Here's what to expect on your first dentist visit:
Before Your Appointment
You'll typically be asked to arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete new patient paperwork. This includes your medical history, current medications, allergies, and any dental concerns. Our practice offers online forms you can fill out beforehand.
What to Bring
- Private health insurance card if you have one
- List of current medications.
- Previous dental records, if available, though not essential. (You can fill out the dental records release consent form with the receptionist to get your previous dental records.)
The Appointment
Your first visit usually takes 30-60 minutes and includes:
- Comprehensive examination - The dentist will check your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues. They'll look for cavities, gum disease, and any other issues.
- X-rays - Our dentist may take digital OPG/X-rays on the first visit to see what's happening below the gum line and between teeth
- Discussion - The dentist will ask about your dental history, any pain or concerns, your oral hygiene routine, and general health issues that might affect your teeth.
- Treatment plan - If dentist find any issues, they'll explain what needs to be done and provide a written treatment plan with costs.
- Scale and clean will be done on the first visit.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies depending on the type of treatment. We will provide a clear estimate before any procedure and will work with you to find a affordable options . If you have private health insurance with dental cover, as we are a preferred provider with major private health funds in Albany WA, including HBF, HCF, BUPA and Medibank, our patients will receive the maximum benefit entitlement from their health fund.
We understand that dental visits can be stressful for some patients, and we are comitted to making your experience as comfortable as possible. Our dental team members are very friendly and used to nervous patients, so don't hesitate to mention if you're anxious about dental visits!