· Dr. Sarah Chen · Patient advice · 1 min read
What to expect at your first dental visit
How we structure a new patient appointment — history, examination, imaging when needed, and a written plan without pressure.
Your first visit sets the tone for everything that follows. At Riverside we use that appointment to understand your goals, map your oral health, and leave you with a clear written plan — not a hard sell.
What we cover
- Medical and dental history — medications, previous treatment, and anything that makes you anxious
- Full examination — teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues
- Imaging when needed — small radiographs only if recent ones are unavailable
- Options and fees — urgent care first, elective treatment planned when you are ready
How to prepare
Bring a list of medications, any recent X-rays from another dentist, and questions you want answered. If you feel nervous, tell reception when you book — we can allow a longer slot and talk through what will happen before anything starts.
Ready to book? Start with a new patient examination and leave with a plan you can actually use.
