By Dr. Qian Lin, DMD
The Toothboss, www.toothboss.com
In February, I took over The Toothboss when Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, the original Toothboss and previous author of this column, retired. So, all the patients I’ve been seeing are visiting a new dentist. Some of those patients have been coming to The Toothboss for decades – 10, 20, 30 or more years. Some have even been coming to the practice for more than 60 years when Dr. Wolfert’s predecessor was here.
Let me reassure you: it’s completely natural to be a little unsure about that first visit to a new dentist.
What you should expect
Whether it’s here at The Toothboss or any other dental practice that’s new to you, a good first visit should feel more like a conversation than a procedure. Yes, you want to focus on specific issues that you’re having – e.g., sensitivity, dry mouth, etc. But you also want to get to know the dentist and vice versa.
The benefit I’ve had here at the Toothboss is that Dr. Wolfert began each patient relationship with a comprehensive exam, which was fully documented in writing and shared in a report with patients. That’s been a great start for me in building a relationship with existing patients. It’s also been a big help that team we had with Dr. Wolfert, Bev, Michaella and Courtney – I call them the Dream Team – are still in place.
For those patients new to our practice, we start with a comprehensive exam. This includes evaluating your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. We also take digital X-rays and conduct an oral cancer screening. These steps help identify areas that may need attention – even those that aren’t causing symptoms yet.
Just as important as the exam is the explanation of what we’re doing as the examination takes place and after. The goal is to inform you the patient without overwhelming you. That means taking the time to clearly explain what I’m seeing, as your dentist, what it means, and what options are available.
One of the many things we’ve continued from Dr. Wolfert is providing new patients with a written summary of findings along with a recommended treatment plan. This allows patients to review everything at their own pace and make decisions that feel right for them.
It’s worth noting that not every visit leads to immediate treatment. Sometimes, the best next step is simply monitoring a condition or focusing on preventive care. Dentistry isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your care plan should reflect your individual needs and comfort level.
Is it the dentist or is it going to the dentist?
If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive about seeing a new dentist, you’re not alone. For some, even a trip to a dentist you’ve been seeing for years can create anxiety. Fortunately, modern dentistry has come a long way, and that’s helped alleviate a lot of the worry for patients. Still, if you have concerns with your new dentist, don’t hesitate to share those concerns. All dentists want you to be as comfortable as possible during the exam and even small adjustments can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Your first visit to a new or new-to-you dentist is just the beginning of a relationship. Over time, regular visits allow you to get more comfortable and your dentist to track changes, address concerns early, and help you maintain a healthy smile.
If you’ve been putting off finding a new dentist, I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect. A first visit doesn’t have to be complicated – it’s simply a starting point. And if you’re in the market for a new dentist, please consider The Toothboss.
About the Author: Dr. Qian Lin, DMD is the owner of The Toothboss, 1121 Main St., South Weymouth. For more information, call 781-335-0604 or visit www.toothboss.com.
