Choosing a dentist can involve more than finding the closest clinic. You may want to compare the treatments available, the experience of the dental team, how the practice approaches nervous patients and whether it can continue looking after you as your needs change.
For Melbourne Guide readers researching dental practices around Elwood and Melbourne’s inner south, Elwood Dental Group is one business worth knowing about.
The practice has operated in Elwood since 1992 and provides dental care for children, adults and older patients. Its services range from routine check-ups and children’s dentistry through to Invisalign, dental implants, crowns, veneers and root canal treatment.
Why Elwood Dental Group may be worth considering
One useful starting point when comparing dentists is whether a practice can accommodate the type of care you need now as well as treatment you may need later.
Elwood Dental Group offers a relatively broad range of services from its Elwood practice. These include general dentistry, children’s dentistry, cosmetic treatments and more involved restorative procedures.
Patients can attend for services such as:
- check-ups and cleans
- fillings
- gum treatment
- extractions
- root canal treatment
- children’s dental appointments
- teeth whitening
- veneers
- crowns and bridges
- Invisalign
- dental implants.
That breadth may be useful for families or individuals who would prefer to have several types of dental care managed through the same practice rather than beginning their research again each time their needs change.
A long-standing dental practice in Elwood
Longevity is not the only factor to consider when choosing a healthcare provider, but it can be useful context when researching local businesses.
Elwood Dental Group has operated in the Elwood community since 1992.
The practice serves patients from Elwood and nearby parts of Melbourne’s inner south, including St Kilda, Elsternwick and Brighton.
Dr Lana Margoulis leads the practice. She graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Dental Science in 2002, joined Elwood Dental Group in 2005 and has led the practice since 2015.
Her areas of particular interest include cosmetic mouth reconstruction, veneers, crowns, bridges, implants and Invisalign.
The wider clinical team includes dentists with experience across general dentistry, children’s dentistry, care for anxious patients and endodontic treatment.
Dental care for different stages of life
For Melbourne families, another consideration can be whether different members of the household can attend the same practice.
Elwood Dental Group provides children’s and adult dentistry and also treats older patients with more involved restorative needs.
That can include children attending their first appointment, adults keeping up with routine check-ups, people returning to dental care after a long gap and patients considering treatments for missing, damaged, worn or crowded teeth.
The practice also states that it works with patients who feel anxious about dental treatment.
Its approach includes explaining findings and treatment options in plain English and providing written treatment estimates before treatment begins.
For anyone who feels uncertain about what treatment they need, that emphasis on explanation may be a useful point to discuss when making an initial enquiry.
General, cosmetic and restorative dentistry under one roof
Different dental practices can have very different service mixes, so it is worth checking whether a clinic regularly provides the particular treatment you are investigating.
At Elwood Dental Group, general dental services include examinations, cleans, fillings, gum treatment, extractions, root canal treatment and digital X-rays.
For patients researching cosmetic or restorative treatment, available services also include veneers, whitening, crowns, bridges, Invisalign and dental implants.
Having these services available through the same practice may be convenient for patients whose treatment develops over time or involves more than one type of dental care.
It does not mean every treatment will be suitable for every patient. Dental treatment should be recommended following an appropriate clinical assessment, so prospective patients should discuss the advantages, limitations, costs and alternatives directly with the dentist.
Elwood Dental Group may suit families and nervous patients
Dental appointments can be straightforward for some people and stressful for others.
Elwood Dental Group specifically identifies children, anxious adults and people returning after overdue dental care among the patients it helps.
Dr Sunshine Le, for example, is described by the practice as being particularly skilled in working with children and anxious patients.
The clinic says its broader approach is to give patients time to explain their concerns, assess their oral health and discuss available options before treatment proceeds.
That may make the practice relevant to Melbourne Guide readers who have delayed making an appointment because they are unsure what treatment will involve or feel uncomfortable about returning to the dentist after a long break.
Payment and claiming options
Practical considerations can also influence which dental practice makes sense for you.
Elwood Dental Group accepts HICAPS for eligible on-the-spot private health insurance claims.
The practice also welcomes eligible children using the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule and DVA card holders.
Zip Money is available as a payment option for larger treatment plans.
Eligibility, out-of-pocket costs, treatment pricing and payment conditions can change, so these details should be confirmed directly with Elwood Dental Group before booking or agreeing to treatment.
What to check before choosing a dentist
Melbourne Guide is intended to help readers begin their research rather than make the final decision for them.
Before choosing any dentist, consider asking about the matters that are most important for your circumstances.
That might include the dentist who would carry out your treatment, expected costs, health fund rebates, appointment availability, treatment alternatives and what follow-up care may be required.
For more involved procedures such as implants, crowns, veneers, Invisalign or root canal treatment, it can also be useful to understand what is included in the proposed treatment plan and whether any other practitioners may need to be involved.
If you are uncertain about a substantial treatment recommendation, you can also ask questions or consider obtaining another professional opinion before proceeding.
Researching Elwood Dental Group
If you live in Elwood, St Kilda, Elsternwick, Brighton or elsewhere around Melbourne’s inner south, Elwood Dental Group may be a useful practice to include in your research.
Its main points of interest are its long history in Elwood, broad mix of dental services and ability to treat patients across different life stages.
The practice welcomes new patients and offers online bookings.
You can also contact the clinic directly on (03) 9531 6387 to ask about appointments, services or the type of booking that may be appropriate for you.
As with any healthcare provider, check current fees, availability, practitioner information and treatment details directly with the practice before making a decision. Visit elwooddental.com.au to review its current services, dental team and appointment information.
