Patient questions

How do I reschedule or cancel an appointment?

Life happens. Call or text (360) 293-8421 and we'll move it. We text you a reminder 48 hours before your appointment, and we ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or move it, so we can offer the time to someone who's waiting. If something urgent comes up inside 24 hours, please call.

If appointments are missed more than twice without notice, we may ask you to book short-notice openings instead of reserved times.

What if I'm running late?

Call or text us as soon as you know. The sooner we hear from you, the more we can do: often we can adjust the appointment or how we're using our rooms that day to fit you in. If we don't hear from you, we may not be able to.

Can I get in sooner?

Often, yes. People's schedules change, and when they do, times open up. Tell us your schedule and when you're available, and we can often get you in much sooner than your booked date. For treatment you need, this is sometimes the fastest way in.

What are your hours?

Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, at 901 8th Street in Anacortes. Extra parking is behind the building.

How do I book an appointment?

Call or text (360) 293-8421. We'll confirm by text within one business day.

How long is a visit?

A new patient visit is about 70 minutes. A cleaning visit runs about an hour.

Am I due for a cleaning?

Most people come every six months. Some come every three or four months because of gum health, and we'll tell you which you are and why. Not sure when you're due? Text us and we'll look it up.

Do I need to fill out paperwork before my first visit?

Yes, please. Fill out your forms online before you come. It takes about ten minutes, and everything you send goes straight into your chart, so the doctor has it before you sit down. Fill out your forms.

I already filled out my forms. Why did I get another message?

A second message is usually about your appointment itself, or a form that wasn't finished the first time. Please read it closely: if we've sent something twice, it's probably important. Not sure? Text us and we'll check.

How do I get my records from my previous dentist?

Just give us the name of your previous dentist and we'll request everything, including x-rays. You don't need to call them yourself. Records usually take a couple of business days to arrive, so let us know as early as you can before your visit.

How do I send my records to another dentist?

Email [email protected] and we'll release them. It takes a little time, and we can usually get it done within a couple of business days. Please ask before your appointment with your new dentist, not on the day.

Will you contact my current dentist?

No. We won't contact your current dentist until you tell us to.

Will I get a cleaning at my first visit?

Usually not. Your first visit is a full exam, and your cleaning is its own visit. The right cleaning depends on what the exam shows: if there's active gum disease, a regular cleaning isn't the right treatment, and we'll explain why. We'll tell you which cleaning you need and get it scheduled.

Do you take my insurance?

Yes, we work with your insurance. We're in network with GEHA, Premera Blue Cross and many other plans (see the list). With other plans, including Delta Dental, we're out of network. Many of those plans have strong out-of-network benefits, and we file the claim for you either way.

What dental insurance do you recommend?

If your employer pays for it, take it. If you'd be paying the premiums yourself, we don't recommend it: for most people, you pay more and receive less. See the math.

Are you in network with Delta Dental?

We're not a contracted Delta Dental provider, but that matters less than it sounds. Many Delta plans have excellent out-of-network benefits, and for patients on those plans a visit here costs about the same as anywhere else. Coverage varies from plan to plan, so we check yours before your visit and tell you what to expect.

Will you file my insurance claim?

Yes. We file the claim for you, in network or out. Before any significant treatment we check your specific plan and give you a written estimate.

My insurance changed. What do I do?

Text a photo of the front and back of your new card to (360) 293-8421. That's the best way. We'll check your benefits before you arrive so there are no surprises at checkout. If your coverage ended, tell us: we'll re-estimate your visit at our base fees, and if you'll be without insurance for a while, ask about the Sound Dental Plan.

What if insurance pays less than my estimate?

We research your benefits before we give you a treatment plan, and we stand behind our estimates. If your insurance pays less than we told you because of something we should have caught, we take care of the difference. If it's because of something we couldn't have known, like a plan that lapsed or information that changed, the balance is yours.

Why do I have a balance after my visit?

Your estimate comes from real research into your plan, but the insurance company has the final say on what it pays, and sometimes the number moves. We ask that any balance be paid within 60 days, whether or not insurance has paid yet. We keep working the claim after that and make sure everyone ends up square, refunding you if insurance pays more.

Can I make payments?

We don't offer in-house financing, but we do accept CareCredit. Just as important, we can plan your treatment in stages: we take care of what needs attention now, and schedule the rest to make the most of your insurance benefits and fit around everything else going on in your life. Tell us what you're working with and we'll plan with you.

How do I pay my bill?

Online, any time: pay your bill. The amount is listed under NEW BALANCE on your statement. Or call us and we'll take it over the phone.

Do you have a plan for people without insurance?

Yes, the Sound Dental Plan. $579 a year covers your exams, cleanings and x-rays and takes 15% off everything else. It's a membership with a standing discount, not insurance.

Can I join the plan at my first visit?

Yes, and it's the best time to join. The plan covers that whole first appointment, your first cleaning, your next cleaning after it, and discounts whatever treatment we plan together.

Does the plan cover my kids?

Each person joins on their own plan, at the same price for adults and kids. Most families sign everyone up at the same visit.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Swelling in your face or jaw, a fever with tooth pain, pain that woke you up, or pain that won't settle. Call or text us and come in today. Swelling plus pain is the combination that means don't wait. More on dental emergencies.

Do I need antibiotics before my dental visit?

Most people don't need them anymore. If you have a joint replacement that's healing normally, current ADA guidance is that premedication generally isn't recommended, and if your orthopaedic surgeon does want it, they should be the one to prescribe it. A small number of specific heart conditions do still call for premedication. Tell us your history and we'll sort it out with you and your physician before your visit, rather than at the front desk.

I'm sick. Should I still come in?

If you have a fever, feel actively unwell, or have a cold sore that's blistering, call us and we'll move you. You won't be penalized for it. A mild sniffle is usually fine.

I'm pregnant. Is dental care safe?

Tell us. Routine dental care is safe and important during pregnancy, and we'll adjust what we take and when.

Do I really need this treatment?

Never leave here unsure why something was recommended. Ask us to show you: we take photos and x-rays so you can see what we see. If you want a second opinion, say so, and we'll send your records anywhere you like at no charge. If you'd rather wait, tell us that too. We'll tell you honestly what waiting is likely to cost you, and then it's your call.

Will I be referred to a specialist?

Most dental needs are taken care of right here, including extractions and implants, so you usually don't have to go anywhere else. We refer when a specialist genuinely gives you a better result. If we refer you, we'll tell you exactly why and send your records ahead so you're not repeating yourself.