What to Expect
First Visit
Your first visit to Dr. Moriarty’s practice establishes a vital foundation for our relationship with you. During the first visit you will get to know your dentist and our staff. To understand what to expect for your first visit to our practice, please read through this page. You’ll find all the practical information you need, like our address, directions, practice hours, payment policies and more. There’s also information about our committed staff and our first visit procedures.
Before Your Visit
After you schedule your appointment you will receive a welcome e-mail from us. The e-mail will have instructions and a link to complete your new patient forms online. Once you submit your forms they will automatically be sent to us by secure electronic transmission. We ask that you complete the forms as soon as possible to give us time to complete your account and to obtain your x-rays from your previous dentist. If you are unable to complete your forms online we ask that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete them on paper.
What to Expect
Upon your first visit, you will be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable front desk coordinators. If you were not able to complete your new patient forms online you can relax in our reception area and complete them on paper. One of our compassionate assistants or hygienists will bring you back into one of our seven treatment rooms. You can bring your favorite digital listening device and your ear pods so you can relax and listen to your favorite music, audiobook or podcast.
We understand that for some, going to the dentist can be difficult. Our staff will support you and make your visit as pleasant as possible. Our assistants, hygienists and front desk staff work together as a team to create a professional, comfortable and pleasant environment. We also understand that children need extra special attention and that is why our staff explains each step of the procedure as well as showing them the instruments and equipment that will be used during the procedure. We like to see children for their first dental visit at 3 years of age.
Our office provides general dental treatment for the entire family. The most common preventable dental disease is dental caries or decay. The second most common is periodontal disease or gum infection. These are both caused by the presence of plaque or debris on your teeth and gums.
We are proud of our hygiene team that will provide you with the proper oral hygiene instructions needed to maintain healthy teeth and gums. We recommend patients visit their hygienist a minimum of every six months. At your six month visit, you can expect a complete dental examination including oral cancer screening in addition to a cleaning.
Depending on how long it has been since you’re last cleaning and the condition of your teeth and gums we make have to do your cleaning in two visits. This is called a Full Mouth Debridement. Radiographs (x-rays) may also be taken since they are crucial in the diagnosis of oral disease.
During your exam, your doctor will record an individualized treatment plan for you explaining what procedures are necessary or suggested for your teeth and gums. The doctor will explain her findings by examining your teeth and gums as well as reviewing your x-rays and then explain in detail the procedures necessary. Our practice offers services from a periodontist and an endodontist on limited days each month but because we are mainly a general dental practice, there may be times that we recommend specialists outside our practice.
On your treatment plan, you can expect to see the procedure(s) needed, and the fees. If you have dental insurance coverage, our front desk team will be happy to send a pre-treatment estimate for you so you are aware of your coverage and your co-pay that is due at the time services are rendered. This is done mostly for restorative and major procedures. They will also schedule your appointments and go over any questions you may have.
Being well-prepared for your appointment will ensure that the doctor has all of the needed information to provide the best possible care for you. It also will help relieve any unnecessary anxiety you may be feeling. Educate yourself on your symptoms by reviewing the content on this Web site. Also, take some time to review our staff page and familiarize yourself with the doctors. We look forward to your first visit.