Dental Appointments Duration for Scale and Clean (Item 114)

dpk on 06/08/2025 - 19:07
Last edited 06/08/2025 - 21:11

Hi All,

I have a question regarding the actual
Dental Appointments Duration for Scale and Clean
Removal of Calculus - First Appointment (item 114). How much time does it usually take for someone who has no dental issues?

Google says 30 to 60 minutes but Pacific Dental has 10 minutes appointments cycle for all dentists.

So could the dentist possibly do proper scale & clean within 10 minutes.

Are they able to clean both upper and bottom teeth or only few teeth per session. How does it work. Any tips & tricks to get all teeth cleaned in single session.

Is smile membership on top of the insurance for $109 worth it for normal check ups with no issues.

Health & Beauty Dental

Comments

  • MS Paint on 06/08/2025 - 19:19
    +12

    My 6 monthly scale and clean takes about 20 minutes but that includes a lot of fluff and pleasantries. 15 minutes would be possible if it didn't include a fluoride treatment.

  • tenpercent on 06/08/2025 - 19:30
    +4

    10 minute appointments cycle for all dentists

    They're raking it in 💰

    • smartazz104 on 08/08/2025 - 07:36

      You'd want to given the state of people's mouths.

      • tenpercent on 08/08/2025 - 09:42
        +3

        given the state of people's mouths

        Victoria?

  • nissa on 06/08/2025 - 19:55
    +4

    I have 6 monthly appointment with hygienist to clean. Takes 1 hour.

    • tenpercent on 06/08/2025 - 20:11
      +19

      6 appointments every month? 1 hour each time? Yikes

  • 7ekn00 on 06/08/2025 - 20:03
    +28

    Make sure your appointment is at the Dentists favour time: 2:30 (tooth hurty)

    • dpk on 06/08/2025 - 20:47

      nice joke

    • JIMB0 on 06/08/2025 - 22:12
      -4

      Only if they're Chinese.

  • sumyungguy on 06/08/2025 - 20:06
    +3

    Expect to also get billed 012, 121 & 022. A tip: look for a practice that does AIRFLOW® Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)

    • dpk on 06/08/2025 - 21:04

      Are all the below items mandatory for simple teeth clean with no prior issues. Do we have a choice to say i only want a teeth clean or they will charge regardless.

      Scale & Clean First 114
      Oral Examination 012
      Dental X-Ray 022
      Flouride Treatment 121

      • sumyungguy on 06/08/2025 - 21:13
        +2

        If you don't attend regularly an x-ray may be worthwhile. It may be you don't need fluoride as that varies by city of origin.

      • Tech5 on 06/08/2025 - 21:35
        +14

        It is unlikely that a dentist will do a clean without you having an exam in the last 6 months. They particularly won't do one if you have not been a patient at that clinic before
        If we just do a clean, our options are as follows:

        1. Just do a clean without assessing anything else. If we miss something, we are still liable for it and it could be argued in front of AHPRA that we should have seen it, even without a charged exam. For example, oral cancer (yes they occur in people that do not smoke or drink. The jaw is one of the most common places for breast cancer to metastasis)

        2. Do a clean and assess as we go and don't charge. Do we tell you the issues? You refused to pay for an exam, but we had to do one anyway for liability. Again dentists can (and have) get in trouble for it.

        However, if you have been a regular patient at our clinic, and you decide to skip an exam, and I know pretty well how your oral health is, we may skip one. Anything more than 1-2 years though, and we make the patient sign a waiver (even though I don't think this will stand up in court either)

        Xrays are every 12-24 months depending on your risk profile. We don't charge for fluoride- it is included in all cleans unless you decline.

        Our cleans for existing patients are usually between 40-60minutes, including the exam.

        • dpk on 06/08/2025 - 22:27

          Thanks for the info.

      • brad1-8tsi on 07/08/2025 - 17:25

        Scale & Clean First 114
        Oral Examination 012
        Dental X-Ray 022
        Flouride Treatment 121

        If u are asking these questions then you obviously don't go to the dentist very much and therefore probably need these services.

        Allow about 2 hours as they will probably be running late and the dentist will be treating several patients simultaneously.
        Itr's likely the Dental Hygienist will do the clean and lecture you about how you should look after your teeth.

    • Trance N Dance on 07/08/2025 - 00:12

      lol, do you work for EMS?

    • Pandaboss on 07/08/2025 - 10:47

      Airflow!

    • ELH05 on 07/08/2025 - 12:12

      What is this ….AIRFLOW® Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) ???

      • sumyungguy on 07/08/2025 - 12:24

        Game changing hygiene tech; check if a nearby practice is using it

        • MITM on 07/08/2025 - 15:03
          +1

          My current doesn't provide GBT so have booked in to another with GBT(as a new patient/special offer) I found with your link. I can always go back.

  • DingoBilly on 06/08/2025 - 20:09
    +1

    I've used pacific Smiles for about 10 years and always found them to be good value. I go every 6 months for check up and clean, and have used different clinics in different cities as well.

    Usually goes for about 20 minutes. Get everything looked at, cleaned, fluoride treatment Etc. Dentists have been really nice. Appointment goes longer if need be as well.

    Are you sure it's actually 10 minutes and not just a timeslot thing? I e., they offer it every 10 minutes but it you book then 2 timeslots will go?

    • dpk on 06/08/2025 - 20:56

      I have checked their website for all the dentists in all the possible locations, and their appointments are in 10 minute intervals.
      As you mentioned appointments go longer means, people will not get their appointments on time like GP waiting's, run 30 min to 1 hour late.
      Also for Scale and Clean what items do they charge at Pacific Smiles.

      • Pandaboss on 07/08/2025 - 10:46
        +3

        If you can, go elsewhere, a 10min appointment is not going to be enough time for a standard clean.

        Would really want to see and know what can be done in 10mins.

        The Hygienist would need to also take notes of your oral health (exam) then do a full clean. In 10mins is crazy!

      • tenpercent on 08/08/2025 - 09:48
        +1

        Or it may mean that once you book eg. 10:10AM then the slots 10:20AM and 10:30AM are no longer bookable as well.
        10 minutely slots can just help keep gaps between patients shorter and more convenient timing for patients who may not be able to attend on the hour or half-hour without wasting their own time too.

  • Hybroid on 06/08/2025 - 20:57
    +2

    Dental99 takes an hour and does a deep clean for $99 including X-rays. More likely to get an oral health hygienistthan a dentist though which is probably where the time difference comes in.

    • JohnnyB.Cheap on 07/08/2025 - 12:35

      Also more likely to upsell you on high value services you don't need, but they aren't making their money from $99 jobs.

    • worrierwan on 08/08/2025 - 11:14

      A deep clean with local anaesthesia is actually $500 from what they quoted me (cleaning under gum line).

      But a normal clean up, check up and Xray is $99 yup

  • holdenmg on 06/08/2025 - 21:01

    I really don't know if there has been a recent deal on OzB for Stopwatches but my experience is your Dentist may be annoyed or distracted by the ticking or having the time when not actively scaling or cleaning deducted from the allocated time.

    Maybe use the Stopwatch on your Phone to save on buying a Stopwatch.

    • dpk on 06/08/2025 - 21:14
      -2

      I have read some reviews where they are only cleaning upper or lower side in 1 session like that. I didn't get your sarcasm.

  • Benoffie on 06/08/2025 - 21:13
    +3

    Ive never had a hygienist take 10 minutes. My teeth are excellent given age and genetics and its at least 45 because they should be doing a thorough scale

    • ELH05 on 07/08/2025 - 12:12
      +1

      Ive started using the hygienist instead of booking in with the dentist - such a thorough clean - so much better !!

      • movieman on 07/08/2025 - 20:17

        Any recommendations for finding a good hygienist?

        • ELH05 on 11/08/2025 - 15:30
          +1

          Are you in Perth ?

  • AustriaBargain on 06/08/2025 - 23:20
    -3

    Dentists don't do scale & clean btw. A hygienist does it.

    • Trance N Dance on 07/08/2025 - 00:10
      +6

      Lol, they absolutely do. Maybe not all dentists but it is something a large portion if not the majority of dentists do.

    • dpk on 07/08/2025 - 06:28

      Okay, I have done it overseas several times and only dentist did the teeth clean. So is the Dental exam done by Dentist and cleaning will be done by Hygienist?

    • PissLUR on 07/08/2025 - 09:58

      In WA, it's all done by the dentists.

      • Trance N Dance on 07/08/2025 - 15:46

        Can guarantee that in WA it's not all done by dentists either.

      • Haulien on 08/08/2025 - 05:43

        Most clinics in WA have hygienists. What are you on about?

  • Dollar General on 07/08/2025 - 05:09
    +1

    Perhaps it’s a double booking for this procedure

    • dpk on 07/08/2025 - 06:29

      is the Dental exam done by Dentist and cleaning will be done by Hygienist? and we don't need separate appointment for Hygienist?

  • Stealtho on 07/08/2025 - 08:19
    -3

    The dental scam is done by dentist. If you need a clean every 6 months stop eating/drinking crap.

  • johninmelb on 07/08/2025 - 08:22
    +2

    My scale and clean is done by the Hygienist. When I make the appointment each year, it is booked in conjunction with a dental examination by the dentist. He comes in at the end or sometimes part way through (depends when he has just finished with a patient) to do the exam and discuss anything of concern. I don't get flouride treatment or x-rays. However, when I had my last scale and clean, my dentist was away at a conference. She did the scale and clean and whilst doing so found a gaping hole that would need attention ASAP. She did an x-ray, took a photo, and they called me back the following Monday morning to make an appointment to fix it that afternoon. My hygeine appointments are usually around 40 minutes or so.

    I know this is a bargain site, but I see dental treatment and bargains as mutually exclusive terms. I have been going to the same clinic for nearly 50 years. My current dentist has treated me for the last 30 odd years. In my view, as as a person who always hated dentists, he is the best dentist in the world. This clinic is not cheap, never was and never will be. He knows my financial situation and he works around it. He never does any unnecessary work, and he never leaves a problem unresolved. If I have an emergency they will fit me in regardless of the work load, and move non-urgent cases to accommodate me. Despite the prices, that clinic is always full. High quality care will always transcend mere money when it comes to excruciating dental pain.

    My advice, find a dentist you can TRUST, do as you are told in regards to looking after your teeth, and budget for possible treatment, as you will need it at some point and will be prepared for the costs. Cheaping out on dentistry could end up causing you way more pain than you ever expected. Believe me, I have seen that happen and it is wasn't a pretty sight. But I did keep my mouth shut and didn't tell them I told you so!

    • MS Paint on 07/08/2025 - 09:42

      my dentist was away at a conference

      my dentist was away playing golf

      FTFY

    • Pandaboss on 07/08/2025 - 10:41

      Agreed! Please do as your dentist and Hygienist advises you. It's their job to provide treatment and if the patient refuses or just brushes it off, expect longer cleans or worse, dental problems.

      But there are some dodgy dentists out there so if something doesn't sound right, go get 2nd or 3rd opinion.

      Some info.
      Hygienist that does a proper job can be from 45min to 1hr, you will also feel the difference with the scale and clean. It will be thoroughly checked and if your dental health is good you will feel minimum pain.

      Please don't give Hygienist a bad time, they create and advise you a treatment plan, if the next time you go in and find they need to do more work its most likely you didnt follow the plan.

      Look after your teeth, you only get 1 natural set in adulthood.

  • panorama on 07/08/2025 - 09:47

    Strange setup, only ever had a dentist do scale and clean etc..Have Medibank extras and just had a free checkup and xrays clean and scale for zero dollars members choice dentist. 2 x 6 monthly checkups a year free

  • jv on 07/08/2025 - 10:05

    Pacific Dental has 10 minutes appointments

    Are they the ones in Collingwood?

    • zathras on 07/08/2025 - 17:28

      Don't be silly! Collingwood branch only needs to schedule 5 minute appointments. Everywhere else is 10 mins.

  • omguleh on 07/08/2025 - 11:22
    +5

    Allow 30mins, my dentist online booking is in block of 10 mins as well, but after i book in a slot the next 2 slots are taken away automatically.

    • dpk on 07/08/2025 - 12:04

      This makes sense

    • maybeamacy on 07/08/2025 - 12:20
      +1

      This is correct, the 10 minute slots just allow flexibility but once you book it. Once you book it, it blocks out the next 20-30 mins.

  • jonathan111 on 07/08/2025 - 15:30
    -1

    DIY

    https://amzn.asia/d/iiQdRjt

    Hold it close but not firmly on the tooth, the ultrasonic vibrations remove plaque faster and more effectively that way

    • Trance N Dance on 07/08/2025 - 15:45

      For the love of god, please don't do this. I'm all for looking after your health and finding tools that help this but unless you know what you're doing this will do more harm than good.

      • LFO on 07/08/2025 - 17:53

        And how do you know that is not the case?

        • Tech5 on 07/08/2025 - 18:14

          Unless they have a dental degree, I can guarantee they don't know what they are doing. And if they think they do know, I can think of 10's of questions about this product and their technique to show that they definitely do not know.

        • Trance N Dance on 07/08/2025 - 18:19

          Because anyone with half a sense of responsibility and knowledge of how much damage these things can do, won't be willy nilly promoting these things. Not to mention the ultrasonic scalers dentists use rely on the water supplied to do the work and not ultrasonic vibrations per se (the item in the link lacks water delivery to cool the tip and provide functionality).

    • mauricem on 07/08/2025 - 21:50

      Fake reviews for sure

  • LFO on 07/08/2025 - 17:52
    +1

    So could the dentist possibly do proper scale & clean within 10 minutes.

    No.

    And probably it will be an Oral Dental Hygienist the one doing all the work and not a university graduated dentist.

  • gromit on 07/08/2025 - 19:00
    +1

    I have twice a year, usually 60 mins or close to it. They can do faster if taking shortcuts or less thorough.

  • thatonethere on 07/08/2025 - 19:52
    +1

    My experiences of pacific smiles is that teeth cleaning is like an f1 pit stop. Very quick.

    • lainey13 on 07/08/2025 - 20:05

      Yep, kept rushing and made my teeth bleed. No thanks. Found one that takes photos at every app and does a propee job.

    • gromit on 08/08/2025 - 15:00
      +1

      that is what I used to have till I was recommended a good dentist/hygienist. She looked and asked how many years since I had my teeth cleaned, was shocked that I had it done at least once a year. She explained some of the hard plague she took off had to take years to build up so those 15 mins cleans were pretty much useless. My first session at new dental hygienist was painful and took 2 hours for full clean and they showed with pictures before and after. now get done there twice a year, each time around an hour, gums and teeth so much happier since switching.

  • movieman on 07/08/2025 - 20:19
    +1

    Twice a year.

    But usually takes around 20-30mins.

    Surprised to read others here getting much longer sessions….

  • CLN on 07/08/2025 - 20:49
    +1

    My last scale and clean appointment at Pacific Smiles was ~15 mins in & out, so just the clean was less. I was surprised it was so fast, usually 30 mins at other places. I do twice a year / every 6-8 months.

    • sumyungguy on 07/08/2025 - 21:11
      +2

      Pacific Smiles is just one of many no-gap dental providers who minimise their effort to maximise yield.

  • bcYield on 07/08/2025 - 21:11

    How much people pay for a scale and clean these days? Overseas clean is always cheaper I guess.

    • sumyungguy on 07/08/2025 - 21:17
      +1

      Appears ADA last did a fees survey in 2022, accessible only to members but reported at high level by Choice. Item 114 average $123 range $93–171. Appears my expensive dentist didn't participate.

  • mrfuku on 08/08/2025 - 09:54
    +1

    My standard recall appointments were 30 minutes, oral examination, diagnosis, clean, time for xrays if needed.

    For most people that time was sufficient, if there were more significant gum issues that need attention, then it would need additional visits.

  • Dyl on 08/08/2025 - 12:35

    They usually do either 30 or 45 minute sessions and do a full check up with it; clean, fluoride treatment, floss, xrays, checkup, etc. That's if you have extras (2 checkups a year usually free)

    The scale and clean itself probably only takes a 15 minute session

  • Roe Jogan on 08/08/2025 - 16:37
    +1

    just had mine done in Thailand 4 weeks ago it took 30 mins and he done an amazing job, cost 700 baht which is 33 dollars AUD. in aus you pay minimum 100 up to 150 in most places

  • porsche26c on 08/08/2025 - 17:26

    Did you even try to book it in. The books are set at 10 or 15 min intervals. So it will allocated at minimum 20 min, most likely 30 to do a clean. It would not be 10.

  • minotaurian on 09/08/2025 - 07:09
    +1

    Dentists are often paid on commission, while dental hygienists are typically on a salary. A salary can inadvertently punish someone who is efficient and good with their time. In my past position, when I was on a salary, I focused on quality over quantity. This meant I might spend more time on each client, but the quality of the work was higher.

    Now, my income is based on a bonus, which is similar to commission. This model punishes me for spending extra time on a client. While I can make more money by working faster, I'm incentivized to rush. Given my skills, I can work quickly, but I know the result is not as good as it would be if I took my time. The temptation to take shortcuts is real, and it's a slippery slope. If I were to do that, clients would end up with more problems in the future, needing to return for fixes and spend more. Yes, short term, i'd make less, long term I'll make a killing.
    .I try my best to avoid this as I want to still love my job, but I can feel myself burning out, trying to fit a 30-minute service into a 10-minute slot without cutting corners.

    Ask yourself this: In any job where you are highly skilled, does a perfect job require less or more time? If it requires more time, would you want to be paid for that extra effort, or would you be okay doing it for free? The key takeaway is this: you should pay for someone you trust and who loves their job, and then stick with them, no matter the cost. It will save you money and headaches in the long run.

    If you understand money psychology, the world is your oyster, aka any choice you make will be a good one.

  • FareEvader on 09/08/2025 - 20:48
    +1

    I recently went to Bupa and it took all but 15 mins. Rush job. Never going back!

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