I’ve Never Been to Your Practice: What Can I Expect at My First Visit

If you’ve recently moved to the area or have simply put off routine dental care for a few years, you’re probably feeling a little worried about finding a new dental home. It’s natural to feel nervous, but there’s nothing to worry about.

At Family Dental Group in Gardner, Northborough, and Paxton, Massachusetts, our team led by Nikhil Lavana, DMD, and Archana Kharkanis-Lavana, DMD, welcomes new patients. To ease your nerves, this blog explains the new patient process, and more specifically, what you can expect at your first visit.

Your first dental visit: What to expect

Welcoming new members to our practice family is something we take seriously. We know many people have dental anxiety, so we strive to make the process comfortable and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect at your new patient visit:

1. Practice introduction and paperwork

When you arrive, our friendly front desk staff will greet you. They’ll also provide a few forms to fill out, including a new patient form, a medical history, a HIPAA acknowledgment agreement, and consent for treatment.

Fill out the paperwork honestly, providing as much detail as possible. Once you’re finished, we store the documents in a secure file and take you back to an exam room to begin treatment.

2. New patient exam

One of our caring dentists will meet you in the exam room and say hello. They will also ask about your oral health and if you have any concerns you’d like to address.

After gathering this information, your dentist completes an oral exam and takes a series of dental X-rays. This quick, painless process lets them check for underlying issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.

3. Teeth cleaning and other treatments

If your oral X-rays look good, one of our dental hygienists cleans your teeth. They remove plaque — a film of bacteria, saliva, and food particles — from your teeth and beneath your gums and floss and polish your teeth.

Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth and massages your gums. Polishing follows to give your smile a bright, shiny finish. If necessary, we can also complete minor dental procedures, like filling cavities or taking an oral biopsy.

4. Opportunity to ask questions

Once your hygienist finishes cleaning and polishing your teeth, your dentist completes a final oral exam. They also set aside time for you to ask questions or discuss any concerns you have about your oral health.

5. Schedule your next appointment

Lastly, we schedule your next appointment. We typically schedule appointments every six months, but if we identify any concerns, such as gum disease or cavities, more frequent checkups may be necessary.

Regardless, our goal is to ensure a comfortable, anxiety-free experience, while supporting optimal oral health.

Contact us to schedule a new patient appointment today

Whether you recently relocated to Massachusetts or have simply put off dental care for a few years, contact Family Dental Group today. We accept new patients throughout the year and are excited you selected our practice! Call our nearest office or book your appointment online.