Join us at these Events
Setting your dental health expectations to great.
We start by getting to know you — all of you.
First, thank you for your interest, we always welcome new patients!
Our specialization, health-focused dentistry, enables us to consider you, our patient, as a whole person, not merely a “dental case.” Therefore, we have the unique opportunity to evaluate every patient, and develop every treatment, procedure and protocol, from an individualized holistic standpoint. We will make recommendations to improve not only your dental health, but your overall health as well.
A special time for new patients.
We typically see new patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and schedule a two-hour intake session to get a big-picture understanding of you and your health.
As you come to understand the flow of the new patient visit, you will learn that due to its comprehensiveness, the first appointment may take a bit longer than two hours. If you allow three hours when scheduling your time, we can be sure to address any and all questions you may have.
Your history is critical to how we proceed.
Upon scheduling your first visit, a detailed medical history form will arrive (via mail) which we ask you to complete prior to your appointment. We also request that you bring any current x-rays (bitewings taken within the last two years; panorex or full-mouth series taken within the last five years) and your dental records. Our ability to get the most comprehensive understanding of you from the get-go enables us to determine the most effective course of care. (FYI: new x-rays can cost between $35 and $210.)
No time to lose.
Every new patient is scheduled with our Whole Health Practitioner (WHP), Beth Ingham, one hour prior to seeing the dentist. Beth is our “intake specialist” and will review/discuss your medical and dental histories with you. During this time, you will have the opportunity to share any specific requests or concerns that you may have. It is also at this point that Beth will apprise you of the many alternative offerings we have at Groton Wellness. Each of these offerings is designed to further assist you in your quest for good dental/general health and wellbeing.
Take a moment, plan accordingly.
It is very important that your appointment with Beth begin on time, as she has a lot of information to share with you. Please try to plan your travel time appropriately, and if you need to fill out the medical history upon your arrival, please try to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
Keeping things flowing.
After your time with Beth, one of our dental assistants will take any necessary x-rays, or pictures to help us see what's going on with you. She will also typically — though unusually in the wider world of dentistry — take your blood pressure and pulse. Yes, you read right, welcome to the new paradigm of dentistry. She may also have the opportunity at this time to test the amount of mercury vapor that is released from your fillings (if this assessment is desired, a heated neck wrap is placed on every patient upon seating.)
Get ready for your close up.
The dentist will then complete a comprehensive exam evaluating your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), gum health and soft tissue, looking for any oral cancer lesions, and will make detailed notes about each of your teeth. After completing the exam, the dentist will discuss discoveries/assessments with you, and review possible treatment options.
Now let’s review.
After your time with the dentist, you will meet with Laurie, our New Patient Treatment Coordinator. Laurie will review the recommended treatment options with you and answer any further questions you may have. This is also an opportunity go over our financial policy and the financing options that are available to you.
If for any reason after your visit you feel that you would benefit from a mini-consultation with Laurie, this can be arranged. Some patients want their spouses, or significant others, to be a part of the decision making process, and this additional time in the office can be valuable. At this mini-consultation, the doctor can be available to answer additional questions if requested.
Emergency new patient appointments are always a priority.
If you are in pain, or have an immediate dental concern, we will want to see you for an emergency appointment. At this appointment we will take any necessary x-rays and treat your problem immediately. After we have remedied this problem, we will schedule you for an initial comprehensive exam (as described above).
Scheduling made easy — online or over the phone.
Upon scheduling your first appointment, we will ask for an $97 reservation fee as a courtesy to both our patients and our staff. This fee is entirely refundable if you decide not to keep your appointment (provided you cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours prior to your appointment time) and is applied 100% towards your initial exam appointment; it is not an additional fee on top of what you will pay for your exam.
Payment/Insurance.
As of January 2010, we accept Delta Dental Premier plans. With the exception of Delta Dental, we are a fee-for-service provider which means we expect payment for services on the day of your visit. However, we would be happy to file an insurance claim for you. Just note that any reimbursement would come directly to you and not through our office unless you are a Delta Dental Premier subscriber.
All good?
We hope this comprehensive explanation of our process helps you understand just how very different our approach to your dental/total wellbeing is. We value your time and energy and want to set both on the most positive, productive course possible, relieving you of any and all stress you may have around dental care.
We look forward to seeing you!