A new patient consultation is an opportunity to meet with the Dentist and discuss your dental concerns. The dentist will review your medical and dental history with you and discuss options for your particular needs. When our patient coordinator discusses your treatment plan with you, she will explain the cost of services as well. After that, you will meet with the financial coordinator to discuss insurance coverage, payment options and financial arrangements. She will present all pertinent information regarding insurance coverage and your out-of-pocket expense. You will leave our office on the day of your consultation with your treatment plan and financial responsibility outlined in writing, as well as your first treatment appointment!

3) How much does a consultation cost?

We offer free new patient consultations at our office. This includes the time spent with the doctor discussing your needs and your concerns. If X-Rays are required, there will be an additional charge for them. If you have dental insurance you may be able to bill these x-rays to your insurance plan. Any estimated co-pays will be due on the day of your visit.

4) How long will I be in the office for my consultation?

We generally book your initial consultation visit for 30 minutes. Our dentist and patient coordinators want to make sure you have a thorough understanding of your treatment plan, payment options, your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expense.

5) How soon can I come in for a consultation?

We do our best to schedule your first visit as soon as possible. Often, we will have availability for a new patient consultation on the same day. In the event that our schedule is fully booked, we will schedule you on the next available business day.

6) Can I have treatment done on the day I come in for a consultation?

It depends on the treatment that you need to be completed and our schedule for the day. If we have availability in our schedule we will offer this time to have your treatment completed.

7) Can I bring my children with me?

Absolutely! Dental Associates of Arlington is a family friendly office!

8) Do you take insurance?

Yes! We can submit to any insurance company with the exception of Mass Health. We are unable to bill to any Mass Health plans. We will let you know what part of your treatment will be covered by your insurance and what your out-of-pocket expense will be.

9) Do you offer a payment plan?

Our office has many payment options available to make paying for your treatment affordable and comfortable. We accept cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express. In addition, our office offers convenient monthly payment plans through Care Credit. With Care Credit, you can pay for your dental procedures with 0% interest for 6-12 months, if paid in full during the promotional period (credit approval required). You fill out the paperwork in our office and your pre-approved line of credit is available to you that day. We don’t want there to be any reason – including financial – for you not to receive the dental care you need!

10) Should I bring anything with me to my consultation/ first visit?

Yes. If you have dental insurance, please bring your dental insurance card or plan information. If you provided us with an e-mail address when scheduling your visit we may have e-mailed you a copy of our New Patient Registration paperwork. To save time, please bring this completed paperwork with you to your first visit. If you have not received this paperwork, or are unable to print from home, please arrive to your visit 10 minutes early in order to complete. If you have recent x-rays from a previous office, please bring copies to your first visit as well.

11) Where are you located?

Our office is located in the 22 Mill Street Professional Building in Arlington, Massachusetts. Mill Street intersects with Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington Center. Our practice is located in suite number 104, located on the first floor of the building.

12) Do you have parking?

Yes. Parking is located across the street from our building, on Mill Brook Drive and costs $2.00 per hour.

13) Are you open Fridays?

Yes! We are open on Fridays from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

14) Can I have a cleaning done on the day I come in for a consultation?

Please let us know when booking your appointment for your consultation if you would like to have a cleaning completed on the same day. If we know in advance, we can schedule you time to see the Hygienist on the same day as your consultation.

15) How long does a cleaning, exam, and consultation last?

Your first visit with a cleaning, exam and consultation will be scheduled for 90 minutes.

16) Can I just do a cleaning and not an exam? I don’t like x-rays.

In order to provide the most comprehensive care to our patients, we must insist on taking x-rays and providing a dental exam with the doctor. You will have your exam with the doctor at your initial visit, and subsequently every 6 months with your cleanings. A full set of x-rays is taken once every 5 years. A small sets of 4 bitewing x-rays is taken yearly to diagnose dental decay and evaluate the health of the supporting bone in your mouth. We use all digital x-rays in our office and follow all recommended safety protocols for our patients. With today’s advanced technology, dental x-rays expose very limited amounts of radiation to our patients. If you would like more information on taking x-rays, please contact our office.

17) Will I be unconscious during sedation?

No. In our office we provide conscious sedation. You may feel drowsy and relaxed, however you will be able to respond to any questions and express any concerns you may have. It is our goal to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during your sedation visit.

18) Can I eat before my dental procedure?

If you are being sedated for your treatment, please do NOT eat for 12 hours prior to your visit. If you are not being sedated for your visit, please follow your normal daily routine.

19) Will someone need to accompany me post sedation treatment?

Yes. You will need someone to accompany you both TO and FROM your sedation appointment. For your safety we cannot allow you to leave the office alone following your sedation treatment. You should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours following your visit. You will need a trusted friend or family member to bring you home and stay with you until you fully recover from the effects of sedation.

20) What does “in-network” versus “out-of-network” mean?

“In-network” refers to dental insurance plans that our practice has contracted with to provide competitive fees and coverage rates. If you have an “in-network” dental plan, your out of pocket portions at our practice may be lower than if your plan was “out-of-network.”

21) Can I get the senior discount on the day of my procedure?

We offer a 5% senior discount on procedures with the General Dentist or Hygienist if they are paid in full at the time of scheduling only.

22) How long can I go until I get the pre-pay discount?

We can only offer the discount if the payment is made in full at the time the appointment is scheduled. We offer a 5% prepay discount.

23) Why do I need to pre-pay? Just bill me post procedure.

As part of our office policy, we require pre-payment of your estimated patient co-pay for some procedures in our office. Examples of procedures requiring pre-payment include treatment that requires lab services (such as crowns and dentures), treatment that requires special ordering of materials (i.e. dental implants), or procedures that require an extended period of scheduled treatment time (over 2 hours). For procedures with the hygienist or general dentist, we offer a pre-pay discount when treatment is paid in full at the time of scheduling.

24) Can I try to move my appointment?

Your appointment is time in our schedule that is put aside just for you. Due to the appointment-only nature of our schedule, our office policy requires a 48 hour notice of any cancellations or rescheduling to avoid a cancellation fee. If the appointment needs to be rescheduled we will accommodate your needs as best as we can. Please keep in mind that there are peak times in our schedule that may be difficult to reschedule, such as the very first and very last appointment of the day.

25) Why do you need my email?

We use your email address to remind you of upcoming appointments, confirm your visits with us, send post-operative instructions following dental treatment, and to send any important communications. Your privacy is important to us, and we do not give your information, including email addresses, to any third parties. You can opt out of email communications at any time.

26) Why do you need my cell phone number?

Cell phone communication is most often the most convenient method of patient communication. We use cell phone numbers to confirm appointments and to relay any important patient information to you. We are also able to confirm your upcoming appointment via text messaging. You can opt out of text messaging at any time.

27) Why do you need to verify my address?

We are required to include your address on all dental insurance claims. We will also need your correct address for billing information and to ensure we are able to mail you important communications.

28) Why do you need my social security number?

Some insurance companies require your social security number to identify your member plan.

Patient FAQ's

1) Are you accepting new patients?

2) What does a new patient consultation entail?