Dr Monika Shah
Principal Dentist
Dr Monika Shah, who earned her BDS in 2006, is the principal dentist of MS Dental. She oversees clinical care at all three clinics and provides implant and laser treatment at Fletcher.
Lochinvar
Dental Care for Lochinvar, Planned Ahead
MS Dental has no clinic in Lochinvar. The MS Dental clinic Lochinvar patients travel to is MS Dental Fletcher, at 9 Churnwood Drive, Fletcher NSW 2287. The trip covers about 45 km, heading out along Station Lane and the New England Highway, then across Allandale Road and Lovedale Road to the Hunter Expressway, then on through Newcastle Link Road and Minmi Road to Churnwood Drive.
Because of the distance, a little forward thinking goes a long way. Fletcher opens every second Saturday as well as weekdays, which may suit people who work through the week. If you have a dental problem that cannot wait, phone as early in the day as possible, so reception can judge how soon you need to be seen and there is time to make the drive.
Why patients choose us
Why the Drive to Fletcher Works for Lochinvar
Help Judging Urgency
When you call with pain or swelling, reception asks about your symptoms and offers the earliest suitable appointment, so you have a time before leaving Lochinvar.
Treatment Under One Roof
Implants and laser treatment are done on site at Fletcher, so most patients are not sent to another clinic halfway through their care.
Saturday Options
Fletcher opens alternate Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and MS Dental Cardiff opens every Saturday, giving people who work weekdays another choice.
Costs in Writing
Item numbers are set out in writing before treatment. HICAPS lets you claim at the desk, and the clinic is a preferred provider for HCF and CBHS.
Getting there
Route from Lochinvar to the Fletcher Clinic
45 kmapprox. distance
43 minby car, outside peak times
FletcherFree parking at the door, step-free entry
Roads on the way: Station Lane, Old North Road, New England Highway, Allandale Road, Lovedale Road, Hunter Expressway, Newcastle Link Road, Woodford Street, Minmi Road, Bottlebrush Boulevard, Churnwood Drive.
Start on Station Lane, take Old North Road and return to Station Lane before joining the New England Highway. Turn onto Allandale Road, then Lovedale Road, which leads to the Hunter Expressway. Follow the expressway to Newcastle Link Road, then Woodford Street, Minmi Road and Bottlebrush Boulevard, finishing on Churnwood Drive. The distance is about 45 km.
- Outside peak times the drive is about 43 minutes. Add extra time in busy periods, especially for an early or urgent appointment.
- If you are in severe pain or have swelling, call the clinic before you leave home so reception can judge how soon you need to be seen.
Around Lochinvar
Places Lochinvar Residents Know
Lochinvar is a village with its own railway station, schools and a sports complex. These are some of the places in and around it.
Lochinvar Station
The railway station marks the centre of Lochinvar. The directions on this page start close by, on Station Lane, and follow the road route all the way to the Fletcher clinic.
Schools in the Area
Lochinvar Public School, Saint Patrick's Primary School and Saint Joseph's College are all between 2 and 3 km from the village centre. School-age children who are eligible may be bulk billed under the CDBS.
Lochinvar Sports Complex
The Lochinvar Sports Complex is just under 2 km from the centre of the village. Anyone playing contact sport can ask the Fletcher clinic about a mouthguard made from a mould of their own teeth.
School of Arts and Porter Place
The Lochinvar School of Arts, a community centre, and Porter Place, a park, are both a little over 2 km from the centre. The MS Dental clinic itself is in Fletcher, about 45 km away.
Treatments
Treatments Lochinvar Patients Travel For
These are some of the treatments available at MS Dental Fletcher. The dentist explains each one, including the costs in writing, before treatment starts.
Emergency Dental Care
A broken or knocked-out tooth, swelling, or a lost filling or crown needs prompt attention. Call early and reception will offer the earliest suitable appointment.
Toothache
When a tooth is aching, tell reception about any swelling, fever or bleeding when you call, so they can judge how soon you should be seen.
Wisdom Teeth
An x-ray shows whether wisdom teeth are coming through straight or are stuck, and whether removal is needed. The dentist explains the procedure and aftercare first.
Dentures
Removable dentures can replace a few teeth or a full arch. The dentist checks your gums and general health before discussing the options with you.
Bridges
A bridge can fill the gap left by a missing tooth. The dentist will talk through whether a bridge, an implant or a denture may suit you.
Regular Check-Ups
Each examination includes an oral cancer screen and a professional clean, which removes the plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing miss.
Laser Treatment
MS Dental Fletcher offers laser dental treatment on site, including tongue-tie and lip-tie release. Dr Monika Shah looks after laser treatment at the clinic.
Fees, health funds and payment
Questions
Lochinvar Patient Questions
- What should I do if I have a toothache?
- Call MS Dental Fletcher on (02) 4953 8614 as early in the day as you can. Mention any swelling, fever or bleeding so reception can judge how urgent it is and offer the earliest suitable appointment. Calling first means you are not driving 45 km without a confirmed time.
- When should I go to hospital instead?
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency department if swelling spreads towards your eye or neck, if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, if bleeding will not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure, or if you have hurt your jaw or head. Do not drive to a dental appointment in these situations.
- Do my wisdom teeth need to come out?
- Not always. An x-ray shows whether wisdom teeth are coming through straight or are stuck, and whether they need removal. If removal is recommended, the dentist explains what is involved and the aftercare before any treatment begins.
- Is a referral needed for my first visit?
- No. You can book directly online or by phone, and there is no waiting list to join. New patients from Lochinvar are welcome. If you have recent x-rays from another dentist, mention them so reception can request copies.
- Will I know the cost before treatment?
- Yes. The dentist explains what they find and gives you the costs in writing, with item numbers, before any treatment starts. You can then check your health fund rebate before you decide how to proceed.
- Will whitening change the colour of my fillings?
- No. Professional whitening lightens the natural colour of teeth, but fillings and crowns do not lighten. Your dentist first checks that your teeth and gums are healthy and explains what change to expect, so you can decide whether whitening is worth the trip.
The team
Who You Will See at Fletcher
The Fletcher team includes a principal dentist, a dentist, an oral health therapist and a practice manager. Reception can tell you who is working on your chosen day.
Dr Nikhil Kapoor
Dentist
Placements in Darwin, Mackay, Cairns and Townsville saw Dr Nikhil Kapoor treat many patients from rural and regional towns. At Fletcher he provides examinations, fillings, crowns, root canal treatment and extractions.
Natasha
Oral Health Therapist
Natasha is an oral health therapist who joined MS Dental in May 2025. Her appointments cover cleans, gum checks, fluoride, sealants and dental care for children.
Chantelle
Practice Manager
Chantelle is the practice manager for all three MS Dental clinics. She has worked with the group since 2017, starting out at Cardiff.
Your first visit
Your First Appointment, Step by Step
Knowing what happens helps you plan the day. Before any treatment begins, the dentist explains the findings and gives written costs with item numbers.
- 1
Check of Mouth and Teeth
The examination covers your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues, and it includes a screen for signs of oral cancer.
- 2
Professional Clean
Plaque and tartar build-up is removed and surface stains are polished away, leaving the teeth ready for fluoride.
- 3
Protective Fluoride
At the end of the clean, fluoride is applied to the teeth to help protect them against decay.
- 4
X-Rays When Required
Digital x-rays are only taken if decay may be hiding between teeth. Recent ones from a previous dentist can be sent across instead.
Send a message
Questions Before the Drive?
Send a question about appointments, costs or treatment. Reception replies during clinic hours, so please phone instead if you are in pain.
Fletcher reception
- (02) 4953 8614
- [email protected]
- 9 Churnwood Drive, Fletcher NSW 2287
Monday to Friday9:00 am to 5:30 pm
SaturdayEvery second week, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
SundayClosed
Nearby
Patients also come from
Book Your Visit from Lochinvar
New patients are welcome and no referral is needed. Book online at any time, or call (02) 4953 8614 during clinic hours.