Your
First
Visit
We thank you for choosing West Wind!
Our West Wind Dental team welcomes you to our dental practice in Portage, Michigan! Our goal is to ensure that you have an exceptional experience from start to finish and that the care you receive is innovative, comprehensive, and efficient.
Before Your Appointment
Please read and complete the patient forms below and bring them with you to your reserved dental appointment. If you have an email address or cell phone number on file with our office, we would be happy to send you a link to fill out these forms electronically without the need to print them, if that would be more convenient. If you are unable to complete the new patient paperwork prior to your appointment, we may not be able to complete your appointment as scheduled.
If you have x-rays at another office please contact your previous provider to sign their release form and have the records sent to our office before you check in for your reserved appointment. Digital records can be sent to info@westwindsmiles.com. If you do not have current records to transfer, or are unable to do so prior to your appointment, please plan to have them completed with us at your first appointment.
If you have dental insurance that you would like billed for your appointment, please be sure to contact our office in advance of arriving for your visit to provide us with the information. Doing so will ensure that we are able to verify your coverage and benefits. If we are unable to verify insurance coverage prior to checking in for your appointment, the bill for your visit will be patient responsibility and will be collected at time of service. Also, please bring your insurance card and or billing information to every appointment.
When You Arrive
Upon arrival, our friendly dental office staff will greet you. Your new patient paperwork will be reviewed, insurance cards collected, and all pre-appointment questions will be answered. This process can take some time, so we ask that all patients arrive a few minutes early to avoid any scheduling conflicts. When scheduled a week or more in advance for your new patient comprehensive appointment, your paperwork will be emailed or texted to you. If you do not have an email address or cell phone number on file with us, please print off and complete the forms found in the Patient Forms link. Paperwork can be mailed at the request of the patient if they are unable to print the paperwork from the website or receive it electronically via text or email.
Once the intake process is completed, you will be escorted back by one of our hygienists. Necessary radiographs will be taken, follow-up health and dental history questions will be reviewed, and a comprehensive periodontal screening will be completed. Dr. Hamilton will then evaluate all information provided and perform a thorough oral cancer screening. A full comprehensive exam, including your head and neck, will be completed and treatment options/plans created.
If there are no pressing dental concerns, one of our highly skilled hygienists will complete your prophylactic cleaning. In case of emergency dental issues, the dentist may decide to postpone your cleaning until the urgent dental issue is addressed. In this case, your dental cleaning will be scheduled for a future date.
Upon completion of your appointment, our front desk team members will present you with options for scheduling treatment needs and are able to provide estimates and payment options at the patient’s request. Friendly reminders will be provided via personal phone call and text and/or email for future scheduled appointments.
If you are unable to keep the appointment that we have reserved for you, please contact us via phone or text to cancel a minimum of 2 business days in advance to avoid a cancellation fee. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns by calling 269-381-7770.
