How to Choose a Medical & Dental Clinic That Suits Your Family
Every family deserves health care they can trust – care that is holistic, preventative and responsive to their needs. At Good Samaritan Medical & Dental, we believe making an informed choice about your clinic is the first step towards long-term health. Here are the key things to look for, plus how we align with each one.
What matters when choosing a clinic
Location, hours and accessibility
- Convenience matters: A clinic close to home, work or school helps prevent missed appointments. Consider public transport, parking and travel time.
- Flexible hours: Look for extended weekday and weekend availability to suit busy families. Clinics that offer after-hours care or telehealth are a major advantage.
- Accessibility: Ensure facilities are wheelchair-friendly, with easy-to-navigate consultation rooms and amenities.
A wide range of health services in one place
- Multidisciplinary care: Clinics that provide GPs, dental care, and allied health make it easier to coordinate care.
- Specialised services: Consider whether they provide extras like skin cancer checks,children’s dentistry, or physiotherapy and podiatry.
Qualifications, accreditation & experience
- Professional registration: Ensure doctors and dentists are registered with AHPRA and the Dental Board of Australia.
- Practice accreditation: QPA accreditation is a marker of quality and safety in general practice.
- Specialist training: Some clinics have practitioners with advanced training in areas like cosmetic dentistry or skin health.
Modern facilities & technology
- Up-to-date equipment: Digital imaging, sterilisation standards and modern diagnostic tools improve quality of care.
- Comfort & design: Clean, welcoming spaces and child-friendly dental services can make visits less stressful.
Preventive care and wellness focus
- Routine checks: Annual health check-ups, immunisations and dental check-ups reduce long-term risks.
- Education & lifestyle support: Look for clinics that provide advice on nutrition, weight management and chronic disease prevention.
Patient experience & communication
- Clear explanations: A good clinic takes time to explain options, listen to concerns and involve you in decision-making.
- Continuity of care: Being able to see the same GP or dentist regularly helps build trust and consistency.
Cost, billing & payment options
- Transparency: Costs should be clear before treatment.
- Bulk billing & rebates: Ask what is bulk billed, what attracts private fees, and whether private health insurance is accepted.
- Payment plans: Especially for dentistry, flexible payment plans can make treatment easier to manage.
Reputation & reviews
- Word of mouth: Ask friends or family about their experiences.
- Online reviews: Check for consistent comments on wait times, staff friendliness and care quality.
- Longevity: Established clinics with experienced teams often reflect reliability and trust.
Why Good Samaritan Medical & Dental ticks the boxes
- Accredited care: Our medical team is RACGP-accredited, and our practitioners are fully registered with AHPRA and the Dental Board of Australia.
- Comprehensive services: From general practice and dental treatments to allied health, podiatry and skin cancer care, we provide continuity under one roof.
- Modern facilities: Our Sylvania clinic offers digital diagnostic tools, infection control protocols and a comfortable, family-friendly environment.
- Accessibility: Conveniently located at 182 Princes Highway, Sylvania NSW 2224, with parking and wheelchair-friendly facilities.
- Flexible appointments: We offer Saturday sessions and a range of appointment times, making care accessible for working families.
- Preventive approach: We focus on routine medical health check-ups, dental check-ups, immunisations and lifestyle advice to support long-term wellbeing.
- Cost clarity: With mixed billing, bulk billing options at certain times and transparent dental fees, you’ll always know what to expect.
- Patient focus: Our team values clear communication, continuity and respect, helping you feel supported at every stage.
Questions to ask before deciding on a clinic
- “Are your doctors and dentists registered with AHPRA?”
- “Do you provide both GP and dental care in one location?”
- “What preventive services do you recommend for families?”
- “Do you offer bulk billing or private payment options?”
- “What after-hours or weekend appointments are available?”
Why the right clinic matters
Choosing the right clinic means peace of mind, easier access to care, and consistent support for your family’s health. It ensures that from routine check-ups to urgent needs, you have a trusted team by your side.
At Good Samaritan Medical & Dental, our goal is to be that trusted partner – offering high-quality medical and dental care in a supportive and convenient environment.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.
When you've got a healthy smile, you're all set!