New Patients at Dentistry NW
Your first visit, without the uncertainty
A clearer way to begin care
Starting with a new dentist can come with a lot of questions.
We want you to feel informed and comfortable before you even walk through our doors. Here’s what you can expect at Dentistry NW, from scheduling your first appointment to leaving with your Smilebox.
What happens at your first visit
Your first appointment at Dentistry NW is a comprehensive visit, not a rushed intake. We want to understand your full dental history, your goals, and anything that’s been on your mind before we start any clinical work.
- 1A conversation first, we ask what you’ve noticed, what your last dental experience was like, and what you’re hoping to get out of your care here
- 2Comprehensive dental examination with Dr. Smith
- 3Full-mouth x-rays using low-radiation handheld units
- 4Professional cleaning
- 5A clear summary of findings: what needs attention now, what can wait, and why
Your Smilebox Welcome Kit
Before you head home, we’ll send you off with a small welcome gift: Our Smilebox. Inside, you’ll find a Dentistry NW mug and dental care essentials to help you keep your smile feeling fresh after your visit.
It’s simple, useful, and our way of saying: Welcome to Dentistry NW.
We take comfort seriously
Dental anxiety is real; studies estimate that roughly one in three adults experiences enough fear to delay care. If that’s you, tell us before your appointment. We’ll plan accordingly.
What we offer to make your visit easier
Gentle nitrous oxide sedation that wears off quickly
Oral sedation options, discussed during your consultation
Supportive neck and leg pillows
Warm blankets for added comfort
Appointments paced around your comfort
If you have a history of painful dental experiences, let us know. We’ve worked with many patients who felt the same way and now don’t dread their appointments.
Patient forms
Complete your new patient paperwork before your visit through our online patient portal powered by Dental Intelligence. It saves time at check-in and gives Dr. Smith a head start on understanding your history.
Insurance and payment
Dentistry NW is a preferred provider, in network with most major dental insurance plans. If we’re out of network with your plan, we’ll still file your claims for you and help you get the most out of your benefits. We also welcome patients without insurance, and offer flexible payment options through CareCredit and Cherry.
We also accept cash, checks, and credit cards, and offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry for patients who want to spread costs over time.
Call (253) 367-3972 →260+ reasons
patients stay with us
"The entire experience was top notch and redefined what going to the dentist should feel like. I felt welcome, cared for, and much less nervous about my next visit."
"Dentistry NW is hands-down the best dental care I've had. They are professional, friendly, and make me feel like family. I appreciate how collaborative they are with my care."
"Very kind and compassionate. They emphasize pain and anxiety management, take their time, and explain the plan, cost, and potential complications thoroughly. Not just a good dental office — good people."
Questions before your first appointment?
Get answers
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Your insurance card (if applicable), a photo ID, and any notes about medications, health conditions, or dental concerns you want to discuss. If you’ve completed your forms online through Dental Intelligence, you’re all set.
I haven’t been to the dentist in years. Will I be judged?
No. Gaps in dental care are extremely common, and we’re not here to make you feel bad about yours. We’ll assess where things stand, explain what we find, and build a plan from there. The most important step is coming in.
How long will my first appointment take?
Plan for about 60–90 minutes for your first comprehensive visit, which includes a consultation, exam, x-rays, and cleaning. We build in enough time to actually talk with you, not rush through a checklist.
Do you offer same-day appointments for new patients in emergencies?
Yes. If you’re experiencing dental pain or an urgent issue, call us at (253) 460-1800 and we’ll do our best to see you the same day. New patients in emergencies are always welcome.
What if I have dental anxiety?
Tell us before your appointment. We offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation, and we pace appointments around patient comfort. Many patients who came to us with significant anxiety now come in without much stress at all. We’ve had a lot of practice helping people get there.
Keep smiling with us
Book your visit today — our team is ready to welcome you.
Our Tacoma
Dental Office
Looking for a trusted Tacoma dentist who's been part of the community for decades? Our office sits on South Mildred Street in West Tacoma, easily reached from University Place, Fircrest, and the North End. We're open early and stay here late, so appointments fit around work, school, and everything else a week throws at you.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
