite 7, 9/25 Captain Cook Dr, Barrack Heights NSW 2528
  • 02 4210 5441
Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday By Appointment

What Our Patients Say
About Their Dental Experience

Our patients often share how much they appreciate our clear communication and gentle approach. Their feedback reflects our commitment to providing care that prioritises comfort, trust, and quality treatment at every visit.

Excellent dentist and ran through everything with me in detail

Simone Peckman

Thank you for your quality dental work and information, it was very helpful and informative.

Rob Pet Ski

Can not recommend enough, Friendly, gentle and affordable

Jessi S

On time, did what was needed very well including photos and clear explanation of required follow-up. And good professional manner from whole team.

Peter Austin

Great service and very friendly. Especially with my kids.

Roslyn Potter

Lovely staff and the dentist explained everything . Very happy with the overall service

Renee Jeffries

Meet the Team
Who Cares for Your Smile

Friendly, experienced, and committed to your care, our team works together to deliver quality, modern dentistry in a supportive environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our New Patient Offer—what’s included, who it’s for, and how your dental visit will work.

The New Patient Offer is designed to be affordable. You may not have any out-of-pocket costs if your health fund includes dental cover and your available limits have not been exceeded.

If your appointment isn’t covered, the full offer is available for a capped fee of $150. We can process any eligible health fund claims on the spot using your card at the time of your visit.

You may be eligible for our gap-free offer if you are a health fund member and meet the applicable criteria. Eligibility depends on factors such as your level of cover and available limits, which determine whether your appointment can be fully covered with no out-of-pocket expense.

To be eligible, the following must apply:

  • You have private health fund cover that includes general dental services. This type of cover will include dental check-ups, cleans, fluoride treatments, and other preventive care.
  • Your health fund still has benefits available for the dental services included in the New Patient Offer. If your annual dental limits have already been used, you may not qualify for gap-free cover.
  • The amount your health fund pays is enough to cover the total cost of your visit. If it covers only part of the fee, you’ll be required to pay the difference.
  • You bring your health fund card to the appointment. This allows our team to process your claim on the spot and confirm whether any out-of-pocket payment applies.

When you arrive, our team will check your health fund details and clearly explain what is and isn’t covered. We're here to make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.

If your health fund doesn’t contribute to the appointment, you can still access the New Patient Offer. The full appointment is available for a capped fee of $150 when dental cover isn’t included, or your limits have been reached. This includes a comprehensive check-up, clean and scale, fluoride treatment, and X-rays. You’ll also receive a tailored treatment plan at a capped fee. 

Yes, you are welcome to book an appointment even if you do not have a health fund. Our New Patient Offer is available to all new patients and provides access to professional dental care at a clear, fixed cost. This offer is designed to deliver transparency and peace of mind, with no unexpected fees or the need for private cover.

At Illawarra Dentists, we believe everyone deserves access to quality oral care, whether you're with a health fund or not. The capped fee of $150 includes essential preventive services to help you maintain your dental health. Booking is easy, and our friendly team is here to support you at every step.

Understanding potential costs upfront is important, especially when planning your first dental visit. The New Patient Offer is designed to be accessible and transparent, but in some situations, out-of-pocket expenses may apply. Here’s what to consider before your appointment:

  • Patients with a health fund that includes dental cover and remaining limits generally won’t have any out-of-pocket costs. We can process your claim at the clinic on the day of the appointment using your health fund card.
  • If your health fund doesn’t contribute to the appointment, you can still access the full offer for a capped fee of $150. This gives you a clear, fixed cost without needing private cover.
  • Any additional services that fall outside the offer, such as fillings, further imaging, or follow-up appointments, may involve additional charges. You’ll always receive a clear explanation and a personalised treatment plan before any extra care is provided.

Our team is here to help you feel fully informed about your options. If you have questions before your visit, feel free to contact us so we can walk you through what to expect.

This offer is exclusively available to new patients attending their first appointment with us. It’s designed to provide accessible preventive dental care as you begin your journey with our clinic.

If you are a returning patient, we are equally committed to supporting your ongoing care. Our team will guide you through your treatment options, current fees, and available payment options to help you plan your next visit with confidence.

Preparing a few important items before your first dental appointment is helpful. It allows us to provide safe, efficient, and personalised care from the moment you arrive. It also helps us gather the information needed to make your visit as smooth and productive as possible.

  1. Health fund card: If you have a health fund that includes dental cover, bringing your card allows us to process your claim on the spot. This can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs, depending on your level of cover and remaining limits.
  2. List of current medications: Some medications may affect your oral health, healing response, or the suitability of certain treatments. A current list helps your dentist make safe and appropriate treatment decisions, especially if prescriptions or anaesthetics are involved.
  3. Medical history details: Understanding your general health is an important part of providing dental care. Please be ready to share any relevant medical conditions, allergies, past surgeries, or ongoing treatments. This information helps us adapt our approach if needed.
  4. Recent dental records or X-rays: If you’ve had recent dental care at another clinic, previous records or X-rays can offer helpful background and save time. While not required, bringing them can help your dentist assess changes in your oral health more accurately.
  5. Questions or concerns: Your first visit is a great opportunity to ask about any dental concerns, treatment goals, or preferences. Whether you’re feeling uncertain about dental care or planning future treatment, we’re here to listen and support you without pressure.

Bringing these items allows us to provide care that’s efficient and tailored to you. If you’re not sure what to bring or have any questions before your appointment, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help.

Digital X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool that gives your dentist a better view of your oral health. They help assess areas not visible during a dental check-up and provide a more complete understanding of your oral health, supporting safe and personalised care.

Here’s how they’re typically used during your visit:

  • Detect tooth decay between teeth: Some cavities develop in areas that can’t be seen with the eye alone. X-rays help us detect these issues early before they become more serious.
  • Evaluate the health of supporting bone: X-rays give us a clear view of the bone structure around your teeth. This is especially important for identifying early signs of gum disease or bone loss.
  • Monitor tooth and jaw development: For children, teens, or patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, X-rays provide valuable insights into tooth and jaw development. They help track how structures are forming, aligning, or changing over time.
  • Identify underlying infections or root changes: Dental pain isn’t always obvious on the surface. X-rays help reveal problems at the root of a tooth that may be due to infection.
  • Assist with accurate treatment planning: Whether you're receiving restorative work, preventive care, or considering future treatment, X-rays allow us to plan with improved precision.

Modern digital X-rays are fast, comfortable, and involve low radiation exposure. They allow us to explain findings clearly and guide your treatment decisions in real time.

Yes, after your oral examination is complete, your dentist will discuss any findings with you. A personalised treatment plan will be provided if further care is recommended. This plan outlines your oral health status, recommended treatment options, and the purpose of each step. It’s designed to help you understand your options and feel confident about the next steps.

We take the time to explain everything clearly and answer your questions. If no treatment is needed, we’ll let you know and offer tailored advice on maintaining your oral health between visits. At Illawarra Dentists, our goal is to support your long-term well-being with dental care that’s honest, clear, and personalised.

Most new patient appointments last approximately 40 to 60 minutes, depending on your individual oral health needs and any findings during your examination. This time allows for a thorough dental check-up, professional scale and clean, fluoride treatment, digital X-rays, and the development of a personalised treatment plan.

We never rush through your dental care. At Illawarra Dentists, we take the time to explain each step and answer your questions clearly. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable and supported throughout the entire appointment.

Yes, you're welcome to reschedule or cancel your appointment if your plans change. We understand that unexpected situations can come up, and we aim to make the process as easy and flexible as possible.

Providing advance notice—ideally at least 24 hours—is greatly appreciated. It allows us to offer your time slot to another patient who may be waiting for care. If you need to make changes, simply contact our reception team by phone. They’ll assist you in finding a new time that works for you and can answer any questions about your rescheduled visit.

Letting us know in advance also helps us manage the appointment schedule more effectively. This allows us to continue delivering care to all patients in a timely and considerate way.

Yes, the New Patient Offer is available for children. It applies when the included services are appropriate for their age and oral health needs. A dental check-up, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and X-rays can be beneficial for monitoring growth and maintaining healthy teeth during early development.

During the appointment, the dentist will assess your child’s individual needs. They will determine whether each part of the offer is suitable.  If any adjustments are needed based on age or comfort, we’ll explain the details clearly and adapt the care accordingly. This makes it a flexible and affordable way for families to get started with preventive dental care.

Disclaimer: Gap free is applicable to health fund insurance holders with dental care coverage within their limit only. If you are with a health fund, the rebate to the practice may be more than $150, meaning no out-of-pocket expense for you. It cannot be used with any other offer. If the health fund does not pay for the service, the patient must pay $150 for this service. Fees are subject to change from time to time.

Disclaimer: Gap free* is applicable to health fund insurance holders with dental care coverage within their limit only. If you are with a health fund, the rebate to the practice may be more than $150, meaning no out-of-pocket expense for you. It cannot be used with any other offer. If the health fund does not pay for the service, the patient must pay $150 for this service. Fees are subject to change from time to time.

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