New & returning patients
Haven't been to the dentist in years? You're not behind. You're right on time.
Whatever brought you here, you're welcome. We've built our practice to meet people where they are, without judgment, without rushing, and with real options for anyone who feels anxious about getting started again.
What to expect
Your first visit, from start to finish.
The phone call. When you call to schedule, we ask a few questions about what you need, not to vet you, but to make sure we plan enough time and the right kind of appointment. Penny, our treatment coordinator, can also walk you through anything that has to do with cost or coverage before you come in.
Arrival. Most paperwork can be handled digitally. You can do it ahead of time at home or in the reception area.
The consult. We listen first. Your history, your goals, what's been hard before. Whatever images we need (X-rays, an intraoral scan, sometimes a CBCT) we'll review with you on screen.
The plan. Together, we take a collaborative approach to your care. We clearly explain our findings, review your treatment options, and provide the information you need to make confident, informed decisions. Every recommendation is made with your best interests in mind, and you remain an active participant in every step of the process.
For patients with anxiety
IV sedation, explained honestly.
If past dental experiences have been hard, you are not alone, and you are not stuck. We built sedation into our care model because for too many people anxiety is the thing standing between them and the care they need.
“IV sedation provides the deepest level of relaxation for patients who suffer from severe anxiety. Sedation is not only for patients that are anxious about dental care, but is also great for longer procedures or any procedure during which patients want to be most relaxed. Dr. Will is licensed and certified to provide IV sedation at our Tuscaloosa dental office so you can receive your treatment feeling comfortable and at ease.”
Every dental assistant on our team is trained to assist with and monitor sedated patients. If you'd like to talk through whether sedation makes sense for you before you commit to anything else, calling us is a good place to start. There's no pressure to schedule on the same call.
Nitrous oxide is also available for milder anxiety or longer routine visits.
In our patients' own words
“I have a history of hating the dentist—too many bad experiences starting in childhood through to the years in the military. Because of that I rarely went unless there was pain. I finished the last appointment of an extensive treatment plan yesterday, fixing the years of neglect. The kindness and understanding of everyone in the office was much appreciated.”
-Wendy B.
Honest answers
Questions we hear a lot.
If you have one we haven't covered, calling is usually the fastest way to get a straight answer.
- Do you see new patients?
- Yes. The easiest first step is a phone call — we'll ask a few questions about what you need and schedule the right kind of appointment. Or schedule online.
- I'm nervous about the dentist. What are my options?
- Two main ones. Nitrous oxide for milder anxiety or longer routine visits, and IV sedation for deeper relaxation. Dr. Will is credentialed for IV sedation in-house, and the whole team is trained to support it. Calling us to talk it through is a good first step — there's no commitment.
- What about insurance and cost?
- Our treatment coordinator Penny works with every patient to walk through coverage and payment options before treatment begins. So you'll know what to expect before you commit.
Specific carriers vary; call us and we'll check yours with you. - How long should I plan for my first visit?
- Plan to be unhurried. We schedule 2 hours for new patients coming in for a comprehensive exam (general cleaning, x-rays, complete exam with the doctor) and 1 hour for new patients coming in for a limited exam (addressing a specific concern or issue). We build first visits around getting to know you, reviewing the right imaging together, and discussing options, not pushing through a checklist. If there's something specific going on, we'll address it. If it's a general re-introduction, we'll start there.
We're here when you're ready.
No script. No pressure. Just a real conversation about what would help.