1. Request your full dental records before you leave. Your recordsX-rays, treatment history, and notes belong to you. Contact your current office and request a full copy be sent to your new dentist, or have them sent directly to you. Most offices can transfer digitally within a few days. At our office, we request these records as soon as a new patient signs on, so nothing falls through the cracks during the handoff.
2. Don't wait for a problem to make the switch. Many people wait until they're in pain to find a new dentist, which means starting the relationship in crisis mode. If you're already thinking about switching, doing it during a calm period — not an emergency gives you time to choose well and settle in before you actually need care.
3. Bring a list of your current medications and health conditions. Your new dentist needs an accurate picture of your overall health, since many medications and conditions affect dental treatment. We always start a new patient visit with a thorough health history review, not just a quick form to sign.
4. Ask about how emergencies are handled before you need one. This is one of the most overlooked questions when choosing a new dentist. Find out directly: what happens if you have a dental emergency on a weekend or after hours? At our practice, patients can reach Dr. Hernandez directly by phone or text not an answering service because that accessibility matters most exactly when you're anxious and in pain.
5. Expect a more thorough first visit than you might be used to. A good first appointment with a new dentist usually takes longer than a routine cleaning. Expect a full exam, updated X-rays if needed, and an honest conversation about your dental history and goals. This isn't the dentist padding the visit it's how they build an accurate picture of your mouth before recommending anything.
6. Be upfront about why you're switching. If you're transitioning because of a bad experience, cost concerns, or feeling rushed at your last practice, say so. A good new dentist will listen and adjust accordingly. We've had patients tell us they felt pressured into treatments elsewhere, and it directly shapes how carefully we explain our own recommendations to them.
7. Check your insurance is accepted before you book. A quick call to verify coverage or confirm out-of-pocket costs upfront avoids surprises. Our front desk team verifies insurance before your first visit so there are no surprises at checkout.
8. It's okay to feel nervous about a new dentist, that's normal. Even routine visits can bring anxiety, and starting with someone new adds an extra layer of uncertainty. A practice that takes time to explain procedures, checks in on your comfort, and doesn't rush you is worth far more than one that's simply convenient.
9. Give it one or two visits before deciding. A single visit doesn't always tell the whole story. Pay attention over your first one or two appointments: Are your questions answered clearly? Does the team remember details about you the second time? Long-term trust is built gradually, not in a single visit.
10. Look for signs of a long-term relationship, not just a transaction. The best sign of a great dental practice is one where patients stay for years, sometimes decades. Many of our patients have been with us for 10, 15, even 20+ years and that kind of loyalty is something to watch for as you settle into care with someone new. It tells you the relationship, not just the procedure, is what they're built around.
Transitioning to a new dentist doesn't have to be stressful. Dr. James I. Hernandez, DDS has helped patients move their care to our practice for over 20 years, with a smooth records transfer process and a thorough first visit every time. We proudly serve Beverly Grove, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, the Miracle Mile, Culver City and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods. Call 310-657-3100 to schedule your first visit.
