New Patient Dentist Appointment: What to Expect During Your First Visit

Finding a dentist who will take you on has become genuinely hard. A 2024 investigation by the Daily Mirror and the British Dental Association found that up to 96% of dental practices in England could not take on new adult NHS patients. So if you have been searching for a dentist taking new patients and coming up short, you are not doing anything wrong, and you are far from alone.

The good news: as a private practice, Landmark Dental welcomes new patients from Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding area, with a new patient examination currently £50 (including two small screening X-rays). This guide explains exactly what happens at a new patient dentist appointment, what your exam includes, how to register, and what to bring, so you can book your first visit knowing what to expect.

Struggling to find a dentist taking new patients?

If your search so far has been one “not accepting new patients” message after another, that reflects the state of NHS dentistry rather than anything about you. There is also a common misunderstanding worth clearing up: Healthwatch England found that 68% of people wrongly believe they can register with an NHS dentist for life, the way they sign up with a GP. In reality NHS dental care works appointment by appointment, and when local NHS places dry up, many people move to a private practice for continuity and quicker access.

That is where a private practice helps. At Landmark Dental we are a dentist taking new patients now, without long waiting lists, so you can get seen, get a plan, and stay with the same team going forward.

What happens at a new patient dentist appointment

A first visit is more thorough than a routine review, because your dentist is building a complete picture of your mouth from scratch. Here is the actual sequence, so nothing catches you off guard.

Your history first

Before looking in your mouth, your dentist goes through your medical history, any medication you take, and past dental treatment. Some conditions and medicines change how care is planned, so this keeps your treatment safe. It is not just paperwork.

A full examination

Your dentist then checks your teeth and any existing fillings or crowns, the health of your gums, how your teeth bite together, your jaw movement, and the soft tissues of your cheeks, tongue and the floor of your mouth. This is also when an oral cancer screening happens: a quick, painless look for anything unusual. Mouth cancer is far more treatable when caught early, which is one of the quietest but most valuable reasons a first appointment matters.

Gum health and X-rays

Healthy gums hold healthy teeth in place, so your dentist looks specifically for early inflammation or gum disease. If there is a reason to look beneath the surface, such as decay hiding between teeth or a question about a root, low-dose digital X-rays may be taken. They are only done when they will genuinely change what your dentist can see or advise.

A clear, no-pressure plan

At the end, you will hear what was found and what, if anything, is worth doing, with the cost explained up front. If you feel anxious about any of this, say so when you book. We regularly treat nervous patients and will explain everything as we go. For more on the booking side of things, see our guide on how to book a dentist appointment online.

What your new patient exam includes

The Landmark Dental new patient examination is currently £50 and is a full assessment of your oral health rather than a quick look. It includes a review of your medical and dental history, a complete examination of your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues, an oral cancer screening, two small screening X-rays, and a personalised plan with any recommended next steps and their costs. You can see our full price list on the fees and offers page.

How often will you need to come back?

This is where a lot of dental advice gets it wrong. The old “see your dentist every six months” line is habit, not official guidance. NICE guideline CG19 recommends that adults are given a recall interval anywhere from 3 to 24 months, set to their individual risk and agreed with them. A low-risk patient with a stable, healthy mouth may safely stretch to 12, 18 or even 24 months, while someone managing gum disease or frequent decay might return every three. Your dentist works yours out at your first examination and adjusts it over time.

What to bring to your first appointment

To help your visit run smoothly, bring a list of any medication you take, brief details of your medical history or allergies, the name of your previous dentist if you have one, and any questions you want to ask. If you have recent X-rays or notes from another practice, those are useful too, but do not worry if you do not have them. Your dentist will build a fresh record either way.

Treatments we can plan from your first visit

Most new patients simply need a check-up and a clean, and nothing more. But because your first appointment gives your dentist the full picture, it is also the starting point for anything you might want to look into later, such as a dental hygiene visit to keep your gums healthy, dental implants to replace a missing tooth, or Invisalign to straighten your teeth discreetly. There is never any pressure. Your dentist recommends what is clinically appropriate and explains why.

Areas we cover

Landmark Dental is a private dental practice in Apsley, welcoming new patients from across the area:

• Hemel Hempstead and Apsley
• Kings Langley, including dental implants near Kings Langley
• Luton, where we also have a dedicated dentist in Luton page
• Watford and the surrounding villages

Wherever you are travelling from, registering as a new patient takes only a few minutes.

Ready to register as a new patient?

Whether it is your first visit in years or you are simply moving to a practice that has room for you, becoming a new patient at Landmark Dental is straightforward. You can book your appointment online, call us on 01442 269 826, or get in touch and our friendly team will find you a time that suits.

Frequently asked questions

Are you a dentist taking new patients?

Yes. Landmark Dental is a private practice welcoming new patients from Hemel Hempstead, Apsley, Kings Langley, Luton, Watford and nearby. You can register as a new patient online or by getting in touch.

Do you take new NHS patients?

Landmark Dental is a private practice, so we do not register new NHS patients. Many people come to us after struggling to find NHS availability locally, because private care means quicker access and continuity with the same team. Our new patient examination is currently £50.

How long does a new patient dentist appointment take?

Usually around 30 to 45 minutes. That is longer than a routine review, because your dentist is building a full record of your mouth, going through your history, and explaining any findings and options.

What is included in a new patient dental exam?

A full examination of your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues, an oral cancer screening, digital X-rays if clinically useful, and a clear written treatment plan with costs.

I have not been to the dentist for years. Will that be a problem?

Not at all. Dentists regularly welcome patients returning after a long break. Your first appointment is about understanding your oral health now and giving you a plan to move forward, not judging the past.

How often should I have a check-up?

There is no single answer for everyone. NICE guidance sets adult recall intervals between 3 and 24 months based on your individual risk, agreed with your dentist, so it may be more or less often than six months depending on your teeth and gums.

Can I register online?

Yes. You can book your first appointment online in minutes, or send an enquiry through our contact page and we will call you back.