Dental helpline
The Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB) operates a free helpline for patients to speak with a senior expert dentist.
Members of the public are encouraged to call any time between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday to discuss issues or questions about dentistry or dental treatment, including:
- Dental conditions and diseases
- Fees for dental services
- Treatment and treatment options
- Dental advances and techniques
- Access to dental records and other privacy issues
- Special dental services, e.g. home care and disabled access
- Services offered by dentists and dental specialists
- The difference between dentists and other dental care providers.
The ADAVB welcomes calls from members of the public as part of its commitment to the oral health of all Victorians and Tasmanians.
Call us Monday to Friday, between 10am and 3pm on (03) 8825 4600.
How will your issue be addressed?
The service is run by a team of experienced dentists known as Community Relations Officers (CROs), who use their extensive clinical knowledge for fair and objective assessment of patient concerns. The CROs are senior dentists who are respected for their clinical experience, fairness and objectivity. The CROs are available to listen to your concerns and make suggestions on how you might manage these. They may advise that you speak to your dentist as a first step. If you are unable to resolve the issue, the CRO will offer further suggestions.
The ADAVB has the ability to act as a liaison between patients and dentists when problems arise. The CRO will be able to give you more information on how this may work for you.
The Patient Helpline is offered on behalf of the profession. The ADAVB is a member organisation with voluntary membership. Therefore, if your dentist is not a member, the CRO will be able to advise you of the appropriate avenue to take your concerns. We advise that you call the ADAVB in the first instance.
Is your dentist an ADAVB member? Find out at findadentist.adavb.org.
Please note that the ADAVB does not have clinical facilities to examine patients.
Privacy
We respect your privacy and are governed by the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. Click here to download a full copy of the ADAVB privacy statement.
Your discussion with a CRO is strictly confidential and the dentist will not be contacted to discuss your concerns without your authority.
