Patient Centre

This is the practical corner of our website. If you’re a new patient at Highland Kitchener Dentist in Kitchener, or you’ve been with us for years and just need to sort out a form or a question about your benefits, the information here should help. The links above take you to our patient forms and frequently asked questions. Below, we’ve gathered the things people most often ask us about before and after a visit, so you know what to expect and can spend your appointment time on your teeth, not on paperwork.

Before your first visit

A first appointment usually involves a full exam, any x-rays we need to see what’s happening below the surface, and often a cleaning. It’s also when we get to know you: your dental history, what’s worked for you in the past and what hasn’t, and anything you’d like us to keep in mind.

Filling out your forms

Our patient forms page lets you download the forms ahead of time. Filling them out at home means you can look up details at your own pace instead of trying to remember medication names in the waiting room. Bring the completed forms with you to your first appointment.

What to bring

• Your completed patient forms
• Your dental insurance details, including the plan and member numbers, and the name and date of birth of the plan holder if that isn’t you
• A list of current medications and supplements, with doses if you have them
• Any recent dental x-rays or records from a previous dentist, if you have copies
• Your glasses, if you need them to read paperwork

If you’re switching from another dental office, we can request your records and x-rays with your written permission. Recent x-rays can sometimes save you from having new ones taken.

Your health history matters

Some patients are surprised by how many medical questions we ask. There’s a good reason. Many health conditions and medications affect your mouth or the way we provide treatment. Blood thinners can affect bleeding. Some heart conditions and joint replacements may need special precautions. Diabetes affects gum health. Many common medications cause dry mouth, which raises the risk of cavities. Pregnancy changes how we plan x-rays and some treatments.

Please tell us about any change to your health or medications at each visit, even if it seems unrelated. Your information is kept confidential and used only to plan your care.

Dental insurance and payment

Dental plans vary widely, even between employees at the same company. Coverage depends on your specific plan, including the percentage covered for each type of service, annual maximums, frequency limits and any waiting periods.

A few tips that save patients from surprises:

• Know your plan year. Many plans reset on January 1, but some follow a different date. Unused coverage usually doesn’t carry over.
• Ask about frequency limits. Some plans only cover cleanings, x-rays or exams at certain intervals.
• Request a predetermination for larger work. For crowns, bridges, gum treatment and similar procedures, we can send your treatment plan to your insurer first so you know your share before you start.
• Bring updated details. If you change jobs or plans, let us know before your next visit.

Questions about how we bill your insurer or what payment methods we accept are best answered by phone. Our front desk team is happy to walk you through it.

Booking, changing and keeping appointments

You can book by calling us or by using the appointment request on our contact page. If you need to change an appointment, please give us as much notice as you can so we can offer the time to someone else who’s waiting. If you’re running late, a quick call lets us adjust the plan for your visit.

Many patients find it easiest to book their next cleaning before they leave. It’s the simplest way to make sure six months doesn’t quietly become eighteen.

If you’re nervous about the dentist

A lot of people are, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Let us know when you book or when you arrive. It helps us plan. We’ll explain what we’re going to do before we do it, check in with you as we go, and agree on a signal you can use if you need a break. If you’ve had a difficult experience before, tell us what happened. Knowing what bothered you helps us avoid repeating it.

Bringing your children

We see patients of all ages. For young children, the first visits are mostly about getting comfortable: sitting in the chair, counting teeth and getting a ride up and down. Positive early visits make a big difference to how kids feel about dental care later on. If you’d like to stay with your child during the appointment, just let us know when you book.

Moving or changing dentists

If you’re moving away from Kitchener or need your records sent to another dental office, let us know in writing and tell us where they should go. We’ll send copies of your x-rays and chart notes so your new dentist has the full picture. The same works in reverse: if you’re joining us from another office, a signed request lets us ask for your history.

Learn more before you come in

Our FAQ page answers many common questions about treatment, insurance and dental health. Our service pages explain each procedure in detail, from cleanings and sealants to crowns and veneers. And our testimonials page shares what other patients have said about their visits. If you can’t find the answer to something, just call. We’d much rather answer a question on the phone than have you worry about it.

We look forward to meeting you, or to seeing you again. To book a visit or ask a question, call Highland Kitchener Dentist in Kitchener at 519-885-1598.