What to expect when visiting a new dental clinic

Healthy and vibrant smiles don’t just happen on their own. It takes a dedicated team of dental experts – like the ones you will find at Pro Grace Dental – as well as your own commitment to proper oral hygiene to make your smile sparkle.

Cosmetic dentistry in Calgary is both affordable and high-quality, so you can be certain you’re getting the service you deserve. However, if you’re a new patient, and it’s your first time at a new clinic, you may be a little weary as to what you can expect.

Here are 8 things you can anticipate when visiting a new dental clinic.

1. Friendly Greetings

At a friendly and welcoming clinic, a receptionist or administrative assistant should greet you with a smile. This is usually enhanced when there’s a little enthusiasm and excitement behind the grin. But generally, the representative will make you feel warm and welcome upon arriving.

They will ask if you have scheduled an appointment or if you’re just dropping in. If you have an appointment, they will most likely guide you to a room where the dentist will greet you shortly. If it’s a drop-in, you may be asked to wait a few minutes until the dentist is available to see you – unless of course, you’re dealing with some type of urgent emergency.

2. General Questions

Once you arrive, the receptionist may ask you several general questions. Some of these might include your:

• Date of birth
• Sex
• Age
• Home address
• Phone number and email address
• Emergency contact information
• Name of previous dentist
• Who they should thank for your referral

This helps them to learn a little bit about you. With this information, they get a better idea of what treatments are appropriate, as well as how they can best contact you when you’re due for future dental appointments.

3. Dental Insurance Information

You will be asked to fill out the correct information for dental insurance. Dental Insurance assists people – as well as their families – with paying for the dental expenses that are eligible under their current policy. Most of the time, it is basic services such as:

• Fillings
• Extractions
• Dental cleanings
• Dentures
• Crowns and bridges
• Restorative services
• Major dental work

Ensure the portion for the dental insurance information is accurately filled out. It will include fields such as the policy holder's name (that would be you), your Group number, ID or CERT number, basic percentage of coverage, major percentage of coverage, as well as the maximum amount per year.

You’ll also need to acknowledge any restrictions you may have on your dental plan (How often is polishing covered? Is fluoride covered? How many units of scaling are covered? Etc).

4. Insurance

You’ll also be asked about insurance.

Policies for dental insurance assist people with budgets successfully, so that they can manage the price that’s required to maintain an amazing smile. And one way to make this process easy and effortless for everybody involved is through Direct Billing.

Direct Billing is used as a civility that will be provided to you. However, to “Direct Bill” your insurance company, you’ll need an on file credit card for any potential owed amounts once your insurance company has covered their costs. Accounts that are outstanding for more than 60 days will get a 2% monthly interest charge.

Payment options include Visa and MasterCard.

5. Medical Health History

At this point, you will be queried about certain aspects of your medical health. Topics that will most likely be addressed include:

• Estimation of your general health
• If you have any allergies
• If you have any ailments or conditions (asthma, emphysema, hormone deficiency, etc)
• Yes or no answers to conditions such as glaucoma, osteoporosis, heart problem, tuberculosis, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, tumour, venereal disease, antidepressant medication, etc
• If you’re pregnant (obviously, only applying to women)
• If you’re currently being medicated for any illnesses

Additionally, the history of your medical health will also be asked for. You will have to share if you are allergic to, or have ever had an allergic reaction to products such as aspirin, latex, penicillin, codeine, metals (titanium, stainless steel, etc).

You’ll also be asked to submit a list of any medications, supplements, and vitamins that you may be taking in addition to why you’re taking them.

6. Dental History

This section will typically be a yes or no portion where you just check off the appropriate box. You will be asked a myriad of questions regarding your dental health, it’s important to be as open and honest as you can – keeping in mind that this is what will allow the dentist to best treat you.

Some of the yes or no questions will include:

• Are you apprehensive about dental treatment?
• Does the saliva in your mouth seem too little?
• Have you had problems with previous dental treatment?
• Does the saliva in your mouth seem too much?
• Do you gag easily? Have you had orthodontic (braces) treatment?
• Do you wear dentures? Would you like to have straighter teeth?
• Does food catch between your teeth? Have you ever noticed a slow-healing sore in your mouth?
• Do you have difficulty chewing your food? Do you experience pain when you chew?
• Do you avoid brushing any part of your mouth because of pain?
• Do you have temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMD)?
• Are your teeth sensitive to cold? Do you clench or grind your jaws frequently?
• Are your teeth sensitive to heat? Are you satisfied with the appearance of your teeth?
• Are your teeth sensitive to sweets? Would you like to have whiter teeth?
• Are your teeth sensitive to sours? Do you notice an unpleasant taste or odour in your mouth?
• Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Do you have sleep problems?

7. Treatment Consent

The next part you can expect from your first visit to a new dental clinic is a treatment consent portion. In order for any type of treatment to take place – dental or otherwise – a treatment consent form must be signed by the patient.

For example, it will usually say something to the effect of:

I, the undersigned, authorize Prograce Dental to perform any necessary dental services and oral surgery that I may need during my diagnosis and treatment with my informed consent. I certify that the medical and dental histories provided are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I also understand that any and all dental services are my sole responsibility and that I should make myself aware of any fees associated with my dental care prior to treatment.

Signature of Patient/Guardian

Print Name

Date

Office Policy

Your appointment time will be reserved especially for you. If you are unable to keep your scheduled visit we require a minimum of 2 business days’ notification. Advance notice allows our office to see other patients who may have been waiting to see us for needed treatment. We thank you in advance for your consideration. A charge of $50.00 may apply to your account if sufficient notice is not provided.

8. Dental Office Personal Information Consent Form Personal Information & Protection Act

At this juncture, your new dental clinic owes you a promise: that they will commit to protecting your privacy and personal information, and to use such data with the proper conduct. This will be displayed at the tail-end of the form you filled out upon initially arriving.

They [the dental clinic] will disclose the fact that they are only permitted to share the information when required by law. This will then be followed by what they intend to do with your personal information. They use this data to do things such as:

• Open and update files
• Dental service invoices
• Process credit card payments
• Collect outstanding payments
• Send reminders for annual or quarterly checkups
• Follow up with customer service, and much more

All of this is in the name of transparency; your dental clinic wants to be completely open with you so that business (as well as improvements) can be done efficiently and effectively.

At Pro Grace Dentistry, we are accepting new patients. We are open 7 days a week making it easier for our patients to get the dental treatment they need. Contact us to schedule an appointment!