Day Surgery at Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne

Fasting Instructions

Morning surgery

Admission between 7am and 9am

  • No food after midnight
  • You may sip water until 7:30 AM
  • A nurse will call the day before to confirm your fasting instructions.

Afternoon surgery

Admission between 11:30am and 1:30pm

  • No food after 7 AM; you may eat a light breakfast at 6 AM
  • You may sip water until 11 AM
  • A nurse will call the day before to confirm your fasting instructions.

Preparation for your Surgery

Medications

  • Please continue to take your usual medications as prescribed, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor or nurse from our team.

Patients Under 18 Years of Age

  • Once the patient has been admitted to the Day Surgery Unit, only one accompanying adult is permitted in the waiting area.
  • A legal guardian must be at the hospital for the duration of the day.
  • Please stay close, present, and mindful with your child - your loving presence helps them feel safe. Kindly remember that you are responsible for them during your visit.

Childcare

  • Children not receiving treatment (for example the patient’s brothers and sisters) are not allowed in the Day Surgery Unit and must have an additional responsible adult with them in the waiting area.
  • Discharge times cannot be guaranteed. Please arrange childcare sessions accordingly and make sure they are flexible and extend into the early evening if needed.

Talking to your child about surgery

Explaining what’s going to happen in hospital can help your child feel more comfortable and less anxious.

The videos below help explain what you and your child can expect when having an operation at the day surgery department. You can show your child what an operating room looks like and who will be in the room with them.

Day Surgery Preparation Videos for Children

Translated materials available This video is available in Vietnamese, Dari, Burmese, Arabic and Chin Hakha

Translated materials available This video is available in Vietnamese, Dari, Burmese, Arabic and Chin Hakha

When you get to hospital

Parking

  • There is no parking available on the hospital site.
  • Paid all-day parking is available at:
    • Ace Parking (multi-level) - Corner of Cardigan & Grattan Street (Link to the location on Google Maps)
    • Carlton Clocktower Car Park (Google Maps)
  • You may be at the hospital for several hours. Please ensure you have parked accordingly.

Admission

  • Please have all required documents ready for check-in including your Medicare or Healthcare card.
  • Before your procedure, you will be seen by a nurse, an anaesthetic doctor, and a dentist or oral surgeon. You may also be required to have an X-ray.
  • There may be a wait of up to three hours from your admission time to the start of surgery. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Café Options for Parents & Carers at RDHM

While the patient is in surgery, you are welcome to wait in the waiting area or take a short break to get food or drink for yourself. Please ensure your phone is on loud in case staff need to contact you.

Nearby Café Suggestions:

  • Waiting Café: Ground floor, Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne
  • St. Ali Coffee (Mel Uni)- 761 Swanston Street, Parkville (4-min walk)

Payment of fees

There may be a fee involved for procedure at Day Surgery Unit. Please speak to the reception staff on arrival to confirm the amount.

We accept payment by credit card, cash and EFTPOS.

Discharge & Post-Surgery Care

After your procedure, you’ll receive instructions for home care and any necessary prescriptions. Keep over-the-counter pain relief (like Panadol or Nurofen) on hand. A nurse will call the day after your procedure to check on your recovery.

Diet: To help with healing and reduce discomfort after your dental procedure, please follow these dietary guidelines:

  • Soft foods: mashed potatoes, porridge, scrambled eggs, pasta, soup, broth, jelly, yogurt, smoothies.
  • Fluids: water, juice, broth, cordial.
  • Avoid hot drinks for a few hours and do not use a straw.
  • Stick to soft foods for 24 - 48 hours, then gradually return to normal foods.

Transport & Overnight Care

  • Do not drive or use public transport; arrange a car, taxi, or rideshare with a responsible adult.
  • A responsible adult must stay with you for 24 hours, including overnight.
  • Provide their name and contact on admission.

Note: All Day Surgery Unit patients are admitted and discharged on the same day; no overnight facilities are available.

What to bring - Patient Checklist

Personal Preparation:

  • Remove all makeup and nail polish (both fingers & toes).
  • Remove all jewellery and body piercings, especially from the tongue, lips and nose.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
  • Leave valuables at home, as you are responsible for your personal belongings.

Essential Documents:

  • Medicare Card
  • Health Care Card or Pension Card (if applicable)
  • List of any medications that you are currently taking (prescribed and over the counter)

Comfort & Essentials:

  • Entertainment: a book, magazine, or music with headphones to pass the time.
  • Charger for your phone or other devices
  • Glasses or contact lens case (if you wear them).
  • Any personal comfort items such as a water bottle, blankets, or toys for young children.
  • Change of clothes (required for children under 8 years).
  • Any continence aids and a change of clothes if required.

Change a booking

Please contact the Day Surgery Unit as soon as possible if you are unwell and cannot attend your appointment:

(03) 9341 1000 (8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Email: dsu.bookings@dhsv.org.au