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Your New Patient Visit at Otteson Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

At Otteson Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we see your first visit as the foundation of a long-lasting relationship. During this important appointment, we’ll review your medical and dental history in detail. You’ll meet your doctor and our team, giving you the chance to discuss any dental concerns and your treatment goals in a comfortable, welcoming setting. We prioritize a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring you have plenty of time for this first step in your dental care journey.

Step 1: Your Appointment

When you arrive, our friendly team will assist with check-in, notify your dental care team of your arrival, and verify any insurance details if applicable. To save time, please complete any new patient forms sent in your appointment confirmation email before your visit.

 

A team member will then escort you to a private treatment room, where we’ll review your dental and medical history and discuss any specific concerns or questions you may have. To further assess your oral health, our dental assistant will take X-rays to evaluate the structure of your jaw, the position of your teeth, and the overall condition of your smile.

Step 2: Your Exam

Once you’re settled in a treatment room, a team member will review your dental and medical history, along with any specific concerns you may have. Using advanced dental technology like intraoral cameras, we’ll give you a detailed 3-D view of your teeth and jaw structure, allowing us to make precise diagnoses and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

 

During your comprehensive exam, we’ll thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth, and take X-rays to evaluate your overall oral health. Our goal is to help you achieve optimal dental health in a comfortable and supportive environment. After the exam, we’ll review our findings with you and discuss any recommended treatments to help you reach your dental goals.

Step 3: Your Hygiene Visit

At your first visit, your dental team will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique oral health needs. Depending on the findings, a cleaning may or may not be performed during this initial appointment.

 

Our experienced dental hygienist will also perform an oral cancer screening and assess the condition of your teeth and gums. If a cleaning is appropriate, the hygienist will use either traditional tools or advanced water-powered instruments to remove plaque or tartar buildup. You’ll receive personalized tips for maintaining optimal oral hygiene and preventing gum disease. The hygiene exam generally takes about 45 minutes, and you’ll leave with a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste to support your home care routine.

New Patient Forms

Upon scheduling your first appointment with Dr. Kevin Otteson, you’ll receive a welcome email with a link to our online patient forms. To ensure a smooth and timely check-in, we encourage you to complete these forms prior to your visit. If you’re unable to do so beforehand, please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to complete the forms in the office. We look forward to welcoming you to Otteson Family and Cosmetic Dentistry!

Complete New Patient Forms

New Patient FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Joining Otteson Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Yes! Otteson Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is accepting new patients and often has availability within a few weeks or even days. Your first visit will typically include a comprehensive exam with Dr. Otteson, along with any necessary X-rays. During your new patient appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss any specific concerns or trouble areas with Dr. Otteson directly.

In the past, you may have scheduled an initial visit with a new dentist for just a cleaning, but we follow the latest standards in dentistry, which recommend that all new patients first receive a comprehensive exam and any necessary X-rays. This approach allows Dr. Otteson to have a complete understanding of your oral health before proceeding with treatment. If a routine cleaning is appropriate, same-day appointments are often available.

We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Metlife, Humana, Guardian, Careington, Cigna, Aetna, Delta PPO, BCBS, Principal, DNOA, DHA, and GEHA.

Our team is happy to assist you by providing an estimate of your benefits before treatment and filing your insurance claim. If we’re out of network with your insurance company, we can help you submit a claim. Please note that patients are responsible for any difference between the insurance coverage and the cost of treatment. Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

For any questions about your insurance, feel free to call us at 480-899-6229