Before you go
Bring a piece of ID, your insurance or CDCP/NIHB details, and a short list of any medications you take or health conditions you have. If you are nervous, say so when you book — most Canadian clinics are used to anxious patients and will go at your pace.
Step by step on the day
A typical new-patient appointment moves through these stages:
- Paperwork and a quick medical history
- X-rays, so the dentist can see between and below the teeth
- A full exam — teeth, gums, bite, and an oral-cancer screening
- A cleaning (scaling and polishing) if time and gum health allow
- A plain-language treatment plan with costs, if anything needs attention
Questions worth asking
A good first visit is a two-way conversation. It is fair to ask:
- What does this cost, and what will my insurance or CDCP cover?
- Is any treatment urgent, or can it wait?
- What can I do at home to avoid this next time?
After the visit
You should leave with a clean mouth, a clear picture of your dental health, and a written plan if any work is recommended. Book your next checkup before you go — most people benefit from one every six months. If you booked through SmileMatch, your details are shared with the clinic ahead of time, so there is less paperwork and your second visit is just $50 under the new-patient offer.