Insurance We Accept
Most major dental plans including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, Anthem, and many others. We verify benefits before each visit so there are no surprises.
01 — New Patients
Welcome to Downey Family Dentistry.
Whether you have not been to a dentist in years or you are simply looking for a new dental home, we make first visits easy.
02 — Welcome
We are glad you are here.
Establishing care with a new dental practice can feel overwhelming. New office, new team, new paperwork, and sometimes a backlog of treatment that needs to be addressed. We have been there with patients many times. The first visit is easier than most people expect.
Most first appointments take about 90 minutes total. We review your medical and dental history, take a comprehensive set of X-rays (or use ones from a recent prior dentist), perform a thorough cleaning, and complete a comprehensive doctor exam. You leave with a clear understanding of your current dental health and any treatment that may be recommended.
If you have not been to a dentist in years, do not worry, we see this regularly. There is no judgment, no lectures, just a starting point to get you back on track. Patients are often surprised how quickly things improve once routine care resumes.
03 — What to Expect
Your first visit, step by step.
Most first appointments take about 90 minutes from check-in to checkout.
- 01
Check-In & Paperwork
Quick verification of insurance and review of forms you completed online before the appointment. We review your medical history and any current medications or health conditions that affect dental treatment.
- 02
Comprehensive Cleaning
30 to 45 minutes with your hygienist. Plaque and tartar removal above and below the gumline, polishing, flossing. Pocket depths around teeth are measured to evaluate gum health.
- 03
Digital X-Rays
Modern digital X-rays appropriate to your individual risk and history. Most new patients have a full-mouth set or panoramic X-ray to establish a baseline.
- 04
Doctor Exam
15 to 20 minutes with one of our doctors for comprehensive evaluation, oral cancer screening, and discussion of any findings. We use intraoral cameras to show you what we see, photos, X-rays, anything relevant.
- 05
Treatment Discussion
Honest conversation about your dental health, any treatment recommended, costs, and timing. No pressure to commit to anything during the visit. You leave with a clear plan and time to consider your options.
04 — What to Bring
Coming prepared makes things easier.
These are helpful to have ready for your first visit:
Photo ID driver's license or other government-issued identification
Insurance card if you have dental insurance, we will verify benefits before your visit
List of medications both prescription and over-the-counter, plus any supplements you take regularly
Recent dental records if you had X-rays at another dentist within the last 1 to 2 years, ask them to send images to us
Specific concerns write down anything bothering you about your teeth or gums so you do not forget to mention it
Questions about treatment bring any questions you have, no question is too small
If any of these are missing, do not worry, we can work around it. The most important thing is that you come in. We will figure out the rest.
Schedule Your First Visit05 — Insurance & Financing
Coverage and payment options.
We accept most PPO plans and offer flexible financing for patients without insurance or with significant out-of-pocket costs.
Financing Available
CareCredit financing for patients without insurance or with significant out-of-pocket costs. Spread payments over 6 to 60 months depending on the plan.
Free Consultations
Initial consultations for cosmetic, restorative, and specialty cases are free. Get a clear cost breakdown before committing to any treatment.
06 — If You Are Anxious
Dental anxiety is real, and we are ready for it.
Dental anxiety affects roughly 30 to 40 percent of adults. If you have avoided dental care because of fear, past traumatic experiences, or general discomfort with dental settings, you are not alone, and you are not stuck. We treat patients across the full spectrum of dental anxiety with the same warmth and judgment-free approach.
We offer multiple sedation options including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation depending on your needs. Many anxious patients start with sedation for their first few visits and gradually need less over time as trust builds. We support whichever path makes sense for you.
Other special considerations welcome too, sensory processing differences, mobility limitations, fear of needles, complex medical conditions, or a strong gag reflex. Let us know what would help when you schedule, and we will do what we can to accommodate.
Read more about sedation options07 — Online Paperwork
Save time at your first visit.
New patient forms are available to complete online before your appointment. Most patients save 15 to 20 minutes of waiting room time by filling these out at home.
New Patient Forms
- Patient information form
- Medical history questionnaire
- Insurance verification authorization
- HIPAA acknowledgment
- Photo and consent waiver (optional)
Prefer paper? Forms are also available at the office, just arrive 20 minutes early.
08 — Why Our Patients Choose Us
What makes us different.
There are many dental practices in the Downey area. Here is what new patients tell us made the difference.
Five doctors, including in-house specialists
Most general dental practices have one or two doctors and refer specialty cases out. We have a periodontist and an orthodontist on staff, so most patients complete every stage of care here.
Bilingual care across the entire team
Doctors, hygienists, and front desk staff provide care in English and Spanish. Communication should never be a barrier to good dental care.
Unhurried 60-minute appointments
Routine cleanings get a full hour, not 30 rushed minutes. Time for thorough care and real conversations about your dental health.
Modern, metal-free practice
Composite fillings, ceramic crowns, no mercury, no porcelain-fused-to-metal. Modern dentistry, modern materials.
Book Your Visit
Your next dental home is ready when you are.
New patients welcome. Same-week appointments available for most visits.