Dentist in glasses talking with a woman in the treatment room

Dental check-up and clean on the Gold Coast

A check-up and clean is an exam of your teeth, gums and mouth, followed by a professional scale and clean. It's how small problems get found before they hurt. Your dentist will suggest how often to come back, based on your teeth and gums.

Or call

(07) 5526 0111

Open Monday to Friday

What happens at a check-up and clean

Full examination
We check each tooth, your gums, your bite and jaw, and the soft tissues of your mouth, including a check for early signs of oral cancer.
X-rays if needed
Digital X-rays show what can't be seen by eye, such as decay between teeth.
Scale and clean
We lift hardened tartar off your teeth, including just under the gumline, then polish them.
What we found
We explain it in plain English and, if anything needs attention, set out the options and their costs.

Good to know

Why come when nothing hurts?

Decay and gum disease often cause no pain early on. Check-ups find problems while they're small, and early decay can sometimes be stopped before it needs a filling.

Is it normal for gums to bleed?

A little bleeding is common where gums are inflamed. It's often gingivitis, the mild form of gum disease, which can usually be reversed with a professional clean and good brushing and flossing.

Nervous about it?

Tell us when you book. Your dentist will explain each step before starting and check in with you as they go. You can watch something on the ceiling screen.

How often should I come?

It depends on your teeth and gums, so your dentist will suggest a time to come back. If you have gum disease or a higher risk of decay, that may be sooner.

What it costs

Check-up and clean
Items 012, 114, 121
[Total]
First visit with two X-rays
Items 011, 022, 022, 114, 121
[Total]

Individual items

011
Full exam for new patients
Comprehensive oral examination
New patients
[Fee]
012
Check-up exam
Periodic oral examination
[Fee]
022
Small X-ray, each
Intraoral periapical or bitewing radiograph, per exposure
When due
[Fee]
037
Full-mouth X-ray (OPG)
Panoramic radiograph, per exposure
If needed
[Fee]
114
Scale and clean
Removal of calculus, first appointment
[Fee]
121
Fluoride treatment
Topical application of remineralisation and/or cariostatic agents, one treatment
[Fee]

Fees last reviewed [Fee review date]

Most check-ups are billed as an exam, a scale and clean, and a fluoride treatment. X-rays are added when they're due, not every visit.

We accept all private health funds and claim on the spot with HICAPS.

We bulk bill eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, so there's no out-of-pocket cost for covered services. Eligible children can receive up to $1,158 in benefits for basic dental services over two consecutive calendar years (2026 and 2027).

All fees and health funds

Questions about check-ups

Does a scale and clean hurt?

For most people it's comfortable. If your teeth or gums are sensitive you may feel some mild sensitivity, and your dentist will check in with you throughout. Tell us when you book if you're anxious.

I haven't been to the dentist in years. Is that a problem?

No. We see people returning after a long gap all the time, and there's no judgement. We'll start with where things are now and work out a plan that suits you.

Do I need X-rays every time?

Not usually. New patients often have a full set so we have a baseline. After that, how often depends on your history and risk, often every 12 to 24 months. We use digital X-rays, which use a very low dose of radiation.

Can my whole family come on the same day?

Yes. Tell us when you book and we'll try to schedule back-to-back appointments.

Does a check-up include an oral cancer check?

Yes. Your dentist looks over your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums and the other soft tissues in your mouth. If something needs a closer look, they'll explain what happens next.

Is a check-up covered by Medicare or my health fund?

Most check-ups at private clinics aren't covered by Medicare, but eligible children may be covered by the CDBS. With general dental (extras) cover, your fund may pay part of the cost, and you can claim on the spot with HICAPS.

Related treatments

Check-up and clean at The Dental Studio

Who provides it here

Referred elsewhere

[What we refer out, if anything]