We know that finding a new dentist can feel a little daunting. Often it brings with it many questions: "Does this dentist take my insurance? What will my first appointment be like? Can I find a dentist near me? Is this dentist taking new patients?” Never fear, Ashley Hanson, Senior Office Manager, and her team sat down to share with us answers to patients’ most common questions when they want to swap to Bellano for their care.

If someone is considering changing their dentist to Bellano, what is the first step they should take?'

Call us! We always have someone available to answer the phone and address any questions you have. Even if it has been a long time since you have been to the dentist, our team is here and available to ease your fears, help you be less nervous, and help conquer any anxiety. We are always taking new patients at all locations, and can often work folks in for an appointment within a few days.

How does someone know if their insurance will work at Bellano?

We know insurance can be tricky - if you call us before booking your appointment, our team would be happy to help you navigate your insurance benefits to see if Bellano might be the right fit for your insurance plan. If not, our Bellano Savings Plan might be a good solution for you.

What if a patient does not have dental insurance?

We offer the Bellano Dental Savings plan - this is a great resource for our patients with no insurance to help them plan ahead for their care and offers great flexibility to help cover their needs. If you have no dental insurance, or the insurance offers less coverage than the savings plan, it can be a great option. You can pay a one-time fee and then be set for the year.Additionally, the savings plan is a great resource for young people, including college students who may be far away from home, those who have recently come off their parent’s insurance, or those who are working early in their career and may not have dental coverage yet. Learn more about our Bellano Dental Health Savings Plan here.)

Do you offer dental care for children?

Yes, we do! Typically we recommend kids start coming to the dentist as early as 3 years old. Some kids who need a little extra support to sit still and not be scared may need to see a pediatric dentist to start with, but we can see as young as 3 at a general dentist. So, Bellano can be a great dentist for the whole family.

What happens at a first appointment with Bellano?

Before your first dental appointment, we’ll send you an email with a link to fill out your paperwork online through a HIPPA-compliant portal. Once you arrive for your appointment, you will be greeted by our friendly patient relations team to check you in at the front desk. Shortly after that, one of the clinical team members will show you to your chair, go over your health history and discuss any needs, as well as the next steps. If there is any dental pain, then our team will take immediate steps to address that first. If you just need a routine check-up, they will do a cleaning and assessment - this is what we call a “healthy mouth visit”! On your very first visit, we will also do a series of digital X-rays. Digital X-rays are faster, more detailed, and more comfortable for patients. A doctor will review your X-rays and any other areas of concern with you, and advise you on a recommended treatment plan.

What if someone has not been to the dentist in a long time?

The first step is just to get started. Everyone gets a comprehensive exam and a full set of X-rays done at the start of their care with our office. The doctor will evaluate the full dental health, and give options for treatment plans to return the patient to optimal oral health, getting them back on track.

What if someone has never been to the dentist?

That is ok too! We are still here to help you and guide you through the process. Our team is happy to explain what we are doing and help make you comfortable. Your dental health is directly related to the health of the rest of your body, so it is essential to make it a priority, even if it hasn’t been in the past.

What if someone has anxiety about the dentist?

We are more than happy to give you a tour and do an information-only visit prior to your appointment so that you get comfortable with the office and know what to expect even without being seen by the doctor. We can go at your pace and support you throughout the process of your exam, explaining what we are doing and addressing any fears along the way.

What is the best way for a patient to schedule an appointment?

The best way to schedule is still to call, especially for new patients, so that we can talk through all the details. If you are after hours, you can also request to schedule an appointment online.

Can patients request a specific dental assistant / hygienist / doctor?

Of course! We are happy to help accommodate those preferences, just let us know and we can help schedule you accordingly.

What if a patient has an emergency?

For existing patients, we always have a dentist on call. For a new patient that has an emergency, let us know and we can usually get you in quickly for an appointment to get things taken care of. Things happen! We know a dental emergency can be really stressful, but we are here to help.

What else would you like for someone considering setting a first appointment at Bellano to know?

We have a great team of relatable, friendly doctors, and every office is very welcoming. We are passionate about our people - both team and patients - and want to work with you to support your dental care and oral health.