Understandably, it can be daunting when a patient has booked in for their very first appointment with their new dentist in Stevenage. Perhaps they have not visited an oral health care professional for many years and have finally decided to do something about their oral health.
It could be that they have had a bad experience with another dental practice and as a result, wish to change. Many other factors could be the reason, such as moving for a new job or to study, because they want a second opinion on a proposed treatment or because they are looking for a certain procedure to be done and have been referred either by a friend or by another dental practice.
Whatever the reason, there are a few things that one needs to know before coming into their new dental practice for the first time. This is because it is important for the oral health care professional to get to know their patient so that they can provide a service that exceeds expectations. Without understanding the medical and dental history, it is difficult to determine the situation their patient may be in and for them to react accordingly.
Furthermore, without taking time aside to discuss their patient’s oral health goals and needs, no professional is able to help their patient to achieve those goals.
So, upon arriving, 15 minutes should be set aside for a questionnaire to be filled out, allowing the patient to provide valuable information to their dentist in a quick manner. Knowing that plenty of time is given for this appointment allows both patient and their dentist to relax, knowing that they can take the time to get to know one another and to discuss plans, concerns and goals.
What kind of information is needed for the questionnaire?
This is a chance to share medical and dental history, with the opportunity to divulge some further information face to face when applicable. There will also be some questions regarding a patient’s lifestyle choices, such as their diet, whether they smoke or not and their alcohol consumption.
As the whole body is a holistic entity, everything comes into play when considering the potential condition of one’s oral health. Only by looking at the body as a whole, can conclusions be drawn that are beneficial for one’s physical and mental wellbeing.
What will happen during the appointment
A physical examination will take place, both inside the mouth and around it. This allows for an in-depth view which determines whether a bite is misaligned, whether there are lesions or concern for mouth cancer or other issues like the sort.
Dental x-rays or scans can make issues clearer and with intensive lighting and strong magnification, even the slightest of decay can be quickly and accurately identified so that action can be taken immediately, reducing the chances that greater issues will need to be dealt with in the future.
Towards the end of this initial consultation, a review of one’s general oral health will be given as well as the establishment of a plan that will consider preventive, restorative and/or cosmetic techniques to perfect, clean and strengthen one’s smile.