New Patient? Here's Exactly What Your First Visit Looks Like

Trying a new dental office is a small leap of faith — especially if it's been a while since your last visit, or if the dentist makes you nervous. The unknown is half the anxiety. So here's the whole visit, step by step, with nothing left mysterious.

Before you arrive

When you book, we'll ask a few basics: your health history, medications, and whether anything hurts right now. Bring:

A photo ID and your dental insurance card, if you have one (no insurance? Keep reading — you're still welcome)
A list of medications you take
Any dental records or X-rays from a previous office, if they're easy to get — and if not, don't worry, we can request them or take our own

If you prefer to do everything in Spanish, just say so when you call. The entire visit — forms, conversation, treatment — happens in your language.

Step 1: We listen (10 minutes)

Before anyone looks in your mouth, Dr. Jaquez wants to know your story. What bothers you? What do you want to change? Bad experiences at other offices? Goals — chewing comfortably, smiling in photos, finally handling that thing you've been putting off? This conversation shapes everything that follows.

Step 2: The exam and imaging (20–30 minutes)

A comprehensive look at your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work, plus digital X-rays — which use a fraction of the radiation of old-style film. If you're anxious, tell us. Gentleness is the thing our patients mention most in reviews, and we protect that reputation carefully.

Step 3: The plain-language plan

This is the part patients tell us feels different. Dr. Jaquez shows you what she sees — on the screen, in your images — and explains it in words, not jargon. If there's a problem, you'll learn what's urgent, what can wait, and what happens if you do nothing. You'll get real prices, in writing, before anything is scheduled.

No lectures. No pressure. No surprise treatment. Ever.

Step 4: Your cleaning

In most cases we schedule your professional cleaning as part of your first visits — same trip when the schedule allows, or as a quick follow-up. If your gums need deeper care, we'll explain exactly why and what it involves before doing anything.

How long and how much?

Plan on about an hour for the first appointment. We accept most major dental insurance plans and will check your coverage before you come in. No insurance? Ask about our Wellness Plan — an in-house membership that covers your routine care at a predictable price — and CareCredit financing for bigger treatment.

The easiest next step

Call us at the number above or send the appointment request form — tell us English or Spanish, and whether anything hurts. Same-day emergency appointments are available, and new patients of every age are welcome.

That thing you've been putting off? It's one phone call from being handled.