A regular dental check-up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain good oral health. Routine dental examinations allow your dentist to detect potential problems early, helping to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other concerns before they become more serious. About Smiles is a Sydney dental group with five locations Chatswood, Circular Quay, Crows Nest, Eastgardens and Zetland with a focus on preventive dentistry to help patients of all ages enjoy healthy teeth and gums. Whether you’re due for your six-monthly visit or returning after some time away, our experienced team provides comprehensive, personalised care in a welcoming environment. You can find your nearest About Smiles clinic and book a visit.

Why Are Dental Check-Ups Important?

Many dental problems develop gradually and often don’t cause pain until significant damage has occurred. Regular check-ups give your dentist the opportunity to identify issues early, making treatment more straightforward and helping you avoid unnecessary discomfort and expense.

Routine dental check-ups can help detect tooth decay before it progresses; monitor your gum health and identify early signs of gum disease; check existing fillings, crowns and other restorations; identify cracked, worn or damaged teeth; check the soft tissues of your mouth for any unusual changes; monitor changes in your bite and jaw; and support your long-term oral and overall health. Preventive dental care is one of the best investments you can make in your smile.

What to Expect During Your Dental Check-Up

Your appointment is designed to provide a complete picture of your oral health while giving you the chance to discuss any concerns. During your check-up, your dentist may:

Discuss your dental health. We’ll talk with you about any pain, sensitivity, cosmetic concerns or changes you’ve noticed, and review your medical history and any medications that may affect your oral health.

Complete a thorough examination. Your dentist carefully examines your teeth, gums, tongue, soft tissues and jaw to check for signs of decay, infection, gum disease, wear, damage or other concerns. Checking the soft tissues of the mouth, lips, cheeks and tongue for any unusual changes is a routine part of this, supporting early detection.

Take digital X-rays if needed. Where required, digital X-rays such as bitewing X-rays to detect decay between teeth may be recommended to assess areas that can’t be seen during a visual examination. Digital imaging provides detailed information while using less radiation than traditional film X-rays.

Professional scale and clean. Many patients combine their check-up with a professional scale and clean, which may include removing plaque and hardened tartar, polishing away surface stains, assessing gum health, applying fluoride where appropriate, and personalised advice on brushing, flossing and home care. Professional cleaning helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease while complementing your daily routine.

Dental Check-Ups for Children

Establishing healthy dental habits early gives children the best chance of maintaining strong, healthy smiles into adulthood. Our friendly team aims to make children’s check-ups relaxed and enjoyable, while monitoring the development of growing teeth and providing practical advice for both children and parents. Family and children’s dentistry are offered across the group, and paediatric dentistry is part of Dr Mark Mingjie Lu’s confirmed scope at our Chatswood and Crows Nest clinics.

How Often Should You Have a Dental Check-Up?

Most patients benefit from a dental check-up every six months. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits depending on your oral health, medical history or risk factors. Attending regular appointments allows small issues to be treated early and helps maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout every stage of life.

Dental Check-Ups at Our Sydney Clinics

At About Smiles, our team brings more than 80 years of combined dental experience, and we’re committed to quality preventive care tailored to every patient. When you visit, you can expect comprehensive dental examinations, experienced and caring dentists, modern diagnostic technology including digital X-rays, personalised recommendations, gentle care for children and adults, and a welcoming, patient-focused environment.

As an NSQHS accredited group, we follow recognised national safety and quality standards. Preventive care and check-ups are provided across all five clinics, and some of our clinicians consult in additional languages Mandarin and Cantonese at Chatswood and Crows Nest (Dr Mark Mingjie Lu), and Vietnamese at Circular Quay (Dr Gregory Nguyen).

Our Sydney Locations

About Smiles has five clinics across Sydney. You can identify your nearest below:

  • Chatswood — 2/63A Archer Street, Chatswood NSW 2067 · (02) 9415 3555. Practitioners here include Dr Mark Mingjie Lu (paediatric dentistry; Mandarin and Cantonese; also at Crows Nest), Dr David Argent, Dr David Young and Dr Eugene Foo.
  • Circular Quay — Ground Floor, Shop LCC125, 17 Young Street, Circular Quay NSW 2000 · (02) 8319 2323. Practitioners here include Dr Aodhan Docherty and Dr Gregory Nguyen (English and Vietnamese).
  • Crows Nest — Suite 103, Level 1, 22 Clarke Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065 · (02) 8622 3900. Dr Mark Mingjie Lu (paediatric dentistry) consults here in addition to Chatswood.
  • Eastgardens — Shop 350, Level 3, Westfield Eastgardens, 152 Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens NSW 2036 · (02) 8488 9994. Practitioners here include Dr Sabrina Chong, Dr Lucy Cracknell and Dr Jacinda Stamenkovic.
  • Zetland — 4/6 Defries Avenue, Zetland NSW 2017 · (02) 9313 6388. Practitioners here include Dr Ashish Gohil and Dr Danny Nguyen-Ngo.

To book a check-up, contact your nearest clinic on the number above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have a dental check-up?

Most patients benefit from a check-up every six months, though your dentist may suggest more frequent visits depending on your oral health, medical history or risk factors. Your dentist will recommend a schedule that suits you.

What’s included in a dental check-up?

A check-up typically includes a discussion of your dental health and medical history, a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and soft tissues, digital X-rays if needed, and often a professional scale and clean. Your dentist will explain anything they find and discuss next steps if treatment is recommended.

Do check-ups hurt?

A routine check-up and clean is generally comfortable. If you feel any sensitivity during a clean, let your dentist know, and if any treatment is needed, they’ll talk you through it and how comfort is managed.

Are check-ups available at all About Smiles locations?

Yes, dental check-ups, cleans and preventive care are provided across all five of our Sydney clinics: Chatswood, Circular Quay, Crows Nest, Eastgardens and Zetland. Contact whichever is nearest to book.

Will my private health extras cover a check-up and clean?

Many patients use private health extras cover towards check-ups and cleans, though the amount depends on your level of cover. About Smiles works with Australian private health funds and offers HICAPS claiming where applicable, and our team can help you understand what your fund may cover.