Knowing what to expect makes a first visit far less daunting. If you are booked in as a new patient at East Park Dental in Northampton — or thinking about it — here is exactly how your first appointment runs, explained by co-owner and principal dentist Dr Chris Young.
“If you walk into the practice for the first time, you’ll be met by our reception team, who are wonderful, and they’ll guide you through how the appointment is going to run,” says Chris. You will usually see our treatment coordinator, Tracy, first, who takes care of your medical history and any initial photos, before you meet Chris and his nurse, Imogen.
The appointment starts with a conversation, not a drill. “We’ll have a chat for a bit, get to know each other, and then dive into the dentistry side — see what’s brought you here,” Chris explains. From there, the check-up itself is thorough: a full look at your teeth, your gums and the soft tissues inside your mouth, screening for anything that needs attention.
Where it helps, we take x-rays, photographs or a 3D scan — because being able to show you is far better than just telling you. “Imaging is so important,” says Chris. “A picture says a thousand words, and that’s very true in dentistry. I could tell you something with a lot of words, but if I show you a photo, you’ll understand it much quicker.” Our practice has a 3D scanner too, so more complex situations can be looked at in real detail.
Everything then comes together into a clear plan. “We build a really good platform where we can discuss exactly what position your mouth is in, what position you’d like it to be in, and then build a roadmap on how to get from A to B,” says Chris — including how long it might take and what to expect along the way.
Questions are actively encouraged. “I always encourage people to ask questions, because people need to understand. Once they understand, people are happier.” You can read more about the examination itself on our dental health check page.
That is all there is to it — a welcome, a chat, a careful look and a plan built around you. See our new patient offer or book your first appointment at East Park Dental in Northampton today.
You are welcomed by reception, see our treatment coordinator for your medical history and photos, then meet the dentist and nurse for a chat and a full check of your teeth, gums and mouth. We take imaging where helpful and finish with a clear, personalised plan.
Often, yes — x-rays, photos or a 3D scan help us see and show you exactly what is going on. We only take what is clinically helpful, and we explain why.
Allow a little longer than a routine check-up, as we take time to get to know you, complete a full assessment and talk through your options. Your plan will set out any next steps.
Absolutely — we actively encourage it. Understanding what is happening is what makes patients comfortable, so no question is ever unwelcome.
