Why we ask you to fill these in first
Filling in your forms before you arrive is a small thing that makes a real difference to your first appointment at our Halifax office. It means less time at the front desk and more of your visit spent with Dr. Catherine McLeod, actually talking about your smile rather than working through paperwork. Your medical and dental history matters too. Knowing about your general health, any medications you take, and past dental work helps us plan treatment that is safe and right for you, rather than discovering an important detail halfway through.
None of it takes long, and there is no need to prepare anything special beforehand. If you are unsure about a particular answer, leave it and we will fill in the gaps together when you come in. The point is simply to arrive with the basics already down on paper.
What the forms cover
There is nothing complicated here. You will complete a short registration form with your contact and insurance details, and a medical and dental history that asks about your general health, any medications and previous dental treatment. Booking your child in? You simply fill these in on their behalf, and one set of forms covers each patient, so a family with two children in treatment completes a set for each.
If you have orthodontic insurance, adding the policy details up front lets our team check your coverage and direct-bill on your behalf, so you are not left out of pocket unnecessarily. Everything you share stays confidential and is used only to plan and provide your care.
Getting ready for your first visit
On the day, bring your completed forms, your insurance information and a list of any medications. If another practice has taken recent X-rays, ask for them to be forwarded so we do not repeat anything needlessly. Your first consultation is free, and no referral from a dentist is needed to be seen.
If you would rather complete the paperwork in the office on Spring Garden Road, or you get stuck on a question, our team here in Halifax is happy to help, in person or over the phone on 902-817-6453. You can find more about what to expect on your new patient visit, so you arrive knowing exactly how the appointment will unfold.
With the admin out of the way, your first visit can be what it should be: a proper look and a proper conversation. Dr. Catherine McLeod examines your teeth and bite, usually with a comfortable digital iTero scan rather than putty impressions, and explains what she sees, without jargon. If treatment would help, you leave with a clear plan and an exact, written quote, and there is never any pressure to start on the day.