Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE IS HELMS & WHITE LOCATED?
We are located at 24 Conway Street, Lismore. We are opposite the Post Office and Lismore Florist and next door to the Dr Mark Noble (Eye Specialist).
The building is called Conway House.
IS PARKING AVAILABLE?
There is street parking available. 2 hour parking is available in both Molesworth and Carrington Streets within a short walking distance to us, 30 minute parking is avaliable out the front of building in Conway Street. But please get in touch with us if you have any concerns.
WHEN IS HELMS & WHITE OPEN?
Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Thursday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Friday 8:00am – 5:30pm
WHAT IS ACCESSIBILITY LIKE AT THE SURGERY?
Our surgery is located upstairs on the first floor. If you have any questions please get in touch and let us know.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
You can phone us on (02) 6621 9933 to make an appointment.
WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE MY APPOINTMENT?
At Helms & White, we understand that life can throw unexpected obstacles in the way sometimes, so if you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, please phone us at your earliest convenience on (02) 6621 9933. We will try our best to re-book you as soon as we can.
WILL I SEE A DENTIST?
At Helms & White, you will see a Dentist every single time you visit us. Unlike some other practices, we take pride in offering you access to a fully qualified Dentist at all times.
WHAT ACCREDITATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
Helms & White Dental’s commitment to patient safety and delivering high-quality care has been recognised and we are pleased to be the 2nd practice in NSW to achieve Practice Accreditation through QIP.
Dr Graeme Helms: Bachelor of Dentistry Otago University 1983. Graeme practised in Casino, Ballina and England before returning to Lismore where he has practised for over 30 years. He is active with the local division of the ADA.
Dr Brendan White: Bachelor of Dentistry Adelaide University, 26 years’ practice in Lismore. Past Board Member of the State & Federal Council of the Australian Dental Association, Member of the dental working group, The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, for Practice Accreditation and ADA Federal Infection Control Committee.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE HYGEINE AND SAFETY?
The practice is compliant with all requirements for safe dental practice as mandated in Australian Standard 4815, the NH&MHRC and ADA Infection Control Guidelines. The practices under-goes a 12-monthly infection control audit & has 3 monthly quality improvement meetings. All staff undergo ongoing education in infection control annually.
WHAT KIND OF PAYMENT AND RECALL FACILITIES DO YOU PROVIDE?
We can do on the spot Hicaps claims for patients who are in funds. We also have EFTpos and Direct debit. We welcome Veterans’ Affairs patients and children eligible under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule are treated at no gap.
We use a recall system, via mobile text message, telephone or letter, to remind patients that they are due to have a check-up.
We also use the same communication facilities to send out appointment reminder messages for the next day to patients who have appointments.
Sometimes we will mail out reminder cards. If you do not wish to be on our mailing or recall list, please let us know when you are visiting us, or please phone us.
WHAT KIND OF TECHNOLOGY DO YOU USE?
The practice offers access to the latest technologies. Dr Helms & White offer Implants, bleaching, endodontics, crown & bridge work. All ceramic solutions are available where appropriate. Dr Helms, White & Thompson refer to specialist dentists for orthodontics, implant placement, periodontics, prosthodontics and oral surgery ensuring patients receive the highest quality care from expertly trained specialists.
WHAT IS QIP ACCREDITATION?
Private dental practice accreditation is achieved by integrating the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards into routine practice and patient safety systems. These standards unify Federal and State regulatory requirements and emphasise the delivery of measurable, evidence-based benefits to patients attending accredited clinics.
MY HEALTHCARE RIGHTS
I have a right to:
- Access
– Healthcare services and treatment that meets my needs - Safety
– Receive safe and high quality health care that meets national standards
-Be cared for in an environment that is safe and makes me feel safe - Respect
– Be treated as an individual, and with dignity and respect
– Have my culture, identity, beliefs and choices recognised and respected - Partnership
– Ask questions and be involved in open and honest communication
– Make decisions with my healthcare provider, to the extent that Ichoose and am able to
– Include the people that I want in planning and decision-making - Information
– Clear information about my condition, the possible benefits and risks of different tests and treatments, so I can give my informed consent
– Receive information about services, waiting times and costs
– Be given assistance, when I need it, to help me to understand and use health information
– Access my health information
– Be told if something has gone wrong during my health care, how it happened, how it may affect me and what is being done to make care safe - Privacy
– Have my personal privacy respected
– Have information about me and my health kept secure and confidential - Give feedback
– Provide feedback or make a complaint without it affecting the way that I am treated
– Have my concerns addressed in a transparent and timely way
– Share my experience and participate to improve the quality of care and health services
Download My healthcare Rights poster here
Healthcare Complaints Commission (NSW)
www.hccc.nsw.gov.au
(02) 9219 7444
HOW DO I CONTACT YOU IF I HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS?
You can phone us on (02) 6621 9933, we look forward to speaking with you and helping you.
We do Bulk Billing for Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) and for DVA patients
Helms & White Dental’s commitment to patient safety and delivering high quality care has been recognised. We are pleased to be the 2nd practice in NSW to achieve Practice Accreditation
