Your first visit, step by step.
No lectures. No pressure. Just a clear plan for day one: what to bring, what happens, and what it costs. Six months or six years, you’re welcome here.
Accepting new patients of all ages · Most PPO insurance benefits verified in advance
Day one, no surprises.
What brought you in, what has worked, what you would like to change. This is the most important part.
A comprehensive look at teeth, gums, bite, and oral cancer screening. Digital, low-dose imaging only where clinically needed.
We show you what we see on the chairside screen. Questions welcomed. Nothing rushed.
Options with costs, phased if appropriate. You decide what happens next, at your pace.
What to bring (it’s a short list).
- Photo ID for our records.
- Dental insurance card if you have coverage. We verify benefits before your visit when possible, but the physical card helps.
- List of medications and supplements, including prescription and over-the-counter.
- Any relevant medical history, especially conditions or recent surgeries.
- Previous x-rays or dental records, if available. We can request them from your previous dentist too.
- Questions. Written down or in your head. We want to hear them.
Please plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so we can complete paperwork calmly.
If it’s been a while, or you’re feeling nervous.
Dental anxiety is common and it doesn’t disqualify you from great care. Tell the front desk when you book. Tell your hygienist and doctor when you sit down. We slow down, explain everything, and pause whenever you need to.
If it has been years since your last visit, we start with the visit you can say yes to today. No lectures. No guilt. We build from there together.
Practical comfort tools available on request:
- Blankets and neck pillows
- Headphones with your own music
- Breaks whenever you need them
- Numbing that we let take full effect before starting
- A quiet time-of-day appointment (early morning tends to be quietest)
Bringing a child?
First dental visits are best kept short and low-pressure. We keep it playful, use kid-friendly language, and take our time so a child leaves feeling proud, not stressed.
Parents are always welcome in the treatment room. For children under two, plan on a brief “knee-to-knee” exam where the child sits on your lap.
Money talk, up front.
We work with most PPO dental plans. Coverage varies plan by plan, so estimates are our best reading based on what your carrier confirms. Final benefits are determined by the insurance company after the claim is processed.
If you don’t have insurance, we’ll explain your options and what each choice actually costs. Payment is expected at the time of service; we help you understand what you owe before we begin.
Kitto Family Dental
Address: 937 E Main St, Ste 105, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Phone: (805) 922-4109
Hours: Mon to Thu 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Open one Friday a month (call for the date). Sat and Sun closed.
Parking: Free parking in front and in the adjacent lot
The dentists you’ll meet.
Common questions
How long will my first visit take?
Will I get a cleaning at my first visit?
Do I need to bring anything?
Do you accept my insurance?
I haven’t been to the dentist in years. Will you judge me?
Can I bring a friend or family member into the room?
What if I am nervous about pain?
Can I schedule my whole family for the same day?
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Ready when you’re.
Call us or request an appointment online. We’ll find a time that fits your week and make the first step feel easy.