How to Go to the Dentist

Co-authored by Alina Lane, DDS

Last Updated: November 29, 2024 References

Oral health is an integral part of maintaining your overall well-being. Seeing a dentist regularly can help promote oral health and ward off potential problems or conditions. By scheduling an appointment and planning for your visit, you can go to the dentist whenever you need.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Scheduling an Appointment

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1
Find a local dentist. Having the right dentist who you like can set the tone for your helping to maintain your oral health. Search among local dentists to find one that you like and can see on a regular basis.
- Ask friends and family members to recommend a dentist they go to or have seen. Most people won’t suggest a dentist they don’t like.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Alina Lane, DDS
  Board Certified Dentist
  
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
- Read reviews of local dentists either online or in publications like the newspaper.
- Call your insurance company to ask if you are required to see in-network dentists or if you can pay extra to see someone out of network. Most insurance companies can provide you a list of doctors who are a part of their network.^{[2]
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- Compile a list of potential dentists and write down factors that drew you to them.
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Contact potential dentists’ offices. Call the offices of dentists you may want to see and inquire if they are accepting new patients. If not, contact the next name on your list.
- Give the receptionist your basic information, including whether or not you have insurance.
- Let them know any other relevant information, such as if you have a fear of dentists or significant dental issues.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Alina Lane, DDS
  Board Certified Dentist
  
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
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3
Schedule an appointment. Once you’ve located a dentist’s office with which you feel comfortable, schedule an appointment. This can help ensure that you go to the dentist and promote your oral health.
- Schedule your appointment early in the morning if you can so that less likely to have to wait for a long time.^{[4]
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  Research source} Tell the receptionist you prefer mornings.
- Accept whatever times the receptionist offers. Tell her that your dates and times are flexible, which may help you get an appointment in a slot you want.
- Be kind and courteous with the receptionist.
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Provide a reason for your visit. Give the receptionist a brief description of why you are visiting. This can help her figure out if the dentist is right for you and how long of an appointment you will need.^{[5]
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- Compose a one or two sentence description of your visit. For example, you could say “I am a new patient and would like to consult with the doctor” or “I am scheduling a routine cleaning.”
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Ask for a referral. If you cannot get an appointment with the dentist of your choice, inquire if she works with a partner or can refer you to someone else. Doctors often work with other doctors to help serve their patients.
- Ask for the names of a couple of doctors if the referrals cannot take you or return to your list.
- Check to make sure the referral dentist is in your network if you have insurance.
Make sure to thank you each office for its efforts to schedule an appointment for you. This may help you more easily get an appointment in the future.
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Contact the referral dentist. If your first choice dentist’s office referred or recommended you to a colleague, contact her office. Nicely tell the receptionist that the other dentist’s office referred you and then inquire if her office has availability.
- Be kind and as flexible as possible. This may help you get an appointment as well as leaving a positive impression.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Seeing the Dentist

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1
Arrive early. Make sure to get to your scheduled appointment early. This can give you time to fill out any necessary paperwork and provide information such as insurance details.
- Confirm your appointment a day or two in advance.
- Call the office if you are running late or need to reschedule. The earlier you can call the receptionist, the more likely she is to accommodate you.
- Take any insurance information or other relevant data you may need, such as what prescriptions you are taking or other doctors you see. The office may also send you forms in the mail to bring to your visit.
2
Communicate with your dentist. Good communication is the foundation of any doctor-patient relationship.^{[6]
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Research source} Talking to your dentist before, during, and after procedures can you understand what she is doing and also reduce any fear or anxiety you have.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Alina Lane, DDS
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
- Schedule a consultation before your first appointment if you like and it is an option.^{[8]
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- Ask your dentist any questions you have and answer any she may have for you.^{[9]
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- Be open and honest with your dentist. Tell her about any medical conditions you have, dental problems you are experiencing, or medications that you take.
- Tell your dentist if you are anxious or fear of dental procedures. This can help guide the way she treats you.^{[10]
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  Research source} Being honest about your anxieties and past experiences can only help your dentist treat you more effectively.
- Ask your dentist to keep you informed as she is doing the procedure. Remember that you have the right to know what is happening.^{[11]
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- Establishing a good personal connection with your dentist is important; it will help your dentist treat you more effectively, and you will feel more comfortable. Dental work involves concentration on the task at hand but also interactions with patients.
EXPERT TIP

Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Joseph Whitehouse is a retired Board-Certified Dentist and the Former President of the World Congress on Minimally Invasive Dentistry (WCMID). Based in Castro Valley, California, Dr. Whitehouse was a dentist for 47 years. He has held fellowships with the International Congress of Oral Implantology and with the WCMID. Published over 20 times in medical journals, Dr. Whitehouse's research focused on mitigating fear and apprehension for patients associated with dental care. Dr. Whitehouse earned a DDS from the University of Iowa in 1970. He also earned an MA in Counseling Psychology from California State University Hayward in 1988.

Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDS
Board Certified Dentist

Our Expert Agrees: One important fact to communicate with your dentist is what you want your teeth and smile to look like in 20 years. This can help them to create a treatment plan that works for you and one that you'll be satisfied with.
3
Use relaxation techniques. You can have a more pleasant experience if you use relaxation techniques. There are different relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises to medication that can help you more easily get through your visit, especially if you fear going to the dentist.^{[12]
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- Try nitrous oxide, sedation, or anti-anxiety medications such as alprazolam to help you relax during your visit.^{[13]
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  Research source} Your dentist can administer these options before and during your visit.
- If you are very scared, ask your dentist to prescribe anti-anxiety medication before your appointment.^{[14]
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- Tell your dentist if you take any anti-anxiety medication that she did not prescribe. This can help minimize the risk of potentially dangerous interactions between medications.^{[15]
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- Using sedatives during a dental procedure can increase the price, which dental insurance may not cover.
- Try breathing exercises. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold it, and then exhale for 4 seconds. As you inhale, think the word “let” and as you exhale think “go.” These can deepen your relaxation.^{[16]
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4
Distract yourself during the visit. Many dentists now offer different media to distract patient during visits. Accepting the offer to distract yourself with music or television may relax you.^{[17]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public

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- Take your own headphones if you like, but know the dentist’s office will sanitize their equipment in between patients.
- Ask if you can listen to music or a book during your appointment if your dentist doesn’t offer distracting media.^{[18]
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  Trustworthy Source
  
  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
  
  Go to source}
5
Take follow-up instructions. You will probably receive follow-up instructions from your dentist for things like additional procedures you need, cleaning instructions, or when to come for your next visit. Make sure to take this with you so that you don’t forget them and can follow your doctor’s orders.
- Ask your dentist any questions you have on follow up care or instructions she gives you on how to care for your oral hygiene.^{[19]
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- Get any prescriptions you need, including for medications or procedures such as dental impressions.
6
Check out before leaving. When you’ve finished your visit and discussed the appointment and future plans with your dentist, check out with the receptionist. She can tell you if you owe any money and schedule future visits for you.
- Ask any questions about the insurance or payment procedures so that you don’t miss a payment.
- Tell her about follow up visits you need to schedule and what the nature of them is, which she may already have on your doctor’s instruction sheet.
- Thank the receptionist for her help.
7
Visit your dentist regularly. Seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups can minimize the risk of serious oral health conditions. Schedule appointments yearly or as often as your dentist suggests to promote your oral and overall well-being.
- Take care of your oral health by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. This can reduce the need for complicated procedures. Prevention methods can help you reduce dental costs and better your oral health.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I find a good dentist?

Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Joseph Whitehouse is a retired Board-Certified Dentist and the Former President of the World Congress on Minimally Invasive Dentistry (WCMID). Based in Castro Valley, California, Dr. Whitehouse was a dentist for 47 years. He has held fellowships with the International Congress of Oral Implantology and with the WCMID. Published over 20 times in medical journals, Dr. Whitehouse's research focused on mitigating fear and apprehension for patients associated with dental care. Dr. Whitehouse earned a DDS from the University of Iowa in 1970. He also earned an MA in Counseling Psychology from California State University Hayward in 1988.

Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDS

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

If there's a dental lab in your area, give them a call and ask about which dentists they would recommend. Dental labs provide lots of services and products for dentists and know about local practices, so they can give great advice to help you make a choice.

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Question

What kind of questions should I ask before getting a dental procedure?

Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Joseph Whitehouse is a retired Board-Certified Dentist and the Former President of the World Congress on Minimally Invasive Dentistry (WCMID). Based in Castro Valley, California, Dr. Whitehouse was a dentist for 47 years. He has held fellowships with the International Congress of Oral Implantology and with the WCMID. Published over 20 times in medical journals, Dr. Whitehouse's research focused on mitigating fear and apprehension for patients associated with dental care. Dr. Whitehouse earned a DDS from the University of Iowa in 1970. He also earned an MA in Counseling Psychology from California State University Hayward in 1988.

Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDS

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

First, figure out what your goals are. You may have a different outlook on a potential procedure if your only goal is to prevent pain or make your teeth look as good as possible. It's also important to assess the potential risk of a procedure. Just talk to your dentist about your desired outcomes and the potential risks.

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Question

How often should I see the dentist if I want stronger teeth?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

Twice a year is a good recommendation for most people with healthy teeth. Stop in every six months or so for a cleaning and examination. This is also a way to get ahead of any potentially serious problems should they come up in the future.

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Tips

Visiting the dentist is like visiting any other doctor. Be clean and neat, but not overdressed. Do not wear full makeup (if any). Dress in some comfortable clothing.

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Ask the dentist or receptionist if your insurance covers any work you require. In some cases, the office can provide you a code to check with your insurance.

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