Your first visit
Here is what happens at your first appointment, what to bring, and how the cost works.
Your first visit, step by step
About an hour, no surprises, and nothing decided without you.
We talk first
You tell us what brought you in, what worries you about dental visits, and what you want your teeth to be able to do.
A full exam, with X-rays only if they are due
We check every tooth, your gums and your bite, and photograph anything we want you to see on the screen.
A cleaning, when there is time
Most first visits include a hygiene cleaning. If your gums need a deeper clean, we explain why and book it separately.
A plan with prices on it
You leave with a written plan, what each step costs with your insurance, and what can wait. Nothing starts until you say so.
Before you arrive
We send a short medical history form by text or email after you book. Please fill it in before your visit if you can, or arrive 10 minutes early and complete it at the front desk.
Bring:
- Your photo ID
- Your dental insurance card, if you have one
- A list of any medications you take
- The name of your previous dentist, so we can request X-rays
At your visit
- A conversation. What brought you in, what you want to change, and anything about dental visits that worries you.
- Exam and photos. We check every tooth, your gums and your bite, and take photographs so you can see what we see.
- X-rays, if they are due. Usually a set of bitewings every one to two years. If your previous dentist took them recently, we use those.
- Cleaning. Most first visits include a hygiene cleaning. If your gums need a deeper clean, we explain why and book it separately.
- Your plan. A written treatment plan with the price of each step after your insurance is applied, split into now and later.
Paying for care
We are in network with most major dental plans and file claims for you. Your plan is priced before treatment starts, so there are no surprise bills. If you do not have insurance, ask about our in-house membership plan, which covers two cleanings and exams a year for a flat fee and discounts other treatment.
Insurance and cost
We check your benefits before your first visit and put the out-of-pocket cost on your plan before anything starts.
Plan not listed? Call (541) 555-0137 and we will check it while you are on the line.
- Delta Dental
- Moda Health
- Regence BlueCross BlueShield
- PacificSource
- Cigna
- Aetna
- MetLife
- Guardian
Common questions
How long is the first appointment?
Plan for about 75 minutes, which includes the exam, any X-rays that are due, and a cleaning in most cases. Follow-up visits are usually 45 to 60 minutes.
Can I have my records sent from my old dentist?
Yes. Give us the name of the practice and we will request your X-rays and notes. Recent X-rays mean we may not need to take new ones.
Can I book for my children at the same time?
Yes. We book families back to back or in adjoining rooms so one parent can bring everyone in a single trip.
Ready to book? We are taking new patients in Bend.
Call and we will find you a time this week, and check your insurance while you are on the line.