New patients
Your first visit, minute by minute.
Most of the anxiety about a new dentist is not knowing what happens next. So here is the whole thing, start to finish, before you ever pick up the phone.
The walkthrough
About 90 minutes, and none of it a surprise.
Times are typical, not a stopwatch. If you need a break at any point, you take one.
What to bring
- Photo ID and your insurance card
- A list of medications and any allergies
- Recent X-rays if another office has them
- Questions. Every one of them.
- 0:00
You arrive
Forms are already done, so there is nothing to fill in at the door. If you want to see the room before you sit down, ask. That is a normal request here.
- 0:10
Photos and X-rays, only what is needed
A quick set of digital images so we can see between and under teeth. We skip anything that will not change the plan.
- 0:25
The exam
One of our dentists checks every tooth, your gums, your bite and your jaw, then does a quick oral cancer screening. You will hear what we see as we go.
- 0:45
Cleaning
Your hygienist scales, polishes and shows you the two or three spots worth extra attention at home. If your gums are tender, say so and the pace changes.
- 1:10
The plan, in writing
If anything needs doing, you leave with it listed in order of urgency, with costs and what your plan is expected to cover. Nothing is booked under pressure.
Your forms
Health history, contact details and insurance in one short packet. We email it the day before, or you can download it here and bring it in.
Download the new patient packetPlaceholder link. Point it at your own form once it is uploaded.
Insurance
We file your claim for you and tell you what is expected to be covered before treatment, not after.
- Harborline PPO
- Northlake Dental
- Great Lakes Benefit
- Meridian Choice
- Union Trades Plan
- State employee plans
Placeholder list. Replace it with the plans your office accepts.
Paying for it
- Flat fees for exams and cleanings without insurance
- Cards, checks and health savings accounts
- Interest-free monthly plans on larger treatment
- A written estimate before anything is scheduled
Placeholder terms. Swap in the payment options you offer.
Questions
The ones we hear on the phone.
Anything else, call (555) 555-0123. Someone in the office picks up, not a service.
Mon-Thu 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- It has been years. Will I get a lecture?
- No. Roughly half of our new patients have been away from a dentist for more than three years. We start from where you are today and build a plan you can actually get through.
- How far ahead do you book?
- New patient exams are usually two to three weeks out. Emergencies are same day, so call in the morning rather than waiting for an opening online.
- Can my whole family come at once?
- Yes, and most do. Ask for back-to-back appointments when you book and we will line up the chairs.
- Do you take walk-ins?
- For emergencies, yes, though calling first means we can have the room and the right dentist ready.
- What if I need to reschedule?
- Call or reply to the reminder text. There is no fee for a change with 24 hours of notice.
Ready when you are.
Send the form with a couple of days that suit you and we will call back with times.