Glendale, Arizona
Your First Visit to SmileScience Dental Spa
Knowing what to expect before you walk in reduces anxiety and makes the appointment more productive. Here is exactly what happens at your first visit -- step by step -- so there are no surprises.
Before Your Appointment
A little preparation before you arrive makes the appointment more efficient and ensures we have what we need to give you complete care from the start.
What to Bring
- ✓ Photo ID
- ✓ Dental insurance card (if you have one)
- ✓ A complete list of current medications and dosages
- ✓ Any recent X-rays from a previous dentist (if available)
- ✓ Referral paperwork if sent to us by another provider
- ✓ A driver if you have requested sedation
Tell Us in Advance
- ✓ Any dental pain or specific concern you want addressed
- ✓ Dental anxiety or past bad experiences at a dentist
- ✓ Allergies -- medications, latex, or dental materials
- ✓ Heart conditions, blood thinners, or bisphosphonate use
- ✓ Pregnancy
- ✓ Cosmetic goals or anything you wish you had addressed sooner
Complete your intake forms online before you arrive. We will send you a link when you book. If you complete them ahead of time, you will not need to fill out anything at the front desk and can go straight to your operatory when you arrive. If you prefer to complete them in the office, plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
The Environment
This Is a Dental Spa -- Not a Clinic
The name "Dental Spa" is intentional. Many patients arrive at SmileScience expecting the standard dental office experience -- fluorescent lights, sterile waiting rooms, the sound of equipment before you even sit down. What they find is different.
The environment is calm and modern. Soft lighting, comfortable chairs, and a team that is genuinely unhurried. This matters especially for patients who have avoided the dentist because of anxiety or past bad experiences.
You will be greeted by name. If you would like a tour before your appointment begins, just ask. Our goal is for you to feel oriented and comfortable before we even start.
Step by Step: What Happens at Your First Visit
A comprehensive new patient appointment at SmileScience typically runs 60 to 90 minutes. Here is exactly what happens, in order.
Arrival and Welcome
You will be greeted at the front desk by name. Check-in is fast if you completed your forms online. The waiting area is calm rather than clinical. If you would like a brief tour of the office before your appointment begins, just let us know.
New Patient Intake
If forms were not completed online, this is where you fill out your medical history, current medications, dental history, insurance information, and any specific concerns. Please be thorough -- your medical history has direct implications for dental care. A team member will review the intake with you before the clinical appointment begins.
Digital X-Rays and Imaging
New patients receive a full set of digital X-rays, typically including bitewing images (which show decay between teeth and under existing restorations) and a panoramic image (which captures the entire jaw, bone levels, and all teeth in one shot). Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film and the images appear on screen within seconds.
If you have recent X-rays from your previous dentist, we may be able to use those instead. CBCT 3D cone beam imaging is ordered when surgical planning -- such as for implants -- is anticipated based on your history or initial findings.
Comprehensive Oral Examination
The doctor performs a full clinical examination covering all of the following:
- -- Full periodontal charting (pocket depths at six points around every tooth)
- -- Tooth-by-tooth clinical evaluation (decay, cracks, wear, structural integrity)
- -- Assessment of existing restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges)
- -- Bite and occlusion assessment
- -- TMJ screening
- -- Oral cancer screening (visual and tactile exam of all soft tissues)
- -- Intraoral camera documentation of notable findings
Meeting the Doctor
The hygienist handles charting and the cleaning portion of the visit. The doctor reviews the hygienist's findings, examines the X-rays, and performs the full clinical exam personally. This is a genuine consultation, not a 90-second review. The doctor will ask about your history, your concerns, and your goals before reviewing findings with you.
Cleaning (When Appropriate)
If the periodontal charting indicates your gum health is appropriate for a routine prophylaxis (standard cleaning), the hygienist completes it at the same appointment. If the exam reveals active periodontal disease, scaling and root planing may be recommended instead and scheduled separately. In cases where significant restorative or surgical work takes priority, the cleaning may also be scheduled as a follow-up visit.
Treatment Discussion and Written Plan
Before you leave, the doctor will review every finding with you -- using X-rays and intraoral camera images on-screen -- explain what each finding means, present treatment options, and give you a written treatment plan with associated fee estimates. Treatment is prioritized by clinical urgency: what needs attention now, what should be addressed soon, and what can be monitored. Nothing is scheduled without your understanding and consent. You will have time to ask every question you have.
What Does NOT Happen at Your First Visit
We want to be explicit about this because it is one of the most common sources of anxiety for new patients.
No Immediate Procedures
Unless you are coming in for a dental emergency, no treatment is performed at the first visit beyond the exam and cleaning. We do not drill, extract, or start restorative work without a separate scheduled appointment.
No Pressure
We present what we find and what we recommend -- then step back. We do not push treatment on a timeline that serves the practice rather than you. If you need time to think, ask questions, or get a second opinion, that is completely fine.
No Billing Surprises
Treatment fees and insurance coverage estimates are presented in writing before any work is scheduled. You will not receive an unexpected charge after the fact. If you have questions about the numbers, we go through them with you before you leave.
No Judgment
Many patients come to us having not seen a dentist in years. We do not lecture about it. Our focus is on understanding where you are, explaining what we find, and making a realistic plan from here. Everyone starts somewhere.
Cost, Insurance, and Financing
We handle the insurance and cost discussion directly at the visit so you leave knowing exactly where things stand.
If You Have Insurance
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans. We will verify your benefits before or at your appointment and present your estimated out-of-pocket cost before any treatment is scheduled.
Most plans cover a new patient exam, full X-rays, and a cleaning at 80 -- 100% with no out-of-pocket cost. We file the claim on your behalf.
If You Do Not Have Insurance
We see many patients without dental insurance. We offer an in-house dental membership plan that covers two exams and cleanings per year plus discounts on all other services.
Financing through CareCredit and other options is also available for larger treatment plans. We will review your options with you during your visit. Learn more about financing.
For Patients Who Are Anxious or Avoidant
Dental anxiety is common and real. It is one of the most frequently cited reasons people avoid care until a problem becomes a crisis. We take it seriously and have accommodations available at every level.
Calm Environment
Soft lighting, a quiet atmosphere, and a team that is deliberately unhurried reduce the sensory stress that triggers anxiety in many patients from the moment they walk in.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) provides mild sedation and relaxation during the appointment. It wears off within minutes after the mask is removed, so you can drive home afterward.
Oral Conscious Sedation
A prescription sedative taken before your appointment produces deeper relaxation. You remain conscious but are comfortable and often have little memory of the procedure. A driver is required.
IV Sedation
For patients with significant anxiety or those requiring extensive treatment, IV sedation with a board-certified dental anesthesiologist is available on-site. Learn about all sedation options.
Sedation can be arranged for your very first visit. Just mention it when you book. We will discuss which option is most appropriate for you and provide instructions in advance.
How Long Will It Take?
Standard New Patient Exam
60 -- 90 minutes
Intake, X-rays, comprehensive exam, oral cancer screening, charting, cleaning, and treatment discussion.
Complex Consultation
90 -- 120 minutes
Exam plus CBCT imaging, implant consultation, full-mouth evaluation, or multiple concerns requiring detailed discussion.
Emergency / Urgent Visit
30 -- 60 minutes
Focused on the presenting problem. A comprehensive exam and broader care plan are scheduled separately.
If you have time constraints, let us know when you book. We can structure the appointment to fit your schedule -- and schedule a follow-up for anything we cannot complete in the allotted time.
What Our Patients Say
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
Frequently Asked Questions
If we send you digital intake forms before your appointment, completing them ahead of time speeds up check-in significantly. If you prefer to fill them out in the office, plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. We will send the forms by text and email after you book.
In most cases, yes. If the periodontal charting indicates your gums are healthy enough for a routine prophylaxis, the cleaning is completed the same day as the exam. If we find active periodontal disease, we may recommend a different type of cleaning (scaling and root planing) that is scheduled separately, or in some cases focus the first visit entirely on the clinical exam and defer the cleaning.
We see many patients without insurance. We offer an in-house dental membership plan and multiple financing options. Please do not let a lack of insurance prevent you from making an appointment -- call us and we will walk through what care costs without insurance and what options are available to make it manageable.
In most cases, yes. After the exam, the doctor reviews findings with you and we put together a written treatment plan with associated fee estimates before you leave. For complex cases involving multiple procedures or significant surgical work, we may schedule a separate consultation to go over the plan in more detail.
Yes. Sedation does not require a prior visit. If you know you are anxious or have avoided the dentist for a long time, mention it when you book and we will discuss your options. Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation are all available. Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation require advance planning, so let us know as early as possible.
Absolutely. A support person is welcome in the treatment room if that helps you feel more comfortable. Let us know in advance and we will make sure there is space. You are also welcome to bring a child to their first appointment at the same time as yours -- just let us know so we can plan accordingly.
You are not alone. Many of our patients come to us having not seen a dentist in five, ten, or even more years. We do not judge, lecture, or make you feel bad about it. Our approach is to assess exactly where things stand, explain what we find in plain language, and create a realistic plan to get your oral health on track. The most important step is making the call.
Same-week appointments are frequently available for new patients. For non-urgent new patient exams, we typically schedule within one to two weeks. If you have a dental emergency or acute pain, call us directly and we will do our best to see you the same day.
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
What to Expect After Your First Visit
The first visit sets the foundation. Here is what typically follows.
Written Treatment Plan
You leave with a written treatment plan that includes every recommended procedure, the clinical rationale, and fee estimates. You can review it at home, ask questions, and schedule on your own timeline. Nothing expires.
Scheduling Follow-Up Care
If treatment is needed, the front desk can schedule follow-up appointments before you leave -- or you can call at any time. We do not pressure same-day booking. Your next recall exam or cleaning is typically scheduled at the end of the first visit so it is already on the calendar.
Insurance Submission
We file your insurance claim on your behalf for all services rendered at the first visit. If there is any discrepancy between the estimate and what insurance actually pays, we will contact you before charging any difference.
Questions Are Always Welcome
If you think of questions after you leave -- about the treatment plan, the fees, a specific finding -- call us or send a message. We do not consider the conversation closed when you walk out the door.
Related Pages
Continue Your New Patient Journey
Ready to Schedule Your First Visit?
New patients at SmileScience receive a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, oral cancer screening, and a written treatment plan. No pressure, no surprises. Same-week appointments often available.