Every first visit begins with a phone call, e-mail or a stop by our practice. Your first contact with our practice will be with our friendly and helpful front desk staff. They will assist you in making your first appointment. During your conversation with our front desk, they will ask you questions about vital information that is necessary in order to schedule the appointment through our computer system. Further information regarding health history, insurance and employment information will also be required. For your convenience, we have included downloadable forms in PDF format that can be filled out prior to your appointment. This will greatly reduce the time spent on this task during the appointment.

After checking in with our greeters at the front desk, you will be called by one of our assistants. The assistant will take you to an examination room. After you are seated, the assistant will proceed to take X-rays of the jaws and oral structures. Two types of X-rays will be taken. One type is taken from within the mouth. The second type is taken from outside of the mouth and makes a circuit around the entire head to show features of the skull and jaws. Following X-rays, one of our hygienists will make measurements of the height of the gums and bone around each tooth as well as an evaluation of the amount of plaque and calculus present around the oral structures. This examination is the beginning of periodontal diagnosis. This portion of the examination is only performed on patients that are eighteen years of age or older unless it appears to be indicated on younger patients. The dentist will then perform a complete oral examination. This examination evaluates the mouth for decay, infection, cancer and any abnormalities. As well, the dentist will review the hygienist's measurements of the gums and bone and will give a periodontal diagnosis. This diagnosis will determine the type and extent of cleaning that will need to be performed. Many patients have indicated surprise that a full cleaning is not usually part of the initial examination. However, in order to render appropriate levels of cleaning and determine future treatment, it is necessary to perform the procedures of a periodontal examination. Because of this, there is rarely time to begin a cleaning. However, if you have time and are interested in obtaining a cleaning at the first appointment, please indicate this to the dental assistant and, if we have a cancellation and the cleaning needed is not extensive, we will be happy to accommodate your request.

Following completion of the examination, you will be taken to the front desk to meet with one of our schedulers. If any subsequent appointments are required, they will set the appointment for you. Also, you may visit with our financial coordinator in order to make financial arrangements for your treatment.