Your Initial Consultation: 5 steps to Peace of Mind
At Norfolk Dental Specialists, we understand that a large part of the anxiety felt by some patients is to do with uncertainty about what is going to happen. We strive to make sure that all our clients know exactly what will happen at each stage of their treatment. We particularly want you to know that your initial consultation with our experts will provide you with peace of mind in five different ways.
1. Confirmation and End to Speculation
The process begins with an initial consultation – as our specialists want to find out all about you! This helps put patients at ease and helps the dentist to understand what’s motivating your visit to our practice. During the consult, the dentist will go over your medical history, including your dental history and general oral health. This will be followed by a full assessment of your mouth, to include your teeth, gums, tongue and cheeks. If we need to take any x-rays, it will be done at this stage.
You will have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you need. The dentist may offer to show you models, simple diagrams or even charts of your own mouth to help explain findings and your treatment options. Many of our patients tell us that they experience a feeling of relief and clarity after their first consultation – as they are no longer speculating on what might be happening. Looking on the internet can help to provide information, but is not a substitute for hearing it from a qualified specialist in the field of oral health. Patients often say that the consultation fee is an investment toward peace of mind.
2. Empathy and Reassurance
We recognise that starting a course of treatment can be an unsettling time, that’s why our team have developed their skills and empathy to help anxious and nervous patients. Additional reassurance comes in the form of the treatment plan that is provided shortly after every initial consultation. Each stage of the recommended treatment is detailed, so that patients know what to expect at all times.
3. Options
Where there is a choice of procedure, we always provide our patients with all the information they require to make the best choice for them. This takes the form of a treatment plan. In most cases the plan is also sent to your General Dental Practitioner, with whom we work collaboratively. We will make sure that you are fully informed about the processes, timing and costs of each stage and procedure.
4. Financial Clarity
We are always up front and clear about how much a patient will be expected to pay for their course of treatment. Costs will be explained clearly in detail on your treatment plan– so there will be no nasty surprises later on. We can also provide a payment plan to help spread the costs of treatment over a period of time.
5. Long Term Care
We will make it clear what you can expect from the future. We’ll let you know what special measures for oral health you may have to take following a particular procedure and we will make recommendations – such as regular dental hygienist appointments – that should limit the seriousness of further complications. Our ultimate aim is to ensure that you have the best possible outcome and that your oral health is maintained.
Now you know exactly what to expect from a consultation with Norfolk Dental Specialists. For further information, take a look at the Your Journey page of our website. To arrange a consultation, please call us on 01603 632525 or you can make an enquiry using our online form.
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