New Patients
Becoming a patient at Wholehearted Dental is more than just booking an appointment — it’s the beginning of a relationship built on trust, comfort, and care. From your very first visit, we take the time to listen, understand your goals, and create a personalized plan that feels right for you. Whether you’re new to Vancouver, seeking a second opinion, or simply ready for a fresh start, we’re here to make your experience thoughtful, thorough, and stress-free.
Your First Visit, Redefined
We believe great care starts with a conversation. Whether you’re here for a fresh start or seeking a second opinion, your first visit is designed to be thoughtful, thorough, and tailored to you. We don’t rush. We listen. And we treat every new patient with the same care and presence we give to those we’ve seen for decades.
Comprehensive New Patient Exam
We typically reserve 1.5 hours for your first appointment. This gives us the time to listen, understand your goals, and build a complete picture of your oral health. When you first reach out, Laurie or Shirin at our front desk will:
- Send you a link to complete your medical and dental history online
- Ask for permission to request records and X-rays from your previous dentist
- Collect your dental insurance information to help us guide you on coverage and benefits
What to Expect
Your visit begins in the privacy of one of our consultation rooms—not the dental chair. We’ll start with a conversation about your goals, questions, and health history, and review any previous records.
From there, we’ll move to the treatment room for a thorough clinical assessment, which includes:
- Digital X-rays
- Intraoral photos
- A full digital wellness scan of your teeth and gums
- Comprehensive dental exam, covering:
- Gum and bone health – gum recession, inflammation, or loose teeth
- Tooth structure – cavities, cracks, or at-risk older fillings
- Bite and jaw joint – signs of wear, chipping, or imbalanc
- Smile and aesthetics – even subtle things you may want to improve, but haven’t known how to express
- Oral cancer screening – a soft tissue exam to check for early signs of abnormal changes
In most cases, your exam and records can be completed during a single 90-minute visit. If your needs are more complex—such as full-mouth restoration or smile design—we may recommend a follow-up appointment to gather additional records and have a deeper conversation about your goals. We want to ensure every step is thoughtful, unhurried, and guided by what matters most to you.