First Visit

  • Appointment Scheduling: When you call to schedule your appointment, you may be asked about any specific concerns or symptoms you’re experiencing so that the office can prepare accordingly.

  • Patient Forms: We may ask you to fill out new patient forms, which typically include your medical history, dental history, and insurance information. These can often be completed online ahead of time or in the waiting room before your appointment. If you are planning on filling the forms in the office, please arrive 15 minutes early to make sure we have everything ready on time.

  • Insurance Verification: If you have dental insurance, the office may verify your coverage and inform you of your benefits and any expected out-of-pocket costs.

During the Visit

  • Initial Examination: We will conduct a comprehensive or limited examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw. Usually that includes taking X-rays to get a better look at your oral health.

  • Discussion of Findings: After the examination, the dentist will discuss the results with you, including any findings and potential treatment options.

  • Cleaning (if appropriate): Depending on your oral health and the office’s policies, you may receive a cleaning during the first visit or be scheduled for a future appointment.

  • Treatment Plan: If any treatment is needed, the dentist will outline a plan and discuss next steps, including costs and timing.

  • Questions and Answers: This is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your oral health, treatment options, or any other concerns.

Autonomy

The responsibility for making treatment decisions ultimately lies with the patient. It’s important for patients to communicate openly with their dental care team about their goals, concerns, and any medical conditions or medications they may be taking, as this information can impact treatment decisions. These decisions should be made in collaboration with the dental care team to ensure that the patient is well-informed and confident in their choices. The dentist discusses the findings with the patient and presents various treatment options, explaining the benefits, risks, and costs of each.The patient, informed by the dentist’s recommendations and explanations, makes the final decision regarding which treatment to pursue.Once the patient has made a decision, they provide informed consent for the chosen treatment. This means the patient understands the nature of the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.