How to Prepare for Your First Dental Appointment as an Adult

If it's been a while since you've seen a dentist, a little prep makes your first appointment smoother and shorter. Here's how to get ready.

1. Gather your paperwork the night before

• Photo ID and your insurance card (private plan details or CDCP coverage letter)
• A list of current medications, vitamins, and supplements with dosages
• Names and contact details for any specialists you see (cardiologist, ENT, etc.)
• Any dental records or X-rays from a previous clinic — email them ahead if you can

2. Request records from your old dentist

Call your previous office and ask them to send recent X-rays and chart notes. Most clinics will email them within a day or two. If you're moving between local clinics, our guide to switching dentists walks through exactly what to ask for.

3. Write down your concerns

Before the appointment, jot down anything you've noticed — a sensitive tooth, bleeding gums, a chipped edge, grinding at night, or cosmetic goals like whitening. Bringing a list means nothing gets forgotten once you're in the chair.

4. Plan for anxiety if you need to

If dental visits make you tense, call ahead and say so. We can book a longer slot, walk you through each step before starting, or arrange sedation. Our sedation dentistry guide explains the options from nitrous to IV sedation.

5. Arrive 10 minutes early

New-patient forms take a few minutes. Arriving a little early means you start on time and don't feel rushed. Parking is free on-site.

6. Eat and brush normally

Unless you've been told otherwise, eat a normal meal beforehand and brush and floss as you usually would. No need to overdo it — your hygienist will see things more clearly if your mouth looks like a typical day.

Ready to book? Call 604-535-8835 or visit Morgan Heights Dental Centre.