New Patient Information
We’re always taking new patients from around the valley and are happy to accommodate your dental needs in any way we can. Let us know what you need done at your first appointment. For instance, your first visit could be:
- For a cleaning and dental exam
- With a dentist in order to address a specific dental problem
- Just for a second opinion
What To Expect
Before your visit: As you may know, when you start seeing a new dentist there is a little bit of paperwork to do first. For your convenience, prior to your first visit, we will send a text link that will include your Medical History Form, our office financial policy form, and a HIPAA form we ask that you follow all the prompts until it has informed you that you have finished and it will be submitted directly to us. You can also find the link below if you would like to fill this out from your computer or tablet.
Your first appointment: At this appointment, we will review your past medical and dental history, take necessary x-rays (which included a full mouth series of x-rays and a Ct-Scan”3D digital image”.), screen for gum disease and oral cancer, perform a dental exam, and provide a thorough dental hygiene evaluation we will then inform you on what type of dental cleaning you will need. This initial visit takes about 90 minutes- 2 hours for adults and 30-60 minutes for children under the age of 13.
Since patients with gum disease sometimes require different treatments and cleanings, occasionally a cleaning may not be done at the first visit if gum problems are found.
Follow up care: If you need to return for further care, we will review your treatment options, costs, and insurance benefits. Always keep in mind our office verifies your insurance as a courtesy (if there is any) this is never a guarantee of benefits or pay the insurance contract is between you and your insurance. If you’re ready we will schedule an appointment for you.
We’re also happy to get your next cleaning scheduled so you can get the date and time that works best for you. Unlike the initial visit, routine cleaning appointments are usually shorter in duration and take about 60 minutes for adults. Children’s follow-up cleanings are 30 minutes until they reach their teens.
Your privacy is taken seriously at Dr. John Patterson, DMD. In addition to our own privacy policy, learn more about how we handle your health records here: Privacy Policy