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What records to bring home after dental treatment abroad — Australian patient guide
A complete list of the records, documents, and clinical data Australian patients should collect before leaving an overseas dental clinic, and why each one matters for follow-up with an Australian dentist.
After dental treatment abroad, Australian patients should leave with a written treatment summary, pre- and post-treatment X-rays, implant brand documentation, shade records for ceramic work, warranty terms, payment invoices, and emergency contact details. Without these, Australian dentists have limited ability to provide follow-up care — and your warranty claim relies on this documentation.
Complete records checklist — take home after treatment
Clinical documentation
| Document | What to ask for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Written treatment summary | “Can I have my discharge summary?” | Tells Australian dentist exactly what was done |
| Pre-treatment X-rays | OPG/CBCT taken on Day 1 | Baseline for comparison at any future review |
| Post-treatment X-rays | Final OPG/CBCT (implants: osseointegration check) | Confirms placement and confirms starting point |
| Medication prescribed | Printed prescription or discharge notes | Australian pharmacist needs this if you need more |
| Aftercare instructions | Written in English | Guides your recovery at home |
Implant-specific records (essential)
| Document | What it contains | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Implant brand and model | e.g., “Osstem TS III 4.0mm × 11.5mm” | Australian dentist needs this for any future work |
| Batch/lot number | On the implant packaging sticker | Regulatory traceability; required for any recall notification |
| Abutment details | Brand, type, torque value | Required for any future crown replacement |
| Placement date | Exact date of fixture placement | Warranty calculation; osseointegration timeline |
| CBCT at time of placement | DICOM files | Shows initial position for future comparison |
Ask the Picasso implant coordinator for the implant sticker from the packaging. This is a physical sticker with the batch number, model, and brand. Picasso attaches this to your patient file — ask for a copy.
Ceramic restoration records (veneers, crowns)
| Document | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Shade record | VITA shade code (e.g., A1, B2) — needed for any future replacement to match |
| Material used | Emax, zirconia, Lava, PFM — affects how an Australian dentist handles the restoration |
| Laboratory name | Picasso uses its own in-house lab — helps if a manufacturing defect is claimed |
| Date of bonding | For warranty calculation |
Financial and warranty records
| Document | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Itemised invoice in AUD | Proof of what was paid for each item; needed for insurance claims and health fund rebates |
| SmileCare warranty document | Details coverage periods, what is covered, how to claim |
| Private health fund item codes | Picasso provides Australian item codes (e.g., 311 for a crown) for health fund rebate claims |
| Picasso clinic address and registration details | Needed on health fund claim forms |
Contact details
| Contact | When you need them |
|---|---|
| Picasso after-hours emergency number | If you have an acute concern before seeing an Australian dentist |
| Your treating dentist’s name | For Australian follow-up dentist to contact if they have clinical questions |
| Picasso WhatsApp coordinator | For minor questions and warranty queries |
How to store your records
- Cloud backup — photograph or scan all paper documents and upload to Google Drive or iCloud before you fly home
- Email yourself — send X-ray files and the treatment summary to your own email address
- USB copy — ask Picasso for a USB with your CBCT/OPG files
- Paper copies — keep the physical discharge summary in your carry-on, not checked luggage
Do not rely on being able to request records from Picasso after you return — internet time zones, WhatsApp availability, and clinic admin schedules can delay this. Take everything before you leave.
Showing records to your Australian dentist
When you return, book a review appointment with your Australian dentist and bring:
- Written treatment summary from Picasso
- Implant sticker (for implant cases)
- Pre- and post-treatment X-rays
- Shade record (for veneer/crown cases)
- Warranty document
Most AHPRA-registered Australian dentists will review these records and incorporate them into your patient file. For implant cases, they may want to take their own OPG at 6 months for comparison. This is appropriate clinical management.