Your first visit, explained.
Everything you need before you walk in — what happens at the first appointment, what to bring, how insurance works here, and what to do if you cannot pay for it all at once.
Your first appointment
What actually happens
A first visit is usually about an hour. Nothing is done to you that has not been explained first.
- 1We take your historyMedical and dental. Bring your medication list — some medications matter a great deal to dental treatment, and we would rather know.
- 2Digital x-raysA full set if you have not had recent images, so we can see what an exam alone cannot. If you have current x-rays from another office, we are happy to request them instead.
- 3A comprehensive examEvery tooth, your gums, your bite, and an oral cancer screening. You will see the images on the screen beside you as we go.
- 4Your cleaningIn most cases we can clean the same day. If your gum health means you need something more involved, we will explain why and schedule it properly.
- 5The conversationWhat we found, what needs doing, what can wait and watch, what it costs, and in what order it makes sense to do it. Questions welcome — that is the part that matters.
What to bring
- Photo ID
- Your dental insurance card, if you have one
- A list of medications you take
- The name of your previous dental office, if you would like records transferred
- Anything specific you want looked at — bring it up first, not last
If you are anxious about this
It has been a while. That's fine.
A large number of our patients had not been to a dentist in years before their first appointment here. Some had a bad experience a long time ago and never went back.
There is no lecture waiting for you. We will look, tell you honestly where things stand, and build a plan you can work through in stages. If you need us to slow down or stop, say so and we will. That is not a special accommodation — it is how the appointment is supposed to work.
Before you arrive
Paperwork, the painless way
Fill in your forms from your sofa rather than on a clipboard in the waiting room.
New patient sign-up
Register as a new patient and complete your health history online through our patient portal before your first visit.
Open the portalPatient portal & online payment
Existing patients can view their account and pay a balance online, any time of day.
Sign inPrefer to talk to someone?
Call the office during opening hours and a member of our team in South Lyon will take you through it.
Contact usInsurance & payment
What this is going to cost
Nobody likes being surprised by a dental bill. We will give you an estimate before treatment begins, and we will tell you which parts can reasonably wait.
Dental insurance
We work with most dental insurance plans and will file your claim for you. Bring your card to your first visit and we will verify your benefits and explain your coverage in plain terms.
A tip worth money: most dental plans reset their annual maximum at the end of the calendar year, and unused benefits do not roll over. If you have treatment outstanding and benefits remaining, use them before they expire.
Financing & payment plans
Cost should not be the reason a problem goes untreated. We offer several third-party financing options that let you spread treatment over monthly payments:
- Cherry — quick approval with flexible monthly plans
- CareCredit — a healthcare credit card widely used for dental treatment
- Lending Club Patient Solutions — see the amounts, monthly payments and rates you qualify for with no impact to your credit until you choose a plan and move forward
Ask us at your consultation and we will walk you through which makes sense for the treatment you need.
Our financial policy is available in full at the office — ask at the front desk or call (248) 216-1000 and we will send you a copy before your appointment.
Quick answers
Common new-patient questions
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We are actively accepting new patients of all ages — from your youngest child to your oldest relative. Call (248) 216-1000 or request an appointment online.
Do you see children?
We do. We treat entire families, and we work hard to make sure a child's early visits are positive ones — because that is what determines whether they keep going as adults.
What are your hours?
Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. We are closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you call outside those hours, leave a message and we will get back to you.
What if I have a dental emergency?
Call the office at (248) 216-1000 as early in the day as you can and explain what has happened. We keep room in the schedule for urgent problems and will do our best to see you promptly. For a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist — in milk or held in the cheek — and get to us immediately; time genuinely matters.
Can I transfer my records from another dentist?
Yes, and it is worth doing — recent x-rays save you both radiation and money. Give us the name of your previous office and we will request them.
Do you offer sedation?
Tell us about your anxiety when you call and we will talk through what we can do to make the appointment comfortable for you. A great deal can be achieved with time, explanation, and a dentist who stops when you ask him to.
Let's get you booked in.
Call the office, or request an appointment online and we will confirm it with you. New patients are always welcome.
(248) 216-1000