Text us
Home / Services / Consultation
💬 Dental consultation

Honest dental advice you can act on.

A proper consultation with Dr Belal Aly or Dr Mahnaz — full assessment, clear written quote, treatment plan emailed or printed on request. No pressure, no surprises.

Trusted by patients across Berala, Auburn, Lidcombe, Regents Park, Granville, Parramatta and Strathfield since 2002.

📚 Quick answer

What is a dental consultation?

A dental consultation is an in-person appointment with a dentist where your teeth, gums, and jaw are examined to identify any issues and discuss treatment options. It typically includes a visual examination, dental X-rays where needed, a discussion of your concerns and goals, and a written quote for any recommended treatment. A consultation does not include actual treatment — it is an assessment and discussion only.

When patients come in

Six reasons to book a consult.

Most consultations fall into one of these categories. Whatever brings you in, we'll give you the time and attention to do it properly.

🆕

New patient

Switching dentists or starting fresh — full assessment of your overall dental health.

💭

Second opinion

More than one opinion is always a good idea on big treatment decisions.

⚙️

Implant consult

3D scans, candidacy assessment, written treatment plan with Dr Belal.

Cosmetic consult

Whitening, veneers, smile makeovers — discuss what's realistic for your case.

😖

Specific concern

A tooth that hurts, a chipped front tooth, gum issues — let's diagnose it.

🧸

Kids' first visit

Gentle introduction for children — meet the team, no rushing, no scary tools.

What happens

Six steps from question to clarity.

A standard consultation runs 15-20 minutes. Complex cases like implant or cosmetic consults take up to 30 minutes — we never rush this appointment.

1

Your concerns

We ask why you're here, your dental history, your goals. The conversation comes before the examination — your story matters more than our tools.

2

Full examination

Visual check of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw. We look for things you can't see — early decay, gum recession, bite issues, signs of grinding.

3

X-rays (if needed)

Dental X-rays or 3D scans where they help. If you have recent X-rays from another clinic, bring them — saves time, money, and avoids unnecessary radiation.

4

Plain-English findings

We explain what we found in language you understand. We show you on the X-ray. If we don't see anything that needs treating, we'll tell you that too.

5

Options & alternatives

If treatment is recommended, we discuss the options — including any conservative alternatives. Your questions answered without rushing.

6

Written quote

You leave with a clear written quote for any recommended treatment. A detailed treatment plan can be emailed or printed on request. No pressure to book on the day.

📋 What you leave with

A clear quote — and a plan if you want one.

Most patients are quoted at the consultation and that's all they need. If you'd like a more detailed treatment plan in writing, we can email or print one for you on request. The plan typically includes:

  • Itemised costs for each procedure
  • Suggested sequencing — what we'd do first and why
  • Expected timeframes for each stage
  • Alternatives discussed with their respective costs
  • Health fund quote where relevant

Just ask. We'd rather you have all the information than feel rushed into a decision.

💭 Second opinions

More than one opinion is always a good idea.

Significant dental treatment — implants, root canals, multiple crowns, full-mouth work — affects your health, your bank account, and your daily life for years. Wanting another perspective before you commit isn't second-guessing your dentist; it's looking after yourself.

When second-opinion patients come in, we give them the same thorough consultation as anyone else. We assess your situation independently and share what we'd recommend — including any alternatives we see. The decision about how to proceed is yours.

Bring any X-rays, treatment plans, or quotes from your previous clinic — context helps us give you better advice.

When to book one

Six signs you should book a consult.

If any of these apply, a consultation is worth the time. Sometimes the answer is "you don't need treatment" — and that's a useful answer too.

💸

Big quote elsewhere

You've been quoted thousands and want a second look before committing.

😖

Persistent pain

A toothache, sore gum, or sensitivity that won't go away.

Years overdue

Haven't seen a dentist in years and want to know where you stand.

🏠

New to the area

Looking for a regular dentist for the family in Berala or Auburn.

🤔

Unclear diagnosis

Your previous dentist's explanation didn't quite make sense to you.

Cosmetic curiosity

Wondering what's possible — whitening, alignment, smile changes.

What to bring with you.

  • Recent X-rays or 3D scans from another clinic, if you have them (request these by email from your previous dentist)
  • Any treatment plan or quote from another dentist if seeking a second opinion
  • Your private health fund details so we can run a benefits check
  • List of current medications — including supplements and over-the-counter
  • Your questions written down — easy to forget once you're in the chair
  • Photo ID for new patient registration
💳 Health funds

Health funds & consultations.

Most extras-level health fund policies with general dental cover contribute toward consultations and any X-rays taken. The amount varies between funds. We can run a quote with your fund before your appointment so you know your out-of-pocket cost upfront.

FAQ

Common questions.

A dental consultation is an in-person appointment with a dentist where your teeth, gums, and jaw are examined to identify any issues and discuss treatment options. It typically includes a visual examination, dental X-rays where needed, a discussion of your concerns and goals, and a written quote for any recommended treatment. A consultation does not include actual treatment — it is an assessment and discussion only.
A standard dental consultation at Berala Dental takes 15 to 20 minutes. Complex cases such as implant or full-mouth cosmetic consultations may take 60 minutes to allow time for 3D scans, photographs, and detailed treatment planning. We never rush this appointment — it is the foundation of every treatment decision.
Yes. Having more than one opinion on a significant dental treatment is always a good idea. We will give you our honest assessment of your situation, present any alternatives we see, and provide a written quote so you can compare. The decision about how to proceed is yours.
At a Berala Dental consultation: 1) we ask about your concerns, dental history, and goals; 2) we examine your teeth, gums, and bite; 3) we take X-rays or 3D scans if needed; 4) we explain what we find using language you understand; 5) we discuss treatment options with you, including any alternatives; 6) we provide a clear written quote for recommended treatment. A printed or emailed treatment plan is available on request.
No. A consultation is an assessment and discussion appointment only. It does not include treatment such as fillings, cleaning, or extractions. This separation lets us take the time to discuss your situation properly without the pressure of fitting in a procedure. Treatment is booked separately once you have decided how to proceed.
Berala Dental charges a consultation fee. The amount depends on whether X-rays or 3D scans are needed and how complex your case is. We will tell you the fee when you book. Most extras-level health funds with general dental cover contribute toward consultations — we can run a quote with your fund before your appointment.
Helpful items include: any recent X-rays or 3D scans from another clinic (request these by email from your previous dentist), a list of current medications, your private health fund details, and a list of questions or concerns you want to address. Bringing X-rays often saves time, money, and avoids unnecessary additional radiation exposure.
Yes. While our standard practice is to provide a written quote at the consultation, we are happy to email or print a more detailed treatment plan on request. The plan outlines proposed procedures, sequencing, expected timeframes, and itemised costs.
No. Berala Dental welcomes new patients, occasional patients seeking a second opinion, patients between dentists, and one-off consultations for specific concerns. There is no requirement to commit to ongoing care to book a consultation with us.

Serving Sydney's Inner West

Consultations for Sydney patients.

Patients book consultations with Berala Dental from Berala, Auburn, Lidcombe, Regents Park, Chester Hill, Granville, Parramatta, Strathfield, Homebush, Bankstown, Yagoona, Birrong, Sefton, Greenacre and across Sydney. Free 2-hour street parking on Woodburn Road. 5-minute walk from Berala Station.

Take your time

Get the full picture first.

Whether you're new to the area, weighing a big treatment, or just want a clear answer to a worrying tooth — book in. We'll take the time to do it properly.

Home / Services / Consultation
🤝 First visit · new patients · honest conversation

Start with a consultation.

Before any treatment, we sit down and talk. A proper look, a real conversation about what's going on, and an honest plan for what (if anything) you actually need. $80, and it's the only starting point we offer.

⭐ 4.9 Google · Since 2002 · No treatment without a proper look first

What happens at a consultation.

1

Talk first

We ask what brought you in, any pain or concerns, medical history, and what you want from your visit.

2

Full examination

A thorough look at every tooth, your gums, your bite, and soft tissues. Nothing rushed.

3

Photos & x-rays

If clinically needed, we'll take intraoral photos and digital x-rays so you can see what we see.

4

Oral cancer screening

A quick, routine check of the soft tissues — part of every consultation, no extra charge.

5

Honest discussion

We show you the findings, explain them in plain English, and talk through your options — including "nothing urgent, come back in 6 months".

6

Written plan

If you need treatment, you leave with a clear, costed plan. No surprise fees. No pressure to book on the day.

Why we start this way, every time.

🎯You can't plan without looking

No phone diagnosis. No "give me a quote without seeing you." Treatment plans without examinations are guesses — and guesses aren't how we work.

🤝No pressure, ever

Sometimes the answer is "you don't need anything right now." We'd rather tell you that than sell you treatment you don't need.

💬Plain English

No jargon, no scare tactics. We explain what we see, what it means, and what your realistic options are — including doing nothing.

Consultation vs check-up & clean — what's the difference?

🤝Consultation

For new patients, or anyone with a specific concern — pain, a broken tooth, something worrying you. We look, talk, plan. No treatment on the day unless it's an emergency. $80. One visit. Clear plan to follow.

🪥Check-up & Clean

For existing patients who already have a plan in place. Routine examination, professional cleaning, fluoride. Every 6 months for most people. Covered by most Extras.

A consultation comes first. Once we know your mouth, most people settle into regular check-ups & cleans — we'll tell you the right frequency based on what we find, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

What the $80 covers.

The consultation fee covers the full examination, any photos or x-rays we need, the oral cancer screening, and your written plan. It's a flat $80 — not per 15 minutes, not "starting from". If you have Extras cover with a general dental (exam) item, we'll process the claim on the spot via HICAPS and you only pay the gap. If treatment is needed afterwards, we quote that separately and clearly, so you can decide in your own time.

Common questions.

Is the $80 consultation fee claimable on Extras?
Usually yes — most private health Extras policies cover the dental exam item, which is what a consultation is. We process claims on the spot via HICAPS so you only pay the gap (if any) at the chair. Bring your fund card or send us your details when booking and we'll run a benefit check before your visit.
Can you just tell me over the phone what's wrong?
No — and honestly, nowhere good should. A proper assessment needs us to see your teeth, feel them with the mirror and probe, check your bite, and often take a photo or x-ray. Anyone quoting treatment without looking is guessing. For a sense-check of urgency we're always happy to triage over WhatsApp or phone, but any diagnosis needs the consultation.
Do I have to book treatment after the consultation?
No. The consultation ends with a written plan — what's urgent, what's recommended, what's optional, and the cost of each. You take it home. Book treatment with us, elsewhere, or not at all. We'd rather you make that decision in your own time.
My child (under 17) needs to see someone — is it still $80?
For eligible kids, it's bulk-billed through Medicare CDBS — so nothing out of pocket. CDBS covers examinations, x-rays, cleans, fillings, fissure sealants and more for eligible children 0–17. We verify your child's eligibility before the visit. See our For Kids page for the full details.
I'm in pain right now — should I book a consultation or an emergency?
If you're in active pain, swelling, or have had trauma — book an emergency visit, not a consultation. Emergency visits are structured to get you out of pain and diagnose the immediate issue. A consultation is for planning. If it's severe — bad swelling, difficulty swallowing, high fever — please go to your nearest Emergency Department.
What if I haven't been to a dentist in years?
Completely normal, and genuinely nothing to be embarrassed about. The consultation is the right starting point — no lectures, no judgement, just a proper look and a plan for getting back on track. Many of our patients came in after 5, 10, or 15 years away. It's always fixable.
Ready when you are

Book your consultation.

$80. One visit. Clear plan. No pressure. Call, WhatsApp, or book online — we'll confirm within an hour.