Bring your dental plan card, a photo ID, a list of the medicines you take, and any recent X-rays or records from your last dentist. Before the visit, our team can check your dental coverage for free, so you know what to expect. At the appointment, your dentist reviews your mouth and health history, explains what they see, and talks through next steps. You decide what to do after your questions are answered.
Pure Santa Ana Dentist is a family run practice at 1125 17th St, Suite E227, in Santa Ana. We accept Denti-Cal, Medi-Cal and CalOptima dental plans. This article walks through what to bring, how the coverage check works, and what the first appointment is like.
Why Does the Coverage Check Come First?
Dental plans have their own rules, and those rules can change. What a plan covers depends on the plan and on the patient’s situation, so no office can tell you what your coverage includes until it looks at your plan. That is why we check your dental coverage for free before your visit. Our team goes over your plan and explains what it may cover for your visit, so you are not surprised when you arrive.
You can ask for this check when you book a visit online or when you call our office at (714) 705-6852 during business hours. Tell us which plan you have. If you are not sure what your card says, that is fine. Bring the card with you and our team will look at it with you.
What Should I Bring to My First Visit?
Plan on bringing these items:
- Your dental plan card. This may be Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, CalOptima or another dental plan.
- A photo ID.
- A list of any medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
- Any recent X-rays or dental records from your previous dentist, if you have them. If you do not have them, you can still come in. Your dentist will take the images they need.
- Your questions, written down if that helps. Patients often forget what they wanted to ask once they are in the chair.
If you have a list of the problems you are noticing, such as a sensitive tooth, a chipped tooth or bleeding gums, bring that too. Describing when the problem started and what makes it better or worse gives your dentist useful information.
Why Do People Use Different Names for Their Coverage?
You may hear the same coverage called Medi-Cal dental, Denti-Cal or CalOptima dental. Patients use these names in different ways, which can make a card hard to read. Our office accepts all three, and our team can look at your card with you at the visit. Use the name printed on your card when you talk to our staff. That helps us find the right information quickly.
We also accept other dental insurance, including PPO and indemnity plans, and Smile California dental plans. If you have one of those plans, bring that card as well.
What Happens at the Appointment?
The first visit is mostly a conversation and an exam. Your dentist will review your mouth and your health history. They may ask about medicines, past dental work, and any pain or concerns you have. Then they will examine your teeth and gums and explain what they see in plain language.
Our office uses electronic records and digital imaging. Digital X-rays use less radiation than traditional film X-rays, and the images help your dentist see details clearly. Depending on your needs, your dentist may use tools such as a Cerec machine, a CT scan, a diode laser or an Itero scanner. Your dentist will tell you which tools they plan to use for your care and why.
At the end of the visit, your dentist will tell you what they recommend and why. You can ask questions before you decide anything. Our team will also tell you what your plan may cover for the recommended care. If something is not clear, ask again. Nobody should leave with a plan they do not understand.
What Services Can I Ask About?
Our team offers general and specialty care. Patients with Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal or CalOptima coverage can ask about:
- Cleanings and exams
- Fillings, including tooth-colored restorations
- Tooth extractions and oral surgery
- Root canal treatment
- Gum disease treatment
- Dentures
- Emergency dental care
Whether a specific service is covered depends on your plan. We will check this before your visit and explain your options. Our office does not offer a list of prices in this article, because the cost depends on your plan and the care your dentist recommends.
What Affects the Cost of My Visit?
The amount you pay depends on your plan and on the treatment your dentist recommends. A basic exam is different from a visit that includes X-rays and a treatment plan, and a plan’s benefits decide what is covered. Because plans differ, we cannot give you a single number for a visit.
Here is how we can help with cost:
- Free coverage check: We check your dental eligibility and explain your benefits before your visit.
- Finance plans: We have finance plans available for patients who want to spread out payments.
- Questions at the start: Ask our team what you need to know when you book. We will tell you what we know and what we still need to check.
What If I Have a Dental Emergency?
Dental pain does not wait for a convenient time. If you have a toothache or a broken tooth, call our office during business hours and tell our staff you need to be seen right away. We try to see emergency patients the same day during office hours. For after-hours scheduling, use the online booking link on our website.
What Happens After the Visit?
Your dentist will explain how to care for any treated area and when to come back. Follow those instructions, and call our office if you have questions or if something does not feel right. Regular checkups help your dentist notice changes in your mouth over time, which is one reason to keep your follow-up visits.
Who Will I Meet at the Office?
Our team includes Dr. Khaef, Dr. Steven Vu and Dr. Nguyen, who are dentists. Dom Boudreaux is our Accounts Manager, Donovan Rodriguez is our Lead Dental Assistant, Becky Martinez is our Clear Aligner Specialist, and Joel Galindo is our Treatment Coordinator. We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
We are a family run practice, and we aim to make every visit feel welcoming. If you are new to dental care or it has been a long time since your last visit, tell us. We will take the time to explain each step.
When Should I See a Dentist Sooner?
See a dentist as soon as you can if you have severe tooth pain, swelling in your face or jaw, bleeding that will not stop, or a tooth that has been knocked out or broken. Do not wait for a routine appointment in those cases. If your problem is less urgent, a first visit is still the right step. Your dentist can check it, explain your options and help you plan the next steps.
Ready to Book Your First Visit?
You can learn more about Denti-Cal, Medi-Cal and CalOptima dental care on our website, or call (714) 705-6852 during office hours. Tell us which plan you have and ask for the free coverage check. Then bring your card, your ID and your questions, and we will take it from there.
Questions patients ask
Do I need to bring a referral?
Our office will look at your card with you during the visit and check your coverage before you come in.
What if I do not have my old X-rays?
You can still come in for your first visit. Your dentist will take the images they need during the appointment, using digital imaging.
Will I know what my plan covers before I come in?
Yes, if you ask. We check your dental coverage for free before your visit and explain what your plan may cover. The result depends on your plan, so the check is the best way to plan.
Can I bring a family member with me?
Yes. Many patients bring a family member for support, especially for a first visit. Let our team know who is coming with you when you book.
What should I do if I need care the same day?
Call our office during business hours and tell our staff it is urgent. We try to see emergency patients the same day during office hours. After hours, use the online booking link on our website.
