A practical, printable checklist for your first visit at our Lodi office - covers paperwork, insurance, medications, and the conversations that lead to better care.
Paperwork - what to fill out before you arrive
You can complete your new-patient forms online through our new patient portal before your visit, which saves 15-20 minutes in the waiting room. The forms include a medical and dental history, an emergency contact, your HIPAA acknowledgment, and a financial responsibility agreement. If you prefer paper, plan to arrive 15 minutes early so the front desk can scan everything.
Documents and items to bring
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
- Dental insurance card - physical card or a screenshot. We can verify benefits before treatment, but the policy and group numbers speed things up.
- A current medication list - including over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, and any blood thinners. This affects everything from anesthesia choice to surgical clearance for extractions.
- Prior dental records and X-rays if you have them - most offices will email a panoramic and recent bitewings on request. New X-rays cost time and a small radiation dose; existing ones save both.
- A list of allergies - especially to latex, penicillin, codeine, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
- Payment method for any same-day copay or deductible.
Medical conditions to disclose
Tell us about heart conditions (especially valve replacements, heart murmurs, recent stents), diabetes, autoimmune diseases, pregnancy or planned pregnancy, joint replacements (some still require pre-medication), recent or planned chemotherapy or radiation to the head/neck, bisphosphonate therapy (impacts implant and extraction healing), and bleeding disorders. None of these prevent dental care - they simply change how we plan it.
Questions worth asking on day one
Most first-time patients leave with treatment recommendations they did not fully process. Walk in with your top three questions written down. Common ones worth asking:
- "What is my caries risk score and what drives it?"
- "Where are my deepest perio pockets, and what is the trend since my last office?"
- "Do you see any wear patterns that suggest I am clenching or grinding?"
- "Are there any teeth that I should watch closely so I do not need a crown in the next two years?"
These five-second questions move the conversation from "what does the dentist think" to a true partnership.
What to expect during the visit itself
A first visit at Stephen Cheung DDS typically runs 60-90 minutes. We start with a brief consultation, take a set of digital X-rays (one full-mouth series or panoramic, plus bitewings), do an oral cancer screening, measure periodontal probing depths around every tooth, and complete a comprehensive exam. If your gums are healthy, we usually do your first cleaning the same day. If we find active gum disease, we schedule a separate periodontal therapy visit. You will leave with a written treatment plan, an insurance breakdown, and a recall interval.
Frequently asked questions
- How early should I arrive for my first appointment?
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early if you have paperwork to fill out at the office. If you complete your new-patient forms online beforehand, arriving 5 minutes early is plenty.
- Will I get a cleaning at my first appointment?
- Usually yes, if your gums are healthy. If we find significant tartar or active gum inflammation, we may schedule a separate periodontal therapy visit instead, because a thorough deep cleaning is too long to combine with a comprehensive exam.
- Do I need to bring my children's shot records for a pediatric visit?
- Not for a routine first visit. We do ask for a current medication list and any allergies. If your child has had recent surgery or a chronic medical condition, bring the relevant specialist contact information.
- What if I haven't been to a dentist in 5+ years?
- You are in good company - many of our new patients haven't had dental care in years. There is no judgment here. We focus on a thorough exam, a plan you can afford, and a comfortable pace for your first cleaning.