New Patients at Seattle’s Downtown Dentist
We’re Glad You’re Here
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Your first visit is mostly a conversation. We ask about your goals, learn your dental history, and find out what you want from your care. From there we do a gentle, comprehensive exam and take the X-rays needed to see where your teeth and gums stand. Nothing is a surprise, and no treatment begins until you are ready.
You are also welcome to stop by our South Lake Union office beforehand, meet the team, and take a quick tour. Seeing the space first tends to make the appointment itself feel much easier.
Your First Visit, Step by Step
A Friendly Welcome
We say hello at the door, walk you around the office if you have not been here before, and get you settled in your room. Plan on 60 to 90 minutes for a first visit.
Comprehensive Exam
We look at every tooth, measure your gums, screen for oral cancer, and check how your bite comes together. Digital X-rays and intraoral photos put the same images in front of you that we are looking at.
Same-Day Cleaning When Possible
If your teeth and gums are in good enough shape for it, your cleaning happens the day you come in. If a deeper cleaning is the better option, we walk you through the reason and book the appointment that fits.
Leave With A Clear Plan
We tell you what we found in everyday words, with nothing to sell and no dental vocabulary to decode. You go home with the cost in writing and any next appointment already on the calendar.
New Patient Welcome Email & Patient Forms
As soon as your first appointment is scheduled, a welcome email arrives from our South Lake Union team with a link to create your patient portal login. Your new patient paperwork lives in the portal, so you can complete it at home rather than on a clipboard in our reception area.
Filling out the forms soon after you book helps a lot. It gives us time to verify your dental benefits in advance, so your appointment on Westlake Avenue starts on time instead of at the front desk.
How Early to Arrive
Plan on showing up about 10 minutes before your appointment time. That gives us a chance to:
- Introduce you to the front-desk team and get you checked in
- Scan your photo ID and insurance card
- Let you get comfortable in the reception area instead of walking straight into the chair
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
- A photo ID and your dental insurance card, if you have coverage
- HSA and FSA cards and CareCredit are all welcome for any copay due at the visit
- If you have them handy, a list of your current medications and any recent dental records or X-rays from a previous office
Parking & Access
You will find us at 428 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 103, in South Lake Union, next to the KeyBank branch. We are a short walk from the Amazon, Google, and Microsoft offices in the neighborhood, and an easy trip from Belltown, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, and the rest of downtown Seattle. Give us a call before your visit if you would like directions or parking guidance.
If You Haven’t Been in a While
Plenty of the people we see had not been to a dentist in years before walking into our South Lake Union office. The reasons are all different: a rough experience somewhere else, a move to Seattle, a stretch of putting it off, or simply never finding an office that felt right. You are welcome here without judgment. Your first visit back is a comfortable exam, a clear conversation about what we find, and a plan built at whatever pace works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions by New Patients
Is a new patient first visit different from a routine visit?
Yes. Your first visit is designed to help us get to know you and your smile. We do a comprehensive exam, take any necessary X-rays, review your goals, and walk you through what we find. If your teeth and gums are healthy, we often complete a cleaning during the same visit.
Will my PPO insurance cover my first visit?
Most PPO insurance plans cover routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays with minimal or no out-of-pocket cost. We verify your benefits before your appointment and help you maximize what your plan covers.
How long does a first visit take?
Most new patient appointments at Seattle’s Downtown Dentist take 60 to 90 minutes. That gives us time to listen to your goals, complete a thorough exam, take X-rays if needed, and answer all your questions without rushing.
Will I need dental X-rays?
X-rays are an important part of a new patient exam because they help us see things a visual exam alone cannot reveal. They allow us to detect decay, infections, bone loss, and other issues early, before they become more involved to treat.
Will I get a dental cleaning during my first visit?
In many cases, yes. We aim to complete your cleaning during your first visit if your teeth and gums are healthy. If we detect signs of gum disease or more advanced needs, we may schedule your cleaning separately so you receive the right type of care.
I feel nervous about going to the dentist. How can you help?
Dental anxiety is very common. We do not currently offer sedation, but our team specializes in moving at your pace, explaining each step before it happens, and using gentle technique so that anxious patients leave more comfortable than they came in. Tell us when you book and we will plan your visit around your concerns.
Will I be judged for the condition of my teeth?
Never. We understand that anxiety, life, and other factors can make it hard to come in sooner. Our job is to help you move forward, not look back. You will always be treated with compassion and respect.
What if I have not been to the dentist in years?
You are welcome here without judgment. Many of our favorite patients had not seen a dentist in years before coming in. Your first visit back will be a comfortable exam, a clear conversation about what we find, and a treatment plan built at a pace you are comfortable with.
What payment options do you offer if I do not have insurance?
For patients without dental insurance or those managing the cost of larger treatments, we accept CareCredit financing. CareCredit offers several patient financing options that let you spread payments over time, including interest-free promotional periods for qualifying patients.
Can I choose my dentist?
Yes. When you book, you are welcome to request a specific dentist. Our team will do our best to accommodate your preference based on availability. If you are not sure who to see, we are happy to recommend the right provider based on your needs.
Hear What Our Patients Have to Say
FANTASTIC!! I am pretty scared of dental work, but the entire staff here was extremely kind, welcoming, accommodating, and not patronizing in regards to my dental history. I had cavities filled and had a wonderful experience. I have also been given quick and effective resources and tools to use to help my teeth, that other dentists have not given me.
They made my Invisalign journey seamless! (No pun intended haha) Great service, knowledgeable staff, and clear communication. Each visit has been easy and they were able to break up my payments with no interest. I’ll stick with them as long as I stay living relatively nearby.
Haven’t been to the dentist in a while. Decided to come here to get my cleaning and dental check and it was a good decision! Everyone in the staff was great and helpful!
Professional, friendly service at a great price. They are very straight forward about their recommendations and rates, and are honestly just fun people to do business with! Top of the line technology and genuine comfort concern for the patient made my teeth cleaning by far the most relaxing dental experience I’ve ever had.
They worked me in quickly for an urgent visit and took great care of me as always! My mother also had an excellent experience with them recently and gives them 5 stars as well.
I am so grateful for the wonderful care I received at Seattle’s Downtown Dentist. They did an amazing job filling my cavities and providing a thorough cleaning. My teeth are no longer sensitive, and I feel great. They even referred me to a fantastic orthodontist for my wisdom tooth. Thank you for your kindness and expertise!
Great experience. Love my straight teeth!
Great place to get a cleaning! Definitely would recommend if anybody is looking for an affordable dentist in downtown.
Friendly, courteous, and professional staff. Hands down wish I wasn’t moving or this would be my place for life. I enjoy talking to everyone. I have had everyone in the office clean my teeth and it’s been wonderful. I highly recommend this business.
Excellent experience. A crown popped off one of my teeth. I called the office and was seen within a couple of hours. Thanks to the staff for facilitating my emergency. Professional, courteous, and friendly.
