Getting Started

Benjamin Franklin (or Aristotle – I always forget which) said, “Any job, once begun, is half done.”

There’s a lot of truth in that. The hardest part is taking the first steps toward what you want.

Let’s take a look at what happens when you call our Wappingers Falls dental office for the first time Or when you click on Request an Appointment. Take a minute and go through the steps with us. It's an easy read.

You'll talk with Joan first.

Whether you are looking for general restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Perio Protect, ClearCorrect invisible orthodontics, Snap-On Smile, or for migraine, headache or TMJ help, the first person you will almost certainly talk with is Joan.

You'll like Joan. Joan is our Patient Care Coordinator. Joan is friendly, smart and effective. She will listen to you and you will feel that she understands what you’re saying. Joan will help you make the right kind of initial appointment for what you need. And she will collect some information that will help us get ready for your visit.

She will tell you about the basic information forms we need to start getting to know you. Those forms are actually available here on the web site. When you need them, just check the link at the left called Forms. You can do these forms in two ways: Either download them and mail them back. Or fill them out online and send them in right from there. Either way works, although online is faster and doesn't need an envelope or stamps.

Joan will tell you all about this, so don’t worry about it.

Of course, if it’s an emergency sort of thing, Joan will bypass all that and bring you in ASAP.

Your next stop is with Dr. Ross.

One of Dr. Ross’ early mentors told him this: “Never treat a stranger.” Dr. Ross will sit down with you and get acquainted. He’ll be very interested in your goals for dental care – your “wish list” – and he’ll want to know a little about your dental history. This is a conversation, not an interrogation. Dr. Ross wants to know the best ways to help you and he’s a good listener.

Usually the next step is what dentists call record taking. Our terrific dental assistant Jennifer will normally do this with you. You'll like her, too.

Definitely x-rays and photos. We take a lot of photos in our office because a photo is a million times better than a written description. The photos we take also make it possible for Dr. Ross to study your situation when you’re not even here. And sometimes we make other records depending on your situation, like impressions for models of your teeth to study. Whatever is needed.

You'll have an interesting and comfortable examination.

Of course we need to take a close look at your mouth. The way we do this is with you. Dr. Ross believes that it’s your mouth and the more you know the better. Using your photos, your x-rays and you, we’ll take a tour together of your mouth to discover exactly what your deal is. No, not just problems. We want to know what’s working well, what’s strong and what doesn’t need to be worried about as well as what's not the way you want it to be.

If your needs are straightforward, decisions about your care can be made with you right there. If your situation is a little more complex, you’ll might have another visit for that. If that's the case, Dr. Ross will create a document for you summarizing everything. Your wish list, the evaluation findings and our recommendations for reaching your goals will all be there and organized. It’s a sort of “road map” to take you where you want to be. You’ll have a copy for yourself.

Once those decisions are made, Joan will help you with the economics and time needs for your plan. She’s very good at that. You might be surprised how possible things are when a smart helpful person gets things organized.

And then it's showtime!

Off we go. We’ll work your plan at the rate that works for you.

A great beginning is the foundation for a great experience. We believe in great beginnings.

So if you have something on your dental wish list and have been thinking about it, take that step. It's so easy. Just click here, or pick up the phone and call 845-297-6206. Or send us an e-mail. We'll help you take it from there.

Dr. Steven Ross is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist, with special interests in TMJ, migraine headaches, snoring and sleep apnea, conservative periodontal care and invisible orthodontics, serving patients in the Wappingers Falls, Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Newburgh, Dutchess County and surrounding areas with care and concern. To schedule a visit call our Wappingers Falls dental office today or click on Request an Appointment here on the web site.