Switching dentists is very common. If you move to a new location, need to find a new dentist because your insurance has changed, or simply want to try somebody else, visiting a new dentist is usually as easy as calling and making an appointment.
But there are a number of important things you should bring to streamline your first visit with a new dentist. This includes documents, forms, and perhaps even a copy of your dental history from your previous dentist.
Arrive Early
If you are a new patient, it’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early so you have time to fill out the new patient paperwork. This will include basic information such as your name, address, dental insurance number, and any relevant health information. If you don’t know the answers to some questions, don’t worry. Just leave that part blank.
If your dental insurance provider gave you an insurance card, be sure to bring it so we can make a copy for our files. If you only have the name of the insurance company, the group number, and the policy number that usually will work too. Other documents to bring include a list of current prescriptions, any referrals or letters from other dentists or medical doctors, and, if you have them, dental x-rays taken within the past six months.
Questions and Answers
The first dental visit usually takes a little longer than subsequent visits because your new dentist will have a lot of questions for you and you may have a lot for them as well. We like to spend as much time as possible to get to know new patients personally, not just their dental history. We consider our patients to be friends as well as clients.
Changing dentists goes a lot smoother when you are prepared. Be sure to bring everything you need and plan on visiting with us just a little bit longer than you would for a normal dental visit. We look forward to meeting you!
