Your first visit: what should we talk about?

Before your first visit, note when the problem began, which medicines you take and what worries you about treatment. Your dentist considers your mouth and medical history together. [1] [2]

Record when the problem occurs

Note the location, onset and triggers: chewing, hot or cold food, or bleeding when brushing. Mention previous treatment or an injury to the same tooth.

Share medicines and health changes

List conditions, surgery, allergies, prescriptions and medicines you buy yourself. Bring packaging or a list if needed. Medicines can affect treatment decisions; discuss changes with your clinician rather than stopping them on your own before a visit. [2] [3]

Five questions before deciding

Ask about the findings and purpose of tests; the options and their benefits and limits; what the cost includes; expected visits; and aftercare. Restating what you understood can help reveal unanswered questions.

Define the purpose of your first visit in one sentence

First, consider whether you are visiting for a routine check-up or because of a specific issue you want to discuss. If you have multiple concerns, you can identify one primary issue to address during the visit. For example, you could write down "I've been experiencing discomfort when chewing recently" or "I want to understand why I'm bleeding from my gums." This allows you to start the consultation even if you haven't pre-determined a treatment plan. If you've already received information elsewhere, clearly communicate what you've learned and what specific questions you have. Instead of trying to perfectly organize all the information from the beginning, it's helpful to separate what you already know and what you want to confirm. When making an appointment, be sure to inform the staff of your purpose for visiting so they can advise you on any necessary preparations.

When documenting symptoms, include the situation and any changes

You don't need to know the exact tooth number when describing the area. Instead, use clear terms like "upper left," "lower right," "front," or "back," based on what you can identify. If you're unsure, describe the extent of the discomfort. Also, note the starting point and any recent changes. You can record the specific situations you've experienced, such as whether the discomfort occurs only when eating certain foods, whether it's uncomfortable when not eating, or how long it lasts once it appears. If you've experienced similar discomfort in the past, please describe how you dealt with it then. You don't need to repeatedly stimulate the affected area to try to reproduce the symptoms. Instead, simply record what you've observed naturally in your daily life, and if you're unsure about something, indicate that. The purpose of this record is not to diagnose a condition, but to accurately describe your experience.

Your health history is just as important as the names of your medications

When preparing a list of medications, you can separate them into prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and any health-related products you are taking. Even if the product names are the same, it's important to have accurate information, so gather any relevant materials, such as packaging or prescription details. When providing your health history, include any known allergies or past medical issues. The ADA advises patients to tell the dental team about their health history, medications and recent health changes. You should not assume that your treatment is impossible simply because you are taking medication, and you should not discontinue taking any medications before consulting with your dentist. To determine whether you need to prepare any specific information, please consult with your dental professional. The purpose of preparing a medication list in advance is not to adjust medicines yourself, but to ensure that the necessary information is accurately communicated during treatment discussions. [2] [3]

When you hear the name of a test, first clarify its purpose

When you are being recommended a test, ask what the purpose of the test is. You can request an explanation of how the information you are seeing with your own eyes differs from the information the test is intended to reveal. If you have any existing clinical images or records from another hospital, inquire about the format in which you can provide them and whether they can be used as a reference. It's important not to assume that a new verification process is unnecessary simply because you have previous data. Conversely, you don't need to feel awkward asking why you've heard about the same test. The key is to understand what information is currently lacking and what you want to discuss based on the results. After the test, instead of just remembering whether the results are "normal" or "abnormal," connect your notes to the specific areas and information you were informed about.

The Correct Order for Reading Treatment Plans and Costs

When you receive multiple explanations, it's possible that you only remember the treatment name and total cost. First, organize the information about each stage, then check the estimated timeline and the scope of costs included. You can also ask if there are specific decisions to be made on the day, or if further tests or follow-up appointments need to be discussed. When comparing costs, make sure you are comparing similar plans. If there are additional items to be checked or the possibility of changing the plan, ask in what situations you would like to receive further explanations. You can also discuss any aspects of the plan that are difficult to adjust in your daily life. The NICE guidance on shared decision-making explains the benefits and drawbacks of each option, taking into account your individual goals. Sharing your own circumstances while understanding the recommended plan is also part of the decision-making process. [5]

Tell the Team About Difficult Previous Visits

If a previous dental visit was difficult, describe the situation rather than assuming the same thing will happen again. You can distinguish between uncomfortable sounds or positions, difficulty signalling pain, and explanations you did not understand. The ADA suggests discussing dental anxiety and agreeing with the team on a signal to request a break. Even if you mentioned your concerns when booking, bring them up again before care starts. Ask during the consultation what support is possible; there is no single correct way to express a worry. You can open your question list or write a short note about something difficult to say. Preparing this starting point can help you begin the conversation at your first visit. [4]

Three things to note before leaving the examination room

When ending your visit, please summarize the following in one sentence each: What you have learned today The next steps Any further instructions If you find it difficult to write down the information in your own words, you can ask for clarification. If you have a follow-up appointment, be sure to record the date, as well as the purpose of your visit and any preparations you need to make. Keeping the materials and notes provided will be helpful for reviewing later and finding any remaining questions. If your health status or medications have changed since your first visit, you can indicate this as something to discuss during your next appointment. It's important to distinguish between what has been finalized today and what needs to be checked in the future, as not all decisions are made during the first visit. Instead of guessing at uncertain information, please contact us to confirm.

Distinguishing Between Routine Check-ups and Future Appointments

Routine check-ups and appointments for specific treatments may have different purposes. The NHS explains that the frequency of routine check-ups should be determined based on an individual's oral health and the risk of future problems, and advises contacting a dentist if any issues arise between appointments. Therefore, it is best not to base your schedule solely on the appointment times of others. When making future appointments, ask whether it is for a routine check-up, to continue treatment, or to monitor progress. You can also inquire about any new concerns you may have before the appointment. The preparation for your first visit extends beyond entering the consultation room; it also involves organizing what you need to remember and who to ask questions of. [1]

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