We want your visit to Dakota Dental Associates to be a comfortable, pleasant and easy experience for you. When setting up your first appointment, this is what you can expect…
- We will ask you about any dental insurance you would like us to keep on file. Before your appointment, we will need the insured person's name, address, phone number and Social Security number, along with their insurance member ID. We also will need the name of the employer who provides the insurance. Be assured that we keep all information secure and use it only on your behalf to file claims and ask questions that help you make decisions about treatment.
- Bring a copy of your insurance card to your first visit or before that day. This way, we can get all necessary information on file in order to expedite your claims and reduce any paperwork and costs for you.
- No insurance? No problem. Ask about our special program for the uninsured.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you will have time to stop at our convenient medical history kiosk. Here, you will be able to share important medical information that is crucial to your care. Bring along a list of all current medications — both prescribed and over-the-counter — you are taking.
- Do you have any current X-rays from another office? Before your visit to Dakota Dental, call your previous office to request all current X-rays be sent so that they arrive here at least 24 hours before your appointment time. (Hint: Current X-rays are bitewings taken within a year or pano/full-mouth images taken within three to five years.) If we do not have current X-rays before your appointment, we will need to take new ones, which may incur unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses for you.
- Payment: If you provide all the proper insurance information in advance, we will ask you to pay only your estimated portion due on the day of treatment. (Note: You may continue to receive statements while we wait for your insurance company to process your claims.)
- We do expect a parent or guardian to arrive with any patient 18 years old or younger. This ensures that you are able to sign off on any recommended treatment, such as making decisions on fluoride or choosing if you want silver- or tooth-colored fillings. You also may need to update medical history and your personal profile.
- We will ask for an e-mail address in case you would like us to e-mail you about upcoming appointments. You also can opt out of this service.
- Remember to allow 80 minutes for your very first hygiene visit at Dakota Dental. Thereafter, adult appointments generally take about 50 minutes. Appointments for children 11 or younger are generally 30 minutes long.