New patients welcome
Your first visit to VITAL Care.
We want your first appointment to feel easy and unhurried. Here's everything you need to know — what to bring, what happens when you arrive, and how to make sure we can help you from the very first visit.
Dental emergency? Call us at (555) 123-4567 first thing in the morning — we reserve same-day slots every day for urgent cases. Emergency care →
What to bring
Having these items ready helps us set up your record accurately and make the most of your appointment time.
Photo ID
A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's licence, passport, or state ID).
Insurance card
Your dental insurance card and any relevant policy information. We'll verify your coverage and explain your benefits before treatment.
List of current medications
Include all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Certain medications can affect dental treatment and anaesthetic choices.
Medical history
Any known allergies, chronic conditions, or recent surgeries. If you have a medical condition that affects your heart, blood pressure, or immune system, please let us know when you book.
Previous dental records (optional)
Recent X-rays from your previous dentist can save you from a repeat exposure and give us a useful baseline. You can request these directly from your old practice — we're happy to receive them by email or post.
Guardian / parent (under 18s)
A parent or legal guardian must accompany any patient under 18 to their first appointment and sign the consent forms.
Complete your intake form in advance
To make your first visit as smooth as possible, we'll send you a secure online intake form when you book. Completing it before you arrive means we can spend more of your appointment time on your care.
If you'd prefer to complete the form on paper at the clinic, just arrive 15 minutes early and we'll have one ready for you at reception.
The form covers:
- Personal and contact information
- Emergency contact details
- Current dental insurance information
- Medical history (conditions, medications, allergies)
- Dental history (previous dentists, known concerns)
- Special needs or accommodations
- How you heard about us
What to expect on your first visit
We book 60 minutes for new-patient appointments so nothing ever feels rushed. Here's what a typical first visit looks like.
Warm welcome
You'll be greeted by our front desk team and asked to complete a short health history form — allow around 10 minutes for this. We'll offer you a drink while you wait.
Meet your dentist
Your dentist will introduce themselves and spend a few minutes learning about you — your dental history, any current concerns, and what matters most to you about your oral health.
Comprehensive examination
A thorough assessment of your teeth, gums, bite, jaw, and soft tissues — including an oral cancer screen. Digital X-rays are taken where needed (we use low-dose sensors). The whole exam takes around 30–40 minutes.
Discussion of findings
Your dentist will walk you through everything they found — clearly, without jargon, and at a pace you're comfortable with. You'll be shown any X-rays or photographs so you can see what they're talking about.
Personalised treatment plan
If any treatment is recommended, you'll receive a written treatment plan with a full, itemised cost estimate before we begin anything. There's never any pressure — you choose what happens and when.
Hygiene clean (if time allows)
If your schedule permits and there's time within your appointment, we'll carry out a professional clean. Otherwise, we'll book you a separate hygiene appointment.
Nervous about coming?
Dental anxiety is extremely common — and we genuinely understand it. When you book, please let us know that you feel nervous. We'll allow extra time, explain everything before we do it, and never proceed with anything without your full agreement.
For patients with significant anxiety, we offer inhalation sedation (happy gas) and can discuss other options at your consultation. Read more about our approach →
Ready to make an appointment?
New patients are always welcome. Book online in minutes or give us a call — we're happy to answer any questions first.