New Patient Information

Things to Expect During Your First Visit

Are you visiting with us for the first time? We want you to feel comfortable and know what to expect. Here are a few things we want you to know about Brookhaven Dental Center. 

To make your first visit go smoothly, download these forms, complete, and you can bring them in at the time of your appointment or drop them off ahead of time. This will allow our friendly staff to quickly have what they need to get you started. They will make sure to address any and all concerns you may have when you arrive.

Our properly trained dental hygienists will go through a detailed and thorough examination with you, such as dental x-rays and oral health related questions, to ensure your visit is successful. After your professional cleaning, Dr. Patterson will visit with you and review any concerns. He has even been known to serenade you while he examines your teeth. As a Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, you can be assured that you are receiving the best care in town from Dr. Shannon Patterson. Call us for an appointment if you don’t already have one! 

To make your visit as simple and convenient as possible, you'll need to bring the following things for your first appointment:

• Any recent dental x-rays
• Information about your medical history, including medications
• Your dental insurance card (if applicable)
• Information about your medical history, including medications
• A form of identification, such as your driver’s license or military ID
• Completed Patient Forms

Don't forget to bring a list of questions you want to ask our staff.

What Can You Expect During Your First Visit?

During your first dental appointment, its important to our staff that you feel comfortable. We would love to take this time to get to know you better and hope you’ll to do the same. Discussing with Dr. Patterson and his staff your oral health concerns is highly encouraged. We want to make sure you are well taken care of and all concerns are properly addressed.

Inform Our Staff about Your Dental Health History:

Be sure you share with Dr. Patterson and his staff of any past dental history. This is very helpful in the care you receive from our staff. This is a great time to discuss any changes you might have noticed in your smile. 

Dental Cleaning:

Trust that our dental hygienists will provide a very thorough and professional cleaning leaving your teeth clean and polished. This is also when they will be on the lookout for any concerns that need to be reported to Dr. Patterson for further review.

Detailed Oral Health Exam:

After taking x-rays of your mouth, Dr. Patterson and his dental hygienists will check the health of your teeth and gums, examine any existing restorations and he also examine how well your teeth fit together by looking at your jaw position. By performing a proper and full oral exam, Dr. Patterson is able to get all the details needed to provide the best oral health care possible and get you smiling again!

Treatment Plan:

After the initial evaluation, Dr. Patterson will talk with you about any concerns he may have and the options available. He and his staff will make sure you have all the details needed to make an educated decision on the best plan of treatment for your oral health. 

How Much Time Will It Take?

Normally, an initial dental appointment will take about 30 minutes to an hour. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to take care of any last-minute paperwork. To speed up the process, please download these forms and have them completed when you arrive. 

Learn More About Our Payment Information

Once your dental exam is complete, you’ll receive a personalized estimate of the cost of any treatment options recommended. Our friendly staff will be glad to contact your insurance provider to determine an estimate of your cost after insurance pays. 

In the event financing is needed, we will be happy to discuss the financing options available to you through our clinic. We know that understanding the costs up front helps you make the best possible decision about your oral health. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today

We look forward to seeing you! Give us a call or complete this form to schedule your appointment. Our caring and knowledgeable team will be happy to answer any other questions you may have and provide any additional detail needed to make your first visit with us a success.