What to Expect at Your First Dental Appointment
What to Expect at Your First Dental Appointment
Hi! Welcome to our family practice—we’re so glad you’ve decided to join us! Dr. Lavin here—I wanted to create this blog to help new patients feel mentally prepared for their first visit. We’re passionate about making sure you feel comfortable and have a dental experience unlike any you’ve had before. 😊
Before You Arrive
When you first call our office, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff, who are eager to answer your questions and help with anything you need. If you’re able to fill out the forms we email you ahead of time, that’ll give you more quality time with the doctor and less paperwork in the office. But if that’s not possible—no worries! We’re happy to help you fill them out when you arrive.
Our office is located at 1531 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 701, Venice, FL 34285, inside the Southbridge Park medical complex (behind Ollie’s, if that helps!). If you need directions, check out our “Get Directions” page on our website or give us a call—we’ll be happy to guide you. And when you pull up, just look for the big sign with our name on the front of the building.
When You Walk In
Once you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by our amazing front desk team. We always have beverages, coffee, and tea available for you—whether it’s before or after your appointment (because who doesn’t love a little pick-me-up?).
We also offer a comfort menu to make your visit more, well… comfortable. 😉 You’ll have options like:
✔️ Blankets & headrest pillows
✔️ Noise-canceling headphones
✔️ Aromatherapy
✔️ Scheduled breaks during treatment
Basically, we want you to feel as relaxed as possible—no stiff, clinical vibes here!
A Different Kind of Dental Experience
One of the things I’m most passionate about is spending enough time with my patients. Your appointment isn’t just a time slot—it’s a reservation, personally blocked off just for you. We are NOT a high-volume, run-of-the-mill clinic where patients are rushed in and out. Instead, we focus on quality over quantity, making sure each patient feels prioritized, listened to, and cared for.
I never want anyone to feel like just another name on the schedule. From the moment you sit in our chair, our goal is to make sure you feel heard and that your concerns are fully addressed—without being rushed.
Your Exam & Cleaning
Next, we’ll bring you back to the treatment room and take any necessary x-rays. Then, we’ll do a comprehensive exam, where we review any past dental work to keep our records up to date.
After that, we’ll perform a periodontal exam—this is where we assess the health of your gums by measuring bone levels, checking for bleeding areas, recession, or tooth mobility. This gives us a solid baseline for your oral health so we can monitor any changes over time.
And now, for the fun part—your cleaning! 🎉 We use a cutting-edge technology called Guided Biofilm Therapy Airflow Prophylaxis (yes, that’s a mouthful, pun intended). If you want to geek out on the details, check out our previous blog post! But in short, this revolutionary cleaning method is gentler, more effective, and way more comfortable than the traditional scraping method that’s been around for 50+ years. Because, honestly, why should your cleanings stay stuck in the past when everything else in dentistry has advanced?
The Finishing Touches
After your cleaning, you’ll get to freshen up with a warm, lavender-infused towel—because who wouldn’t want that? (No, we don’t do foot rubs, but we do aim to make your visit so relaxing that it almost feels like a spa day. 😉)
Before you leave, we’ll go over any recommended treatments and provide you with a clear, upfront treatment plan. You’ll get a folder with all the details, so you can feel fully informed and in control of your oral health decisions.
We always follow our motto: “Inform before we perform.” We believe in transparency, education, and making sure YOU feel confident in how to move forward with any dental care needs.
So, that’s what you can expect at your first visit! We can’t wait to meet you and give you a dental experience that’s friendly, comfortable, and maybe even a little fun. See you soon! 😁