The Short Version
Your first visit to D Street Dental Group is mostly about two things: getting to know you and getting a clear picture of your mouth. You will meet Dr. Steve, talk through your health and any concerns, get a thorough exam with digital X-rays, and usually a cleaning, then leave with a plan and an honest estimate for anything that needs doing.
The whole point is that nothing happens without you understanding it first. We would rather you leave knowing more about your own mouth than when you walked in than rush you out the door.
What Actually Happens
- A real welcome A little paperwork on your health history, then we get you settled. No long wait in a cold room if we can help it.
- You meet Dr. Steve Not a two-minute wave at the end. He sits down, hears what brought you in, and asks about your history and your goals before looking at anything.
- A thorough exam and X-rays We check your teeth, gums, bite, and the soft tissue, and take digital X-rays to see what the eye cannot. Dr. Steve shows you what he sees with photos so the why is clear, not just the what.
- Usually a cleaning Most new patients get a cleaning the same day. If your gums need more attention first, we will explain why before doing anything extra.
- Your plan, in plain terms You leave knowing where things stand, what needs doing now versus what can wait, and an itemized estimate for any treatment. No surprises and no pressure.
What to Bring
- A photo ID and your insurance information, if you have any
- A list of the medications you take
- Recent X-rays or records from a previous dentist, if you have them
- Your questions, this is a great time to ask them
Plan for about an hour. It can run a little longer if it has been a while since your last visit, since the first exam is more thorough than a routine checkup.
More Than a Cavity Check
A good first exam looks past the teeth. Dr. Steve also checks your gums, your bite, and for signs that point to bigger issues, like grinding or the airway problems behind snoring and sleep apnea. Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body, so the first visit is as much about your overall health as it is about a filling. If something needs a specialist or your physician, he will tell you and help point you in the right direction.
The Money Part
We're out of network for all dental insurance, and we still file your claim so you can use your out-of-network benefits, which often reimburse a good portion of covered services depending on your plan.
If you do not have insurance, our in-house "D is for Dental" membership covers your routine cleanings and exams and takes 20% off other treatment, with flexible in-office payment plans available. You always get an itemized estimate before anything begins. See the new patient page →
Common Questions
What happens at a first dental visit?
You meet Dr. Steve, talk through your health history and any concerns, and get a thorough exam with digital X-rays. Most people also get a cleaning at the same visit. You leave with a clear picture of your mouth and a plan, plus an itemized estimate for anything that needs doing, so there are no surprises.
How long does a first dental appointment take?
Plan for about an hour. It can run a little longer if you have a lot going on or it has been a while since your last visit, since the first exam is more thorough than a routine checkup. We would rather take the time to do it right than rush you through.
What should I bring to my first dental visit?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance information if you have any, and a list of the medications you take. If you have recent X-rays or records from a previous dentist, those help too. Most of all, bring your questions, since the first visit is a great time to get them answered.
Is D Street Dental Group accepting new patients?
Yes, new patients are always welcome. You can request an appointment through the website or call us, and we will reach out to get you scheduled. We are out of network for all dental insurance and offer an in-house membership and flexible payment plans for patients without coverage.
I have dental anxiety. What can you do?
Tell us when you book and we plan the visit around it. We go at your pace, explain everything before we do it, and offer nitrous oxide and a full comfort menu. A lot of anxious patients tell us the visit was far easier than they expected, mostly because nothing happened without them knowing about it first.
Ready for Your First Visit?
New patients are always welcome. Tell us what you need and we'll reach out within one business day.