What to Expect During Your New Patient Examination at Inspired Dental Care
Selecting a new dental practice is an important step in taking care of your health and your confidence. Whether you’re moving into the area, looking to improve your smile, or simply overdue an oral health assessment, your first visit to a new dentist can feel a little daunting. That’s why at Inspired Dental Care in Exeter, we make it our mission to provide a welcoming, thorough, and personalised experience right from your first appointment.
Your New Patient Examination is more than just a ‘quick check’. It’s a comprehensive health check, a conversation, and the beginning of a long-term partnership to protect your smile. Here’s everything you can expect when you come through our doors.
A Warm Welcome
The moment you step into Inspired Dental Care, our highly trained and welcoming reception team will greet you and help you settle in. You may have previously spoken with one of our reception staff over the phone or communicated via email but we will use this first face-to-face contact to confirm your details, medical history, and any dental concerns or goals you may have.
At inspired dental care, we want to understand your needs, your anxieties (if any), and what you hope to achieve and the whole of our team is here to support you.
You’ll also receive a welcome pack, which includes helpful information about the practice, your dental team, and our range of services.
Meet Your Dentist
Your first clinical appointment will be with one of our highly skilled dentists. At Inspired Dental Care, our core team includes:
- Dr André Faro Leite, Principal Dentist and Implantologist, with a Master’s in Implant Dentistry (Warwick), a Diploma in Implant Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and academic certification in Orthodontic as well as higher education teaching, Andre has a particular interest in implant dentistry and orthodontics.
- Dr Amish Bhayani, Principal Dentist with a Master’s in Endodontics (Chester) Amish has a special interest in Endodontics (root canal treatments) as well as complex rehabilitations. Known for his calm approach and meticulous technique, Dr Amish is passionate about preserving natural teeth through minimally invasive dentistry.
- Dr Russell Hashemi, Associate Dentist with advanced training in composite bonding and facial aesthetics. He has completed courses with leading cosmetic dentistry academies and offers smile makeovers combining function and beauty. Russell also has a strong interest in restorative dentistry, focusing on rebuilding and protecting teeth with natural-looking, long-lasting results.
- Dr Natalie Chalmers, Associate Dentist with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Plymouth. She is known for her gentle chairside manner and commitment to delivering high-quality, ethical care. Natalie is particularly skilled in treating anxious patients and enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, especially preventative care and patient education.
Each of our dentists brings their own passions and skills, but they all share a patient-centred philosophy: they take the time to listen, explain, and treat every patient as an individual.
A Thorough Clinical Examination
Your New Patient Examination typically takes around 45-60 minutes, giving your dentist plenty of time to assess your overall oral health in detail. This includes:
- Discussion of Your Medical and Dental History
We’ll talk through any relevant medical conditions, allergies, medications, and previous dental experiences. This helps us tailor your care and spot any issues that might influence your dental health.
You are encouraged to discuss any personal dental goals, whether that involves enhancing the brightness of your smile, improving tooth alignment, replacing missing teeth, or maintaining optimal oral health.
- Head and Neck Check
Your dentist will examine your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), muscles, glands, and lymph nodes in the head and neck area. This can reveal signs of grinding, tension, or other health issues that sometimes go unnoticed.
- Oral Cancer Screening
As part of our commitment to proactive health care, every new patient receives a comprehensive oral cancer screening. Your dentist will check the tongue, cheeks, palate, and soft tissues for any abnormalities. It’s quick, painless, and incredibly important.
- Tooth-by-Tooth Examination
We’ll carefully examine each of your teeth for:
- Cavities or decay;
- Cracked or chipped teeth;
- Existing restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges);
- Signs of wear from grinding or acid erosion;
We’ll use high-quality lighting, magnification as well as intra oral scanners and intraoral cameras, which allow you to see what we see, right on the screen.
- Gum Health Assessment
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Your dentist or hygienist will gently assess your periodontal health, checking the gums for signs of inflammation, recession, or bone loss.
If clinically indicated, we may recommend a Scale and Polish appointment to support your oral health and advise you on the recommended frequency to the hygienist.
- Digital X-Rays
To see what’s happening beneath the surface, we will take low-radiation digital X-rays, to help identify:
- Decay between teeth or under old fillings, crowns and bridges;
- Bone levels and any signs of gum disease;
- Infection or abscesses that may indicate chronic or acute infections;
- Impacted teeth or other abromalities;
Your dentist will explain these images to you and how they inform your diagnosis and future care.
Smile Assessment and Treatment Planning
After the examination, your dentist will sit down with you to discuss the findings and what the next steps might be as well as the options available for your clinical situation.
If treatment is recommended we’ll create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your priorities, budget, and time frame. This might include:
- Fillings or crown/bridge work
- Hygiene therapy for gum health
- Cosmetic improvements like whitening or bonding
- Further assessments for Invisalign® or conventional orthodontics
- Further assessments for dental implants or complex restorative work
You’ll receive a written copy of your plan, with clear costs, timelines, and options. We’ll also explain our payment plans and monthly care memberships, designed to help you spread the cost and protect your smile year-round.
Nervous About the Dentist? You’re Not Alone
We understand that dental visits can be nerve-wracking for some. That’s why our team is trained in managing dental anxiety with empathy, patience, and gentle techniques. We also offer conscious sedation for more complex procedures or very nervous patients.
Your first visit is the perfect time to let us know how you’re feeling so we can tailor your care to help you feel safe and supported every step of the way.
Going Beyond the Basic Care
What sets Inspired Dental Care apart is our commitment to preventive, minimally invasive, and aesthetic-focused dentistry. We don’t just aim to treat existing problems; we strive to help you prevent them and feel confident in your smile.
During your new patient examination, we can also discuss additional treatments and options such as:
- Composite Bonding and veneering;
- Teeth Whitening;
- Invisalign® Clear aligners or conventional Orthodontics;
- Facial Aesthetics including Botox® and dermal fillers;
- Dental Implants;
- Dentures;
Some of these treatments may medical-legally require a dedicated consultation allowing us to focus fully on that area and create a detailed, personalised treatment plan. Additional assessments or advanced planning will incur further fees, which will be clearly discussed with you in advance, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making at every step.
Everything we do is designed to help you look good, feel good, and stay healthy.
Final Thoughts
Your New Patient Examination at Inspired Dental Care is so much more than a quick check. It’s the beginning of a relationship with a team that genuinely cares about your wellbeing, your smile goals, and your comfort.
With extended appointment times, state-of-the-art technology, and a team of award-nominated clinicians, we’re proud to offer modern dentistry with a personal touch, right here in the heart of Exeter.
So, whether you’re looking for a fresh start, a second opinion, or a practice that makes you feel seen and heard, we’d love to welcome you and help achieve the bespoke smile you deserve.
Ready to Book Your First Visit?
Contact us via inspireddentalcare.co.uk or call the practice on 01392 272385 to book your New Patient Examination. We look forward to meeting you and supporting your dental journey with care, compassion, and clinical excellence.
