Your First Appointment
Before You Arrive
- Please bring:
- A form of ID (national ID card or passport)
- A list of any medications you're currently taking
- Details of any medical conditions or allergies
- Any previous dental records or recent X-rays, if available (email attachments are fine — send them to us in advance)
- Your insurance information, if applicable
- A written list of any specific concerns or questions
- For children: a favourite toy or comfort item
- Please plan for:
- A 45–60 minute appointment (allow a little extra time on your first visit)
- Arriving 10 minutes early to complete initial paperwork
- Comfortable clothing — you'll be sitting or reclined in the dental chair
- Eating and drinking as normal beforehand (unless we've told you otherwise)
Total Time for a First Visit
- Typical range: 45–60 minutes
- For complex cases or extensive history: up to 90 minutes
- For young children (paediatric first visit): 20–30 minutes, deliberately kept short and pleasant
If You're Anxious About the First Visit
- Anxiety about dental visits is common — for adults and children alike. Please tell us when you book, and we'll make sensible adjustments:
- Allow additional time so nothing feels rushed
- Offer a familiarisation walkthrough of the clinic before treatment
- Consider a nitrous oxide (N₂O) sedation for the first visit if suitable — see our Matrx™ N₂O Sedation page
- Break the first visit into two shorter appointments if needed
- Involve any comfort strategies you prefer (music, weighted blanket, sunglasses to dim the light)
Before You Arrive
1. Warm Welcome & Check-In (5 minutes)
Reception welcomes you, offers you a seat and provides your paperwork. Even if you're anxious, this part is intentionally calm and unhurried. Please feel free to ask any questions from the moment you arrive — the team is here to help.
Dental & Medical History (10 minutes)
You'll complete a dental and medical history form — either on paper or digitally on a tablet. This
asks about:
• Any current dental concerns, pain or symptoms
• Your dental history — previous treatments, past problems, extractions
• Your general medical history — conditions, allergies, past surgeries
• Medications you're currently taking, including any supplements
• Family dental history where relevant (some conditions have a hereditary component)
• Habits that affect dental health (smoking, alcohol, teeth grinding, sports)
• Anxiety level or previous negative dental experiences
•
Your goals and preferences (aesthetic, functional, comfort)
If there's anything you'd prefer to discuss privately, please tell us — we'll always take the time.
Nothing you share is judged, and everything is confidential
Initial Consultation & Discussion (5–10 minutes)
Your dentist reviews your history with you, discusses any concerns or symptoms, and explains what today's examination will involve. This is where we listen carefully to what you want out of your dental care — long-term stability, aesthetic improvements, pain relief, cost-conscious planning, or all of these.
4. Oral Pathology & Soft Tissue Check-Up (5 minutes)
We carefully examine every soft tissue surface in your mouth:
• The tongue (all surfaces — upper, lower, sides)
• The floor of the mouth
• The palate (roof of the mouth)
• The inside of the cheeks and lips
• The gums
• The back of the throat
• The lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw
Where appropriate — especially for patients over 40, smokers or those at higher risk — we also
perform an Oral ID fluorescence screening for early detection of any suspicious tissue changes. This
screening is painless, takes 2–3 minutes and uses only a beam of blue light. See our Oral Cancer
Screening page for the full details.
Comprehensive Dental Examination (10–15 minutes)
Your dentist examines every tooth, one by one — checking for:
• New decay
• The condition of existing fillings, crowns, bridges and other restorations
• Cracks, chips or wear
• Gum health and any signs of inflammation or recession
• The way your teeth meet (your bite / occlusion)
• Signs of teeth grinding (bruxism)
• The jaw joint (TMJ) — for clicking, tenderness or restricted movement
• Overall alignment and any orthodontic considerations
Digital X-rays (5 minutes, where indicated)
If we haven't received recent X-rays from a previous dentist, we may take digital X-rays as part of
your first visit — but only where clinically needed. Common first-visit X-rays include:
• Bitewing X-rays — to detect decay between teeth
• A panoramic X-ray — for a full overview of teeth, jaws, sinuses and joints
• A cephalometric X-ray — if you're considering orthodontic treatment
• A 3D CBCT scan — only if a specific complex clinical question calls for it
All our X-rays are digital and low-dose — up to 90% less radiation than older film-based methods.
We always use lead protection and take only the images that are clinically necessary. See our Dental
X-rays section for full details.
Clinical Photographs (5 minutes)
With your consent, we take digital clinical photographs of your teeth and smile. These serve several
important purposes:
• Precise documentation of your current dental status
• A baseline to compare against future visits — so we can spot changes early
• Visual reference during our discussion — you see exactly what we see
• Foundation for any smile design or cosmetic planning you may want later
• Support for any insurance claims or referrals
The photographs are stored securely as part of your medical record and are never shared publicly
without your written permission.
Initial Consultation & Discussion (5–10 minutes)
This is often the most valuable part of your first visit. Your dentist sits down with you (not over you) and walks through what we've found. On a large screen, we show you your X-rays, your intraoral photographs and any specific areas of concern. Nothing is hidden and nothing is glossed over. If there are treatment options, we explain each one — including doing nothing — with the pros, cons, timelines and costs of each. You leave understanding exactly what's happening in your mouth.
Treatment Plan & Transparent Cost Discussion (10 minutes)
If treatment is needed, we build a personalised plan together with you. The plan includes:
• What treatment we recommend, and why
• Any alternatives, with honest pros and cons
• Priority order — what's urgent vs what can wait
• Estimated appointment count and total treatment duration
• Clear, itemised cost — no hidden fees
• Payment options and — where applicable — insurance guidance
You never leave without a clear understanding of what's next. If you'd like time to think, that's
completely welcome — we send the plan home with you and you decide when you're ready.
If You're Bringing a Child for Their First Visit
See our dedicated Paediatric First Visit page for full details on how we welcome children — from the1st birthday onwards — into their first dental experience. In short: it’s short, playful and pressure-free.
Everything You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to bring my dental records from my previous dentist?
It’s helpful but not essential. If you have recent X-rays or dental records, please email or bring them— this saves us from taking new images unnecessarily. If you don’t have them, that’s fine too — we’ll do our own examination and any imaging we need.
Will treatment happen at the first appointment?
Usually not. Your first appointment is about examination, discussion and planning. In genuine emergencies (severe pain, swelling, trauma) we may provide immediate relief. Otherwise, we schedule treatment separately once you’ve decided how you want to proceed — you’re never rushed into anything.
How much does the first appointment cost?
Costs are modest and transparent. The fee typically covers the examination, discussion and — where taken — X-rays. We provide a clear quote upfront and detailed receipts for insurance reimbursement. Many patients tell us the initial visit is the most valuable dental hour they’ve spent in years.
Do I have to have X-rays at my first appointment?
No — X-rays are only taken where clinically needed. If you’ve had recent X-rays elsewhere, please share them and we’ll usually accept them. If you’d prefer not to have X-rays, we’ll discuss this openly and honestly, and explain any limitations that come with that decision.
Are the clinical photographs shared anywhere?
No — clinical photographs are stored securely as part of your medical record and are never shared publicly without your explicit written permission. They’re used only for your care, or with consent, for referrals or insurance claims.
How long does the first appointment take?
Typically 45–60 minutes. Complex cases can take up to 90 minutes; paediatric first visits are usually shorter (20–30 minutes). We plan enough time so nothing is rushed.
What if I need urgent treatment during the first visit?
For genuine dental emergencies — severe pain, swelling, trauma — we’ll usually provide immediate relief on the same visit. For anything less urgent, we schedule treatment for a follow-up so you have time to consider your options.
What if I don't want to accept the treatment plan?
Completely fine. The treatment plan is our recommendation — never a demand. You take it home, think about it, and decide what and when to do. If you have questions, we’re happy to discuss. If you decide to see another dentist for a second opinion, we’ll send your records along without any fuss.
Can I bring a friend or family member with me?
Absolutely — and many first-time patients do. Bringing a companion is especially helpful if you’re anxious, if English isn’t your first language, or if you want a second set of ears for the treatment discussion. There’s always room for them in the consulting room.
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward a healthier smile.