New Patients at Downtown Seattle Dentists
We’re Glad You’re Here
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Your first visit centers on a conversation. We ask what you are hoping for, review your dental history, and get a sense of what you want out of your care. Then we do a gentle, comprehensive exam and take any X-rays needed to see exactly where your teeth and gums stand. There are no surprises, and nothing moves forward until you are ready.
You are welcome to drop by our office in the Medical Dental Building first, meet the team, and take a look around. Getting familiar with the space ahead of time makes the appointment 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
Once your first appointment is booked, a welcome email goes out with a link to set up your patient portal login. Your new patient paperwork lives there, so you can finish it before you head downtown rather than on a clipboard in our reception area.
Try to complete the forms shortly after you schedule. That gives our team in the Medical Dental Building time to verify your dental benefits in advance, so your appointment starts on time.
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
Find us at 509 Olive Way, Suite 1132, in the historic Medical Dental Building next to Nordstrom in the downtown retail core. We are a short walk from Westlake Center, light rail, and most downtown offices and hotels. Call ahead if you would like directions or help with parking.
If You Haven’t Been in a While
It is common for our downtown patients to arrive after years away from the dentist. Sometimes an old experience made it hard to go back, sometimes a move or a busy stretch got in the way, and sometimes the right office simply never turned up. You will not be judged for any of it. Your first visit back is a comfortable exam, a clear conversation about what we find, and a plan that follows your timeline. Oral sedation is available if you would like extra support.
Frequently Asked Questions by New Patients
What should I expect at a first appointment compared to a routine one?
A first appointment is more comprehensive. We look at every tooth, measure your gums, take any X-rays we need, ask about your goals, and go over what we find together. When your oral health allows it, your cleaning happens at that same visit.
Will PPO insurance pay for my new patient exam?
Typically yes. PPO plans generally cover exams, X-rays, and cleanings with minimal out-of-pocket cost. Our team in the Medical Dental Building verifies your coverage before you arrive so there are no billing surprises afterward.
How long will I be at the office for my first visit?
Most new patient appointments run 60 to 90 minutes. We would rather spend the time listening, examining carefully, and answering questions than move you through quickly. Early morning appointments are available most weekdays if that fits your schedule better.
Why do you need X-rays at my first appointment?
Because a visual exam misses things. X-rays reveal decay hiding between teeth, infection at the root, changes in the bone, and other issues that are far easier to treat when caught early. They give us the complete picture of your oral health.
Do new patients get a cleaning at the first visit?
Whenever we can, yes. Healthy teeth and gums mean we clean them the same day. If the exam shows gum disease or a need for deeper cleaning, we tell you exactly what we saw and schedule the right treatment instead of the quick one.
Can you help if dental visits make me anxious?
Yes, and you are far from alone in asking. We explain every step in advance, work at your pace, and keep our technique gentle. Oral sedation is available at this location for patients who want additional support. Tell us when you schedule so we can prepare.
Will I be judged for how long it has been?
No. Anxiety, cost, busy years, and plenty else keep people out of the dental chair, and we understand all of it. Our energy goes toward helping you move forward. Expect compassion and respect, not commentary.
What if I have not seen a dentist in several years?
Then you fit right in. A good share of our patients came back after a long gap. The visit is straightforward: a comfortable exam, a clear conversation about what we find, and a treatment plan built at a pace you are comfortable with.
What are my payment options without insurance?
We work with CareCredit, which lets uninsured patients and those facing larger treatment plans pay over time. Several financing terms are offered, including interest-free promotional periods for patients who qualify.
May I request a specific provider?
Of course. Tell us which dentist you would prefer when you book and we will schedule you with them when their calendar allows. Not sure who to ask for? Describe what brings you in and we will recommend a good match.
Hear What Our Patients Have to Say
I have been going to The Downtown Seattle Dentist for a few years, and every time, I’ve had a great experience. The staff has been welcoming, warm, and friendly and the dental work has always been performed with care. They have been gentle, yet thorough and I leave feeling great with happy teeth. I would highly recommend going to The Downtown Seattle Dentist for your next dental appointment.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Guske at Downtown Seattle Dentists for the past couple of years, and I couldn’t be happier with the care I’ve received. I actually followed him from his previous clinic in Seattle because I found him to be a trustworthy/skilled provider. You can tell Dr. Guske genuinely cares about his patients.
They are great! Everyone has always been so friendly and kind. They have great hours plus they are quick! In and out for a cleaning while still doing a great job, being gentle and thorough. Would recommend to friends and co-workers.
Ever since I started going to Dr. Ryan Guske at Downtown Seattle Dentists I could not be happier with the care I’ve received. Dr. Guske and the entire staff at the office are incredibly friendly, attentive and exercised genuine care. They took the time to explain, listen to my concerns, and ensure I was comfortable during the entire visit.
I’m a very nervous dental patient, especially when it comes to having cavities filled. However Downtown Seattle Dentists helped to make me more relaxed. They were very caring and ensured I was doing okay and made it as comfortable as possible. I even received a follow up call later in the afternoon to ensure that I was doing okay with pain.
Professional, friendly and very skilled dentists and assistants. I have sensitive teeth and this is the only office I’ve been to that hasn’t had me writhing in the chair during a cleaning. The admin folks also do a great job of keeping everything on schedule. I’ve never had to spend more than five minutes in the waiting room ahead of an appointment. It’s a great downtown location.
I’ve been coming here for years, and just had my cleaning which reminded me to post a review cause I love them and I want everyone to know. The staff here is just amazing and super kind. I originally came in due to a bigger issue, but have kept coming for my regular cleanings. They are understanding that we are all human and sometimes our best doesn’t look as good as we want it.
It’s been many years since I’ve been to the dentist, due to some particularly bad experiences, and I was feeling nervous. My dental hygienist was skilled and had a great awareness about my anxiety and sensitivity. Dr. Kim was very straightforward and thorough with her explanations, and honestly my teeth are in much better shape than I had been told previously.
I have been a patient for a long time and have never been disappointed with the level of service that I have received at this office. The whole team is attentive, caring and a pleasure to deal with... even when you’re getting a root canal!
Dr Kim is amazing. Went in for a deep clean/scaling. She is such a professional with such a light touch. Truly painless and easy. The assistants are great and the front desk are so helpful and nice. 10/10.
