New Patients — What to Expect at Boulder Smile Design
Choosing a new dentist is a big deal. We don't take that lightly.
Whether you haven't been to the dentist in two years or two months, whether you're anxious or totally comfortable, whether you need a lot of work or just a cleaning — you'll be treated with the same respect, honesty, and care. No judgment. No pressure. Just great dentistry.
Here's everything you need to know before your first visit.
Before You Arrive: Save Time, Skip the Clipboard
We know nobody enjoys sitting in a waiting room filling out paperwork. That's why we offer online new patient forms you can complete from your couch before you ever walk through our door.
Complete Your New Patient Forms OnlineForms take approximately 10 minutes to complete. We recommend doing this at least 24 hours before your appointment.
What to bring on the day of your visit:
- ✓ Your dental insurance card (if applicable)
- ✓ A valid photo ID
- ✓ A list of any current medications
- ✓ Any recent dental X-rays if you have them (we can also request these from your previous dentist)
If you have dental anxiety, a complicated dental history, or specific concerns you'd like Dr. Friedman to know about before your appointment, feel free to call ahead. We'll make a note so he's prepared.
Your First Visit: A Walk-Through
We believe informed patients are comfortable patients. Here's exactly what your first appointment at Boulder Smile Design looks like:
STEP 1
A WARM WELCOME (0–10 MIN)
You'll be greeted by our front desk team, get a quick tour of the office if you'd like one, and settle in. Our lounge is designed to feel more like a boutique wellness space than a dental office — because the experience starts before you're in the chair.
STEP 2
DIGITAL X-RAYS, PHOTOS & ORAL HEALTH SCAN (10–20 MIN)
We'll take a full set of digital X-rays and intraoral photos of your teeth. We'll also perform a comprehensive oral health scan using our iTero intraoral scanner — a state-of-the-art 3D imaging tool that captures a precise digital model of your teeth and gums in minutes, with no messy impressions. Together, these give Dr. Friedman a complete, detailed picture of what's going on — including areas that aren't visible to the naked eye. Our imaging technology is fast, comfortable, and uses a fraction of the radiation of traditional X-rays.
STEP 3
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM WITH DR. FRIEDMAN (20–40 MIN)
Dr. Friedman will review your X-rays, photos, and iTero scan thoroughly, examine your teeth and gums, screen for oral cancer, and evaluate your bite and jaw. He'll also ask about your goals — whether that's simply maintaining what you have, addressing something specific, or exploring cosmetic options. This is a conversation, not a monologue.
STEP 4
CLEANING WITH OUR HYGIENIST (30–45 MIN)
In most cases, your hygiene cleaning will follow the exam during the same appointment. Our hygienists are thorough, gentle, and genuinely happy to answer questions while they work.
STEP 5
YOUR TREATMENT SUMMARY & NEXT STEPS
Before you leave, Dr. Friedman or a team member will walk you through everything found during your exam — clearly, without jargon — and present any recommended treatment. You'll receive a written summary to take home. There is never any pressure to schedule anything on the spot.
Total time for a new patient appointment: approximately 60–90 minutes.
Our No-Pressure Philosophy
We will never recommend a treatment you don't need. Full stop.
We know this is the #1 concern patients have when visiting a new dentist — and it's a fair one. The dental industry has a reputation for upselling, and some practices have earned it. We've built Boulder Smile Design around the opposite approach.
We separate findings from recommendations
Dr. Friedman will tell you exactly what he sees — a cavity, early-stage gum disease, a crack forming in a tooth — and then separately tell you what he recommends doing about it and why. You'll always understand the difference between "this needs attention now" and "this is something to watch."
We give you the information, not just the answer
If there are multiple treatment options, we'll walk you through all of them — including the option of doing nothing — with honest guidance on the trade-offs. You make the final call.
We don't work on commission
Our team is not incentivized to sell you additional services. Our only goal is your long-term oral health.
We respect your timeline and your budget
If you need to phase treatment over time for financial or personal reasons, we'll help you prioritize intelligently. We'd rather have a realistic plan you can follow than an ambitious one you can't.
If at any point during your visit something doesn't feel right — ask. Dr. Friedman welcomes questions and second opinions. That's what a trusted dentist should do.
A Tour of Our Office
Boulder Smile Design was designed intentionally — because we believe your environment shapes your experience.
Calm, bright, and welcoming. You'll find comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a space that feels more spa than sterile. We want you to exhale the moment you walk in.
Each operatory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology — including digital X-ray systems, the iTero intraoral scanner, intraoral cameras, and our in-office crown milling unit (Glidewell.io) for same-day crowns. Overhead TVs are available if you'd like a distraction during your appointment.
We use HEPA air filtration and UV light sterilization throughout the office — well above standard clinical requirements. Your safety in our environment matters.
From the Fotona laser (used for NightLase sleep apnea treatment and soft tissue procedures) to digital smile design tools, we invest in technology that makes your care faster, more comfortable, and more precise. You won't find this level of equipment at most Boulder dental practices.
Frequently Asked Questions From New Patients
How long is the first appointment?
Plan for 60–90 minutes. We'd rather take the time to do it right than rush you through.
Do I need to fill out forms in advance?
We strongly encourage it — it saves time and helps Dr. Friedman prepare. But if you didn't get a chance, just arrive 15 minutes early and we'll get you set up.
What if I haven't been to the dentist in a long time?
You're not alone, and you won't be judged. We see patients who haven't had a cleaning in years all the time. Our job is to help you get back on track, not to make you feel bad about where you've been.
Do you see anxious patients?
Absolutely. Please tell us when you book — we can adjust our approach, take more breaks, explain each step in advance, or discuss sedation options if needed. Patient comfort is genuinely our priority.
Can I get a cleaning at my first appointment?
In most cases, yes — we try to complete the exam and cleaning in the same visit to save you an extra trip.
What if I don't have insurance?
No problem. Check out our Insurance & Financing page for details on our in-house savings plan, CareCredit financing, HFD financing, and other options.
We're Looking Forward to Meeting You
Your first visit is about getting to know you — your history, your goals, your concerns — not just your teeth. We think dentistry works best when it feels like a partnership, and that starts at appointment one.