What happens at a New Patient Clinic

You will be sent an appointment to attend the orthodontic new patient clinic. This is based on the central outpatients site. Car parking in the surrounding area is for staff use only, so please ensure that you have adequate time to park your car in a designated visitor space.

You will first have to report to orthodontic reception. The receptionist will take your details and confirm your address and telephone contact numbers. They also require the details of your doctor and general dentist.  

An orthodontic assessment is very similar to a dental check up that you have at your dentist. You will usually be seen by a consultant orthodontist, but you may be assessed by an orthodontic registrar, working under the supervision of a consultant. Your first visit is nothing to worry about. We just want to meet you and look at your teeth. We won't be giving you a brace straight away and we won't be taking any teeth out!

First of all, we'll count your teeth and maybe take an X-ray picture. We will then chat with you to try to find out what you think about the way your teeth look and how you feel about wearing a brace. This orthodontic assessment takes around 20 minutes.

Following your consultation you will either:

• Be discharged from the orthodontic department and referred back to your dentist
• Another appointment will be made to discuss your treatment further
• An appointment will be made for you to attend our orthodontic education clinic prior to your name being added to our treatment waiting list

   

As with other specialities in the hospital, new patient clinics are often very busy and you may not be seen at your exact appointment time. We always endeavour to see patients at their allocated appointment time but sometimes a delay is unavoidable.

Please make sure that you have given the receptionist details of your dentist as a letter following your new patient consultation will be sent to both your own dentist and the referring dentist detailing the outcome of the assessment. If you would like a copy of the letter please ask the consultant, who will be happy to arrange this.

Back to Your first visit to the Orthodontics Department