Melbourne dentists aim for affordability but some health professionals urge caution

Fixed price dental clinics offering $99 dollar consultations are popping up around Melbourne.

But the Australian Dental Association is urging caution, saying patients shouldn't be encouraged to shop for a dentist based on price.

For 27-year-old Haylie, avoiding going to the dentist is not for fear of pain, but for fear of the price.

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"You never know what you're going to be stung for," she told 9News.

She is a new patient at Dental 99 where the cost of treatment is fixed.

Dentist Lovedeep Kaur said it was the cost of most dental work that made people avoid looking after their mouth.

"We offer minor treatment which is check-up, clean, fillings, toothache management, everything for $99," Dr Kaur said.

There is no reception, and appointments are booked through an app where dentists can send clinical notes and X-rays.

Dr Kaur has worked in the public sector where patients who can't afford private dental work wait an average of 21-and-a-half months for treatment.

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"I have seen dental health being neglected because of the cost, and in public health they have to wait ages to get the appointment and they just leave it for too long," he said.

But the Australian Dental Association says it doesn't believe patients should be encouraged to shop for a dentist based on price without considering individual needs.

The peak body added dental care, like all health care, is not a commodity where price comparisons can be easily made.

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Dental 99 founder Dr Gamer Veridan said price was often a feature for people in need of dental work.

"I've been a practicing dentist for 12 years and the patients have been shopping," he said.

"Whether it be on Google, on social media - for not just dental but a lot of their healthcare choices - it's just the way the market has turned."