The Ins and Outs of Your First Dental Visit: What Should I Expect?

Odontophobia: The fear of going to the dentist.

Estimates say between 9% and 15% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of odontophobia.

That’s 30-40 million people. Wow! The point is,  you’re not alone. We want to make your first dental visit as comfortable and welcoming as possible. And that’s whether it be your first visit to the dentist ever or just your first visit to our office.

What happens before you come

When you make an appointment with us, our friendly staff will gather your information and verify your insurance benefits if you have them. After that, we’ll send you a link to your patient portal. You can securely submit your paperwork without having to print it. You can even send a message to our staff if you have any questions prior to your first dental visit. When you arrive for your appointment, you’ll be greeted by Jessica, Alex or Janet up front. Let us know if we can grab you a cup of coffee or tea!

Amenities for while you’re here for your first dental visit

You will meet one of our friendly hygienists or assistants who will seat you for your appointment. We have many amenities available for your visit including noise canceling headphones, video on demand, blankets to keep you warm and essential oils. You’ll think you just entered a spa! Just let us know what would make you most comfortable, especially for your first dental visit. We will do our best to accommodate you.

X-rays, measurements, and a gentle exam

Our clinical staff are here to listen, so if you have any concerns or fears about your first dental visit, please feel free to tell them. After a thorough review your medical history, they will take any necessary x-rays, chart your periodontal measurements and then Dr. Salathe will come in for an exam. If time allows, we will complete or start your cleaning that same day. At times, we may need to have you back for an additional visit to give you the focused time your mouth deserves. You can rest assured that your oral health is our top priority!

Cost estimates and insurance benefits addressed upfront

If there is any restorative work to be done we’ll prepare a treatment plan that includes an estimate of your insurance benefits. Suffice it to say, your first visit is gentle, informative, and always with your comfort our priority.