New Patients

What to Know About Your First Visit

 

At Kitsap Dental, we're thrilled to welcome you to our practice! We understand that visiting a new dentist can sometimes feel a little daunting, so we've designed our new patient experience to be as comfortable, informative, and stress-free as possible. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

 

What to Expect at Your First Visit

 

Your first visit is all about getting to know you, your dental history, and your oral health goals. Here's a step-by-step overview of what you can expect:

  1. Warm Welcome & Check-In: You'll be greeted by our friendly team. We'll ask you to complete some new patient forms to help us understand your needs.
  2. Initial Consultation: You'll meet with one of our experienced dentists. We'll review your history, discuss any concerns you have, and perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.
  3. Digital X-rays: We'll take digital X-rays to get a comprehensive view of your oral health, including areas not visible during the exam. This helps us detect any hidden issues. If you have recent X-rays from a previous dentist, please let us know – we may be able to use those.
  4. Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the examination and X-rays, your dentist will discuss any findings, answer your questions, and present a tailored treatment plan. We prioritize clear communication and will explain all your options.
  5. Hygiene Appointment: Depending on your needs and the time available, we may perform a cleaning during your first visit. If not, we'll schedule one for a later date. Our hygienists will gently clean your teeth and provide tips for maintaining optimal oral health.
  6. Next Steps & Scheduling: We'll schedule any necessary follow-up treatments or routine visits. We're committed to building long-term relationships with our patients.

 

How Long Will My First Visit Take?

 

Typically, a new patient appointment lasts about 90 minutes. This includes approximately 30 minutes with the dentist for the examination and consultation, and 60 minutes with our hygiene team.

 

What to Bring to Your First Appointment

 

To ensure a smooth and efficient first visit, please be prepared to provide the following:

  • Personal Information: Your full name, address, phone number, email, and emergency contact details.
  • Dental and Medical History: Information about past dental treatments, current oral health issues, your oral hygiene routine, any medical conditions, allergies, and a list of medications (including over-the-counter supplements).
  • Dental Insurance Information (if applicable): Your insurance card or details (provider, policy number).
  • Identification: A valid ID, such as a driver's license.
  • Consent Forms: We may have consent forms for you to sign, either online before the appointment or in person.
  • Previous Records: If you would like us to obtain records from a previous provider, we will have you sign a record request.

 

Will I receive an examination and x-rays at my first appointment?

 

Yes, a comprehensive examination and a full set of x-rays are a standard part of your initial visit.

 

Personalized Treatment Plans

 

At Kitsap Dental, we believe in individualized care. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs and goals, taking into account:

  • Your complete medical and dental history.
  • Findings from your comprehensive examination.
  • Results from your X-rays.
  • Your personal concerns and goals for your oral health.
  • Clear explanation of treatment.

We'll discuss all treatment options, prioritize them based on your needs, and create a phased plan that works for you.

 

Addressing Dental Anxiety

 

We understand that dental visits can cause anxiety for some patients. Your comfort is our priority. We provide:

  • A warm, welcoming, and calming environment.
  • Open communication and a gentle, caring approach.
  • Pain management options, including local anesthetics and sedation (nitrous oxide or oral sedation) if needed.
  • Frequent check-ins during procedures to ensure your comfort.
  • Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises.
  • Detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up support.

Please let us know if you have any anxieties or concerns – we're here to help!

 

Follow-Up Care

 

After your initial treatment, we provide comprehensive follow-up care, including:

  • Clear post-treatment instructions.
  • Scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
  • Ongoing support for any questions or concerns.
  • Preventive care reminders.

 

Ready to Schedule Your First Visit?

 

We look forward to meeting you! Contact us today to schedule your new patient appointment.

 

We are committed to making your first visit (and every visit) comfortable and positive. We look forward to seeing your smile!