A first visit with a new dentist in El Paso sets up everything that comes after it. The dentist gets to know your teeth, your health and your goals, and you get to know the practice. Whether you have just moved to El Paso, changed insurance or simply have not been in a while, booking is the same: call or use the form, choose "Yes, new patient", and a local practice will call you to set a time.
Before your visit
Photo ID and insurance card:
for each person who is being seen. For children on Medicaid or CHIP, bring the plan card.
List of medicines:
include vitamins and supplements, and any allergies.
Health history:
many offices send forms ahead or ask you to arrive early to fill them in. Mention conditions such as diabetes, heart problems or pregnancy.
Past dental records:
if you have recent X-rays from another office, ask that office to send them. It can save repeat X-rays.
Your questions:
write down anything you want to ask, such as a tooth that bothers you or an interest in whitening or aligners.
Language:
if you prefer Spanish, ask for Spanish-speaking staff when you book. 72.1% of El Paso households speak Spanish at home.
What happens at a new patient exam
- 1Health and dental history: a short talk about your health, past dental work and anything that worries you.
- 2X-rays: usually a set that shows between the teeth and the roots, unless recent X-rays are on file.
- 3Full exam: the dentist checks every tooth, your gums, your bite, your jaw joint and the soft tissues of your mouth, including an oral cancer screening.
- 4Cleaning: many practices clean your teeth at the first visit; if your gums need deeper care, the cleaning may be planned for another day.
- 5Treatment plan: the dentist explains what they found, what needs attention now, what can wait, and what each step costs. Nothing is done without your agreement.
Plan for a first visit to take longer than a routine checkup. Ask the practice how long to allow when it calls.
If you feel nervous
Many adults feel uneasy about the dentist, often because of a bad experience years ago. Tell the practice when you book. You can ask for extra time, ask the dentist to explain each step, agree on a hand signal to pause, and ask about sedation options if the practice offers them. Bringing headphones and music helps some patients.
Booking for a family
New patients often book the whole family at once. Choose your best time on the form, say how many people need visits, and ask the practice to schedule them back to back. Children's visits are covered on the children's dentist page.
Insurance and cost questions to ask
- Is the office in network with my plan?
- What will my first visit cost if I am self-pay?
- Does the office offer payment plans for larger treatment?
The insurance and payment page covers Medicaid, CHIP and self-pay options, and the cost guide lists national prices, such as an average of $203 for a routine exam (CareCredit, 2023 to 2024 data).
Checking a dentist's license
Every Texas dentist must hold a license from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. You can look up any dentist on the board's public license search.
Common questions
How long does a first dental visit take?
Longer than a routine checkup, because of X-rays and the full exam. The practice will tell you how much time to allow.
Can I get a cleaning at my first visit?
Often yes. If your gums need a deeper cleaning, it may be booked as a separate visit.
What if I need urgent care as a new patient?
Say so when you book. See the emergency dentist page for first steps.