Changing dentist: what should you bring to your first appointment?

Can you choose your dentist freely?

Yes. In Austria you have a free choice of doctor. You decide which practice you go to.

Which type of practice you choose does affect the costs, though. The Austrian health portal describes three groups:

• Contracted practices have a contract with the health insurance fund.
• Practices run by a doctor of choice (Wahlarzt) have no contract with the fund. You pay first, and the fund reimburses part of the cost once you submit the invoice.
• At private practices, invoices (Honorarnoten) are not broken down by insurance fund services.

Our practice is run by a private dentist (Wahlärztin). We bill SVS and KFA directly. For all other funds, such as ÖGK (Austrian Health Insurance Fund), you pay at the practice and submit the invoice (Honorarnote) to your fund.

What should you bring to your first appointment?

If you come well prepared, your new practice can quickly get a full picture. The Austrian health portal recommends bringing:

• your e-card
• a list of all your medicines and doses, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies and food supplements
• previous test results, for example copies of X-rays from your previous practice
• health passes, such as a diabetes or pacemaker pass
• details of allergies and past illnesses
• notes on your symptoms and on questions you want to ask

If it helps, you can also bring someone you trust for support.

How do you get your records from your previous practice?

Dentists must keep records of every treatment. These include your condition at the start, the diagnosis, the information you were given and the treatment provided. The records are kept for at least ten years.

You have the right to see these records, including attachments such as X-rays. You do not have to give a reason.

If you ask, the practice must let you have copies, including duplicates of X-rays. The first copy is free. For further copies, you may be asked to pay the costs.

It is best to ask your previous practice in good time before your first appointment. Then bring the copies with you.

What is the medical history form for?

All new patients fill in a medical history form (Anamnesebogen) at their first visit to our practice. It covers your general health.

This matters because blood thinners, long-term conditions or allergies, for example, can affect dental treatment. The form asks about things such as:

• general health details and current symptoms
• medicines
• allergies and intolerances
• existing conditions and past operations
• pregnancy, if relevant
• your dental history

You will be given the form at reception and can fill it in calmly in the waiting area. Your list of medicines will help. We then go through your answers together.

All information is covered by medical confidentiality and data protection law.

What happens at your first appointment?

At a dental check-up, the inside of your mouth is examined. According to the NHS, your lips and neck are also checked, for example for tooth decay, gum disease or mouth cancer.

You will usually be asked about symptoms such as pain or bleeding, how you look after your teeth and your general health. Sometimes X-rays are needed.

You will then be told if there are any problems and which treatments are possible. You have the right to be informed in advance about treatment options, risks and consequences. You must also be told about the expected costs beforehand.

With us, you receive a cost estimate before any treatment. If you feel nervous, tell us at the start. You can also ask for a break during the examination.

How do you book an appointment with us?

You can book online at any time via stelladent.termin365.at. You can also call us on +43 1 813 31 23 or email info@stelladent.at.

Treatment is available in German, Georgian, Russian, Polish, Turkish and English. Let us know when you book which language you prefer.

Please bring your e-card to every appointment.