Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers from your local Leichhardt dental team. Can't find what you're looking for? Just give us a call.

Visiting Us

How do I book an appointment?

You can book online 24/7 through HealthEngine at healthengine.com.au/book/56124, or give us a call on (02) 9569 6661 during business hours. We welcome new patients and are open Monday to Saturday.

Do you accept new patients?

Absolutely — new patients are always welcome at Smiles On Norton. Whether you haven't seen a dentist in years, are new to the area, or are looking for a practice that's right for your whole family, we'd love to meet you.

Where are you located and is there parking?

We're at 35 Norton Street, Leichhardt NSW 2040 — right in the heart of the Inner West. Street parking is available on Norton Street and surrounding streets. We're also accessible by bus along Parramatta Road and Norton Street.

What are your opening hours?

Monday to Thursday: 9:00am – 5:30pm. Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm. Saturday: 9:00am – 3:00pm. We are closed Sundays and public holidays.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your health fund card if you have one, any relevant referral letters, a list of current medications, and any previous dental records or X-rays if you have them. Arriving 5–10 minutes early to fill in a brief health history form is also helpful.

Nervous Patients

I'm really scared of the dentist — can you help?

Yes, absolutely — and you're not alone. Dental anxiety is very common, and our whole team is trained to care for nervous patients with patience and understanding. We work at your pace, explain every step before we do it, and never judge. Many of our most loyal patients came to us saying they hadn't been in years because of fear. You're in safe hands.

Do you offer sedation for anxious patients?

We offer options to help nervous patients feel comfortable, including local anaesthetic to ensure you feel nothing during treatment. Please discuss your anxiety with our team when you book — we'll find the right approach for you.

Can I just come in for a chat before committing to treatment?

Of course. We can schedule a consultation where we simply talk through your concerns, look at what needs attention, and discuss your options — with zero pressure to proceed with anything on the day.

Costs & Health Funds

Do you accept my health fund?

Yes — we accept all major health funds including Medibank Private, BUPA, HCF, NIB, AHM, HBF, and many more. We have HICAPS on-site so your claim is processed instantly and you only pay the gap. If you're unsure whether we accept your fund, give us a call.

How much does a check-up and clean cost?

Fees depend on what's involved — a routine check-up for an existing patient differs from a comprehensive first-time assessment. Many patients with health fund extras find a significant portion is covered. We'll let you know the costs upfront before we begin. Call us or book a consultation for a personalised estimate.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we offer flexible payment options for larger treatments. We also support early superannuation release for eligible dental procedures, which can make major restorative work more accessible. Ask our team for details.

Is children's dentistry free?

Eligible children aged 0–17 may receive up to $1,095 in dental benefits under the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) over two calendar years. We can check your child's eligibility and bulk bill where applicable.

Treatments

How often should I have a check-up?

We recommend a check-up and professional clean every six months for most patients. Some people with gum disease, a high decay risk, or other conditions may need to come more frequently — your dentist will advise based on your individual needs.

Are your crowns and dentures made in Australia?

Yes — this is one of our key points of difference. We have an in-house dental lab and a dental prosthetist on-site, which means all our crowns, bridges, and dentures are made right here in Australia. No offshore outsourcing, higher quality control, and faster turnaround times.

Do you offer teeth whitening?

Yes, we offer professional teeth whitening — both take-home kits with custom-fitted trays and prescription-strength gel, and in-chair whitening for faster results. Professional whitening is significantly more effective and safer than over-the-counter products.

Do you do dental implants?

Yes, we offer dental implants as a permanent tooth replacement option. Implants look and feel like natural teeth, preserve your jawbone, and are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Book a consultation to find out if implants are right for you.

What do I do if I have a dental emergency?

Call us immediately on (02) 9569 6661. We do our best to see emergency patients the same day. Common dental emergencies include knocked-out or broken teeth, severe toothache, dental abscesses, lost crowns or fillings, and facial swelling. Don't wait — prompt treatment often makes a significant difference to the outcome.

When should my child first visit a dentist?

We recommend bringing children in from around age 2, or when their first teeth appear. Early visits help children get comfortable with the dental environment and allow us to monitor development and provide guidance on brushing and diet. We make these visits fun and stress-free.

Still have a question?

We're always happy to chat. Call us during business hours or send us an email — no question is too small.