Your First Visit

What happens at your first visit?

Here is what to expect, in order.

1. Check-in and forms. You complete new-patient forms at the front desk, including your medical history, medications, and dental history, which help Dr. Lee plan safe care.
2. Health history review. Our team reviews your forms with you and notes any concern you would like Dr. Lee to evaluate.
3. Full exam. Dr. Lee checks your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work, and performs an oral cancer screening.
4. X-rays if needed. Dr. Lee may recommend X-rays to assess the tooth structure and bone below the surface.
5. Professional cleaning. Our team removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth when a routine cleaning is the right care.
6. Review of findings. Dr. Lee explains what she found, recommends any treatment, and answers your questions before anything is scheduled.

What should you bring?

Bringing a few items lets our team verify your benefits and helps Dr. Lee plan your care around your health history:

• A photo ID
• Your dental insurance card or plan details
• A list of your medications, supplements, and allergies, with doses
• Recent dental X-rays or records, or the name of your previous dentist
• Any questions or concerns you would like Dr. Lee to evaluate

Where do you fill out new-patient forms?

New-patient forms are completed at the office when you arrive, because Smile Art does not use online forms. Please arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment so you can complete them comfortably. Our team can answer questions about any part of the forms.

How long does a first visit take?

Plan for about 60 to 90 minutes. A first visit takes longer than a routine check-up because the exam, any X-rays, and the conversation with Dr. Lee establish a complete record of your oral health. If your visit may need more time, our team will let you know when you schedule.

Will you have a cleaning at your first visit?

Most first visits include a professional cleaning. If Dr. Lee finds buildup below the gumline, she may recommend a deep cleaning instead, which is scheduled as its own appointment. She explains the reason for either type of cleaning before it begins.

How does insurance work at your first visit?

Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans, and our team checks your benefits before the visit. Share your plan details when you call to schedule, so coverage for your exam, X-rays, and cleaning is confirmed in advance. For out-of-pocket expenses, financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, and LendingClub.

How will you know if Smile Art is right for you?

You will hear what Dr. Lee found in plain language and have time to ask questions before any treatment is planned. You decide what happens next. If you have records from a previous dentist, ask that office to send copies so Dr. Lee has your full history.

Where is the office?

Come in through the Boren Ave entrance of the Cabrini Medical Tower, 901 Boren Ave on First Hill, and head to Suite 1030. If you drive, use the building garage off 1010 Marion St; you won't need to validate parking for a Smile Art visit.