New patients
Your first visit, made easy.
Whether it has been six months or six years since your last checkup, you are welcome here. This is what to expect, what to bring and how payment works.
What to expect
Four steps, no surprises.
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Welcome and paperwork
A quick check-in, a review of your health history and medications, and a chance to tell us your concerns.
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Digital X-rays
Low-dose digital images show what an exam cannot, like decay between teeth and bone levels.
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Exam and cleaning
A gentle cleaning with your hygienist, then a full exam and oral cancer screening with Dr. Hales.
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Your plan
Findings in plain language, options ranked by urgency, and written estimates before any treatment.
What to bring
- Photo ID
- Dental insurance card, if you have one
- A list of your medications and allergies
- Recent X-rays from your last dentist, if available
- Your dentures or night guard, if you wear one
Insurance
Gentle Care works with many dental insurance plans and files claims for you. Our insurance coordinator can check your benefits before you come in. Plans our patients use include:
- MetLife
- Delta Dental
- Aetna PPO
- GEHA
- and many others
Financing
For treatment beyond what insurance covers, CareCredit and Cherry offer monthly payment plans. Ask the front desk about current terms when you get your estimate.
Military family? Read our TRICARE Dental Program guide.
Nervous about the dentist?
You are in good company.
A lot of our patients were anxious before their first visit, often because of a painful experience years ago. Here is how we make it different.
- You set the pace. Raise a hand any time and we stop.
- Nothing is a surprise. Each step is explained before it happens.
- Thorough numbing. We check you are fully numb before treatment starts.
- No lectures. However long it has been, we start from where you are now.
New patient questions
Before you come in.
How long is the first appointment?
Plan on about an hour for a new patient visit with an exam, X-rays and cleaning. If you are coming in for a specific problem or a consultation, the front desk will tell you how long to allow when you book.
Do I need to fill out forms before my visit?
Patient forms can be completed ahead of time so your visit starts on time. Call the office and the team will tell you the easiest way to get them, or arrive about 15 minutes early to complete them in the office.
Can my previous dentist send my X-rays?
Yes. Recent X-rays from your previous dentist can save you from repeating them. Ask your old office to send them, or call us and we can request them with your permission.
What if I do not have dental insurance?
You can still be seen. You will get a written estimate before any treatment, and CareCredit and Cherry let you spread the cost into monthly payments.
Ready to book your first visit?
Call the office and a real person in Sierra Vista will help you find a time, check your insurance and answer questions before you come in.