Choosing a new dental home is a personal decision, and we want your first visit at our London, Ontario practice to feel calm, organized, and unhurried. The information below walks you through what happens, what to bring, and how we work with patients who feel nervous about dental appointments. We have welcomed families on Hamilton Road for more than 35 years, and our patient-centered approach is designed to make even the first appointment feel familiar.
Your first visit timeline (about 60 minutes)
We block a full hour for new patient appointments so nothing feels rushed. Here is how that hour typically flows:
- Minutes 0–10 — Welcome and paperwork review. Our reception team greets you, confirms your contact and insurance details, and reviews the new patient forms you completed in advance. If you prefer to fill forms out in the office, we build in extra time so you do not feel pressed.
- Minutes 10–20 — Health history and conversation. A member of our clinical team brings you back, reviews your medical and dental history, and asks about any concerns or goals. This is the time to mention sensitivity, grinding, past experiences that worried you, or cosmetic questions you have been thinking about.
- Minutes 20–35 — Diagnostic imaging and photos. We capture the X-rays and intraoral photos needed to evaluate your teeth, roots, bone, and bite. Modern digital sensors keep radiation exposure low and let us show you what we see on the screen in the room.
- Minutes 35–50 — Comprehensive examination. Your dentist completes a tooth-by-tooth assessment, oral cancer screening, gum health measurements, and bite evaluation. We walk through findings as we go, in plain language, so nothing is a surprise.
- Minutes 50–60 — Discussion, questions, and next steps. We review what we found, outline any recommended treatment in order of priority, answer questions, and help you book a cleaning or follow-up. If you booked a cleaning alongside the exam, that is scheduled as a separate appointment so the hygienist has dedicated time.
If you have urgent discomfort, we adjust the visit so the source of pain is addressed first.
What to bring to your first appointment
- Photo ID: a driver’s licence, health card, or other government-issued ID.
- Dental insurance card or details, including policyholder name, date of birth, member ID, and group/plan number. We submit electronic claims to most Canadian insurers and are a participating provider under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
- A list of current medications and supplements, including dosages. This helps us screen for interactions with anesthetic and any medications we might prescribe.
- Relevant medical history: conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, joint replacements, pregnancy, or anything your physician monitors.
- Dental records or recent X-rays if you are transferring from another practice. You can request these from your previous office, or we can send a release form on your behalf.
- A written list of concerns or questions. A short note in your phone is perfect: sensitivity to cold, a tooth that feels different, whitening interest, sleep or jaw issues, anything you have wondered about.
How we support patients who feel anxious
Dental anxiety is common, and it is something we plan for rather than react to. If the idea of a dental visit makes you uneasy, please tell us when you book. We will note it on your chart so every team member you meet knows to slow down and check in.
- A quiet, unhurried pace. We explain each step before it happens and pause whenever you need a break. A raised hand is your stop signal at any time.
- Comfort items. Pillows, blankets, noise-reducing headphones, and sunglasses for the operatory light are available without needing to ask.
- Numbing that respects you. Topical anesthetic before any injection, slow delivery, and time to make sure you are fully comfortable before treatment begins.
- Sedation conversations. If anxiety has kept you from care in the past, ask about options that may suit your health history. We will explain what is available, what is not, and refer when a different setting would serve you better.
- A judgment-free tone. Many of our patients return after years away from dental care. We meet you where you are and build a plan from there.
Your child’s first dental visit
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit within six months of the first tooth erupting, or by 12 months of age, whichever comes first. Early visits are short, friendly, and focused on prevention: checking that teeth and gums are developing as expected, reviewing brushing technique with the caregiver, and answering questions about teething, thumb-sucking, sippy cups, and diet.
For toddlers and young children, we encourage a “knee-to-knee” or lap exam in the early years, then graduate to the dental chair when your child is ready. The goal is to make the first visit a positive memory so future appointments feel routine rather than scary. If you have older children joining the practice, let us know any history of dental fear so we can pace their visit accordingly.
What to expect after your visit
Before you leave, you will receive:
- A written treatment plan outlining any recommended care, broken into priority (urgent, recommended, elective) so you can make informed decisions.
- A financial estimate with the fee for each procedure, your expected insurance coverage where we can verify it, and your out-of-pocket portion. We are happy to submit a pre-determination to your insurer before you commit to treatment.
- Scheduling support for your next cleaning, any follow-up treatment, and recall reminders by your preferred method (email, text, or phone).
If something comes up between visits (a question about your plan, a change in symptoms, an insurance question), call us at 519-451-4490 or email info@fairmontdental.ca. We would rather hear from you early than have you wait and wonder.
