At your first visit, expect a conversation about your dental history and goals, a review of forms and insurance, digital records or X-rays when needed, an exam with Dr. Elliott or Dr. Smith, and a clear explanation of treatment options, timing, and estimated costs before moving forward.
Scheduling with a new patient dentist Florence KY patients have not visited before can feel uncertain. You may wonder what to bring, whether you will get a cleaning, how long the appointment takes, or how insurance and CareCredit conversations work.
Smith & Elliott Dental Associates welcomes new patients from Florence, Erlanger, Burlington, Union, Boone County, Northern Kentucky, and Greater Cincinnati. The goal of the first visit is simple: help you feel comfortable, understand your oral health, and leave with a practical next step.
Ready for your first visit?
Have questions about forms, dental insurance, or what appointment to schedule? Our Florence, KY team can help.
What to bring to your first appointment
Bring a photo ID, dental insurance card, medical insurance card if relevant, medication list, previous dental X-rays or records if you have them, and any questions you want to discuss. If you have a dental concern, write down when it started, what makes it better or worse, and whether symptoms are changing.
Patients coming for sleep apnea, TMJ, Botox, cosmetic dentistry, or restorative questions may want to bring additional notes. CPAP history, sleep study information, jaw symptom details, past cosmetic work, or implant records can help the team understand your situation faster.
New dental patient forms in Florence, KY
New patient forms help the office understand your medical history, dental history, medications, allergies, insurance, and consent information. Completing forms before the visit can make check-in smoother and give the clinical team more time to focus on your concerns.
If online forms are available, complete them before your appointment. If you are not sure where to find them, call the office. Patients searching for new dental patient forms Florence KY can also start from the Patient Resources page for the latest instructions.
What happens during the first exam
Your first visit usually includes a conversation with the team, digital records when needed, a dental exam, gum evaluation, oral cancer screening, review of existing dental work, and discussion of symptoms or goals. The dentist may look at tooth wear, bite, restorations, cavities, gum health, jaw comfort, and cosmetic concerns.
The visit should not feel like a sales appointment. Dr. Elliott or Dr. Smith explains findings in clear language and separates urgent needs from optional improvements. Patients should understand why something is recommended and what can reasonably wait.
Will I get a cleaning at the first visit?
Many patients do receive a cleaning at or near the first visit, but timing depends on gum health, records needed, scheduling, and the type of appointment. If gum disease or heavy buildup is present, a different cleaning plan may be recommended for safety and effectiveness.
If your main concern is pain, a broken tooth, cosmetic consultation, sleep apnea, or TMJ symptoms, the first visit may focus more on diagnosis and treatment planning. The team can explain what is realistic when you schedule.
How insurance and estimates are handled
Dental insurance Florence KY patients bring to the office can vary widely by plan. The team can help review benefits, estimate patient responsibility, and explain what information is available before treatment. Estimates are helpful, but insurance coverage is ultimately determined by the plan.
If additional flexibility is needed, the office can discuss payment options and CareCredit when appropriate. A CareCredit dentist Florence KY patients choose should avoid guaranteeing approval or coverage. Instead, the team should explain options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
How to schedule the right appointment type
Not every dental appointment has the same goal. A routine cleaning is different from a new patient exam, emergency visit, cosmetic consultation, sleep apnea consultation, TMJ evaluation, or Botox appointment. If you are unsure, call the office and describe what you need help with.
Smith & Elliott Dental Associates is a dentist accepting new patients Florence KY families, adults, and seniors can call for preventive care, second opinions, dental concerns, and long-term planning. The team will help you choose the right starting point.
When to call before your first visit
Call if you have pain, swelling, a broken tooth, dental anxiety, questions about forms, insurance concerns, or uncertainty about which appointment type to schedule.
- Tooth pain or swelling
- Broken tooth or lost restoration
- Questions about forms or records
- Insurance or CareCredit questions
- Need help choosing the right visit