Walking into a dental office for the first time can feel like a lot. You might not know what to expect, how long it takes, whether it will hurt, or what they’ll find. If you’ve been putting off scheduling that first visit, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in four adults in the U.S. have untreated tooth decay, and many avoid the dentist simply because they don’t know what the appointment involves.
At Nasso, Olsen & Napolitano in Staten Island, we hear this every week. Patients tell us they waited months, or even years, because they weren’t sure what to expect. Our goal with this guide is to walk you through your first visit step by step so you can come in prepared, relaxed, and ready to take care of your smile.
Our Team Has Been Serving Staten Island Families for Decades
When you walk through our doors, you’re not seeing a corporate dental chain. You’re visiting a Staten Island practice built on relationships and deep community roots.
Dr. Ron Napolitano is a lifelong Staten Island resident. He attended Monsignor Farrell High School right here on the Island, graduated from Fordham University, and earned his DDS at NYU. He has spent his entire career giving back to the community he grew up in, with advanced training in implant and cosmetic dentistry through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Eleanor Olsen, DDS, FAGD, brings an extraordinary level of academic and clinical experience to every patient. A graduate of Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery, she has served as Dental Director of Coney Island Hospital since 1985 and earned her prestigious Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2007, an honor fewer than 7% of dentists in the country achieve.
Together with Drs. Cangialosi, Tantaway, Accardo, and Kabilo, our team brings a wide range of specialties under one roof. You can meet our full dental team and learn about each provider’s background before your appointment.
We Welcome Patients From Across Staten Island’s South Shore
Our office draws patients from neighborhoods throughout Staten Island, including Tottenville, Great Kills, Annadale, Arden Heights, Huguenot, Rossville, and the surrounding South Shore communities. Many of our patients have been coming to us for years and have referred their children, parents, and neighbors.
If you’re new to the area or haven’t had a regular dentist in a while, our first appointment is designed to give you a complete picture of your oral health and help you build a long-term care plan that fits your life.
We’re open six days a week, which means you don’t have to take a day off work or rearrange your schedule to keep your dental health on track. Contact us online or call us at (718) 948-5111 to find a time that works for you.
What to Do Before You Arrive: Setting Yourself Up for a Smooth Visit
A little preparation before your first appointment makes the experience much easier for everyone. Here’s what we recommend doing in the days leading up to your visit.
First, gather your insurance information. If you have dental insurance, locate your insurance card and know your provider’s name and member ID. We’ll handle the rest of the verification on our end, but having this ready saves time at check-in. We work with most major insurance plans and are happy to help you understand your coverage.
Second, prepare a list of your current medications and any supplements you take. This is especially important for patients managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis, as some medications affect dental treatment. Your full medical picture helps our dentists make the safest, most effective decisions for your care.
Third, jot down any dental concerns or questions you want to raise. Whether it’s a tooth that’s been sensitive to cold, a spot on your gums that looks different, or a question about whitening options, bring it up. Your first appointment is a conversation, not just an exam.
Finally, arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early if it’s your first visit. New patient paperwork is part of every first appointment, and getting it done before you’re called back keeps things moving smoothly.
Step by Step: What Happens During Your First Appointment
Most new patient appointments run between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on your oral health history and what we find. Here is exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Check-In and Medical History Review
When you arrive, our front desk team will greet you and confirm your insurance and contact information. You’ll complete a short medical history form if you haven’t already done so online. Your dentist will review this before coming in to see you.
Dental X-Rays
For most new patients, we take a full set of digital X-rays. These images allow our dentists to see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, including early cavities, bone loss, impacted teeth, and infections that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Our digital X-ray technology uses significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays, and the images appear on screen within seconds.
Meeting Your Dentist
Once your X-rays are ready, your dentist will come in, review your health history, and talk with you about any concerns you mentioned. This is a real conversation. They want to understand not just what’s happening with your teeth today, but what your goals are for your smile long-term.
Comprehensive Dental Exam
Your dentist will examine each tooth and your bite, checking for signs of decay, cracks, worn enamel, or bite problems. They’ll probe around your gumline to check for signs of gum disease, which affects nearly half of adults over 30, according to the American Dental Association. Catching it early makes treatment much simpler.
Oral Cancer Screening
Every new patient exam at our office includes an oral cancer screening. Our dentist will visually examine your lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, and throat for any unusual tissue changes. The screening takes only a minute or two and requires no special tools. When oral cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher. This is one of the most important things we do at a first appointment, and it’s included in every new patient visit at no extra charge.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, including along the gumline where your toothbrush can’t reach. No matter how well you brush and floss at home, tartar buildup requires professional tools to remove. After scaling, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and leave your mouth feeling completely fresh. Learn more about what to expect from our dental cleaning services.
Your Treatment Plan
If the exam reveals any areas that need attention, your dentist will walk you through a treatment plan before you leave. They’ll explain what was found, why it matters, what your options are, and what happens if you wait. There’s no pressure. Our goal is to give you clear information so you can make the best decision for your health and your budget.
What If You’re Nervous? We Hear This More Than You’d Think
Dental anxiety is real and far more common than most people admit. Some patients feel a low level of nervousness. Others experience significant fear that has kept them out of the dentist’s chair for years. We have seen it all, and we do not judge.
A few things that help our anxious patients: Tell our front desk team when you call. Just saying “I’m a little nervous about dental appointments” allows us to schedule extra time, pair you with a dentist who is especially calm and patient, and walk you through everything before it happens. We also offer sedation options for patients who need a deeper level of comfort during treatment.
After Your Appointment: Building a Plan for a Healthy Smile
Most patients leave their first appointment with a clear picture of where their oral health stands and a concrete plan to move forward. Depending on what we find, that might mean scheduling a follow-up for a filling or two, setting up a deep cleaning if gum disease is present, or simply confirming that everything looks great and booking your next routine visit in six months.
Between appointments, the best things you can do are brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and limit sugary beverages. If you’re unsure about your flossing technique, our step-by-step flossing guide is worth bookmarking. Small habits make an enormous difference in what we find at your next cleaning.
We’ll also send you reminders when your next appointment is coming up, so you don’t have to keep track on your own. Our patients in Tottenville, Great Kills, and across the South Shore find it easy to stay consistent when reminders are built into the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Visit to Our Staten Island Office
How long does a first dental appointment take?
Most first appointments at our office run between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes X-rays, a full exam, an oral cancer screening, and a professional cleaning. If additional treatment is needed, we’ll discuss it at this appointment and schedule a separate visit rather than rushing through it.
Do I need dental insurance to come in?
No. We welcome patients with and without insurance. If you do have coverage, we work with most major dental insurance plans and will help you understand your benefits before treatment begins. For patients without insurance, we offer flexible payment options and will always discuss costs with you upfront.
Will my teeth be cleaned at the first appointment?
In most cases, yes. We typically complete X-rays, the exam, and a cleaning all at the first visit. If more extensive treatment is needed, such as a deep cleaning for gum disease, that will be scheduled as a separate appointment so we can give it the time it deserves.
How Do I Schedule My First Appointment at Your Staten Island office?
You can call us directly at (718) 948-5111 or use our online scheduling through our contact page. We’re open six days a week with morning and afternoon availability, which makes it easy to find a time that fits around work, school, or family commitments. We look forward to meeting you.
Your first dental visit does not have to be stressful. With the right team behind you, it becomes the first step toward a smile you feel confident about. Whether you’re coming in from Tottenville, Great Kills, Annadale, or anywhere else across Staten Island, we’re here to make it easy. Call (718) 948-5111 or book your appointment online today.