New Patients

New patients are welcome at Southside Dental Cares, and the first visit is simpler than most people expect: an exam, any X-rays we need, and a conversation about what you would like to sort out first. Bring your insurance card and a list of your medications, arrive ten minutes early, and plan on about an hour. Call (804) 732-8557 or book online.

Whether you have just moved to the Petersburg area, have not seen a dentist in years, or are simply looking for a practice that explains things properly, this page tells you exactly what to expect so there are no surprises on the day.

Before you come in

• Insurance card — or your plan name and member number. We verify your benefits before treatment so you know what is covered.
• A list of medications and supplements, including anything prescribed by another doctor. This genuinely affects how we treat you, particularly blood thinners, bisphosphonates and diabetes medication.
• Your previous dentist’s details, if you would like records or recent X-rays transferred. Recent X-rays can save you having new ones.
• A note of what is bothering you, if anything. Even “the top left has been twinging for a month” is useful.
• Photo ID for our records.

If you would rather fill in the medical history form at home, ask when you book and we will send it to you. Otherwise allow ten minutes at the desk.

What happens at the first appointment

1. A conversation first. What brought you in, what you want from your teeth, anything you are nervous about, and what has and has not worked for you before.
2. The examination. Teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints, and a screening of the soft tissues of the mouth. We measure gum pockets, because gum disease is the most common thing people do not know they have.
3. X-rays where needed. Usually a set of bitewings to check between the teeth, and a panoramic image if there is a reason for one. Digital, low dose, and not repeated if you bring recent ones.
4. A cleaning, if time allows and your gums are ready for it. For patients with significant tartar or gum inflammation, the cleaning is sometimes scheduled as its own appointment so it can be done properly.
5. The plan. What we found, what needs doing, what can wait, and what it costs — in writing, with the insurance estimate alongside. Nothing irreversible happens at a first visit unless you are in pain and want it dealt with.

The facts, at a glance

• Length of first visit: about 60 minutes
• Hours: Monday to Thursday 8am–5pm, Friday 8am–1pm
• Parking: free, directly outside the door at 2731 South Crater Road
• Ages: everyone — children from their first tooth, adults, and older patients
• Emergencies: same-day where we can; call as early as possible
• Languages: English; let us know if you need an interpreter and we will plan for it

If it has been a long time

A surprising share of new patients open with an apology for how long it has been. There is no need. The first visit is about working out what to fix first and what it costs, not about how long you stayed away. If anxiety is part of the reason, say so when you book: we can arrange a first visit that involves nothing but a look and a conversation, and sedation options exist for treatment later. Our article on reducing dental anxiety has practical steps for the days beforehand.

Bringing children

We see children from their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. A first visit for a small child is short and mostly about getting comfortable — often with the child on your lap rather than in the chair. Family appointments can be booked back-to-back so one trip covers everyone. See pediatric dentistry and our guide to a child’s first dental visit.

Costs and insurance, briefly

We work with most major dental plans and check your specific benefits before treatment. For larger work we send a pre-treatment estimate to your insurer so you know their contribution in advance. Patients without insurance are equally welcome; ask for the cost of an exam and cleaning when you call, and larger treatment can usually be staged. The full picture is on our insurance and payment options page.

Where we are

2731 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805 — on US-301, south of the centre. We see patients from Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Prince George, southern Chesterfield and Fort Gregg-Adams; those pages have directions from each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I bring to my first dental appointment?
A: Your insurance card or plan details, a list of medications and supplements, photo ID, and your previous dentist’s details if you want records transferred. Recent X-rays from another practice are worth bringing because they may save you new ones.

Q: How long does a new patient visit take?
A: About an hour. That covers the conversation, the examination, any X-rays, and going through the findings and costs with you. A cleaning is included when time and your gum health allow; otherwise it is booked as its own appointment.

Q: Will I get a cleaning at the first visit?
A: Often, yes. If there is heavy tartar or active gum inflammation, a proper cleaning takes longer than a first visit allows and is scheduled separately so it can be done well rather than rushed.

Q: Do I need a referral?
A: No. Dental practices do not require a referral from a physician. Call us directly or request an appointment online and we will book you in.

Q: Can I be seen the same week?
A: Usually, and often sooner. Urgent problems are fitted in the same day where possible. Call (804) 732-8557 as early in the day as you can and tell us what is wrong so we can allow the right amount of time.

Q: I am nervous. Can the first visit just be a conversation?
A: Yes. Tell us when you book. A first appointment can be limited to a look and a discussion of options with nothing done, and treatment planned afterwards at a pace you are comfortable with, including sedation if you want it.

Book your first visit

Call (804) 732-8557 during office hours or request an appointment online any time. If you have a treatment plan from another practice and want a second opinion, bring it — that is a perfectly good reason for a first visit.