What can you expect at a new patient dental appointment?

Making an appointment with a new doctor or dentist can really be a little bit stressful. We understand that and want to help you rest your fears. It is our hope that from your first contact (usually a phone call) with us, you'll feel more relaxed about your upcoming dental visit. Here are some things that you can expect once you make the appointment as a new patient:

• Welcome email with date and time of your appointment, this email will include an attachment with our health history forms. It is helpful if you can print these and complete them prior to your appointment.


• Email and telephone reminders. As a courtesy, we call 1-2 days prior to all appointments to remind you of upcoming reminders. Please try to call or email us back to verify that you get our messages. You can always reply to any email that you receive from us .


• Warm welcome when you arrive! We try to to give everyone a warm welcome and big smile on arrival. We think that this helps to reduce the stress of going to a new office!


• Insurance information verification. If you provided dental insurance information via the phone call, we will check and copy/scan your dental insurance card.


• Additional paper work. We will give you 3 forms to sign. These a consent for treatment, consent for release of information to insurance companies and trusted professional, ie specialists as needed, and a document stating that you understand that you are responsible for fees not covered by dental insurance. If your insurance is a PPO that we participate in, we are contracted to the fee schedule of that PPO.


• Once all the paper work is completed, you will be welcomed by a member of our clinical staff. We will then take a full set of dental x-rays. This includes 18 images. It seems like alot; but be patient, it is important to get a clear picture of your oral health .


• You will finally meet Dr Johnson. He greet you and ask what your goals are for your oral health and smile. He will then perform a comprehensive oral exam, including periodontal measurements and notations of existing dental restorations. He will then take pictures with an intraoral camera. Lastly, he will present treatment options to you. Feel free to discuss your concerns and questions.


• As you can see, alot happens on this first visit. We schedule plenty of time for you. However, it is important for you to arrive promptly for your dental appointments.