FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Clear Answers
Before Your Visit.

Whether you are scheduling your first exam, reviewing insurance coverage, or seeking clarity on treatment timelines, we have organized essential clinical details to ensure total confidence before you step into our Northwest Portland clinic.

GETTING STARTED

Planning Your Visit.

Essential details regarding appointments, records transfers, arrival guidelines, and clinical protocols for new patients joining our Northwest Portland practice.

How do I schedule my initial appointment?

You can schedule directly through our online booking system by selecting a convenient clinical window, or by contacting our concierge reception at our NW 23rd clinic. We confirm all appointments via encrypted digital confirmation within two business hours.

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

We dedicate substantial clinical time exclusively to each patient. We kindly request a minimum of 48 hours notice for any schedule modifications or cancellations to allow other patients access to care without incurring a late rescheduling assessment.

How early should I arrive, and what items should I bring?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Bring a government-issued photo ID, your active dental benefit card if applicable, a comprehensive list of current medications, and any completed digital intake forms.

What are your regular clinical office hours?

Our clinical practice is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We offer early morning appointments designed specifically to accommodate busy professional schedules.

What should I expect during a comprehensive new patient examination?

Your comprehensive baseline appointment includes low-radiation ultra-HD digital diagnostics, a 3D intraoral scan, an oral cancer screening, periodontal charting, joint assessment, and an unhurried consultation with your dentist.

Will I receive a professional dental hygiene cleaning at my first visit?

In most clinical cases, a professional cleaning is integrated into your initial visit. If advanced periodontal conditions or deep calcification require dedicated therapy, we will outline a tailored clinical hygiene plan prior to beginning treatment.

How do I transfer previous dental records and digital X-rays?

Our administrative team handles record transfers directly with your prior provider. Simply complete our digital records release authorization form before your appointment date, and we will securely import your previous imaging.

FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY

Clear Coverage. Zero Surprises.

We prioritize clinical integrity above insurance bureaucracy. Whether you have PPO benefits, need financing, or are joining our membership plan, we provide upfront estimates prior to any care.

NO INSURANCE REQUIRED

$450 / Year Direct Plan

Includes 2 cleanings, all routine digital exams, standard x-rays, and an immediate 15% courtesy savings on all dental treatments without waiting periods.

How does Northwest Portland Dental handle PPO dental insurance?

We are an unrestricted dental provider and work with all standard indemnity and PPO plans (Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Guardian, Aetna, and others). As a courtesy, our financial team files electronic claims on your behalf, optimizes reimbursement benefits, and collects only your estimated out-of-pocket balance at the time of your visit.

Do you accept OHP (Oregon Health Plan) coverage?

We are not contracted in-network with state OHP or Medicaid managed plans. However, we routinely assist patients who choose our practice for specialized or complex dental care by offering itemized statements for third-party medical reimbursement, flexible in-house installment plans, and our $450 wellness membership.

What is covered under the $450 Annual Membership Plan?

Designed specifically for uninsured patients, the $450 yearly membership covers two complete preventive hygiene appointments (cleanings, clinical exams, and necessary digital x-rays) plus an immediate 15% reduction across all restorative treatments, crowns, cosmetic work, and emergency evaluations.

What flexible financing and payment options do you offer?

We believe financial concerns should never delay essential care. We partner with CareCredit and Proceed Finance to provide flexible 0% APR promotional financing terms for 6 to 12 months. Customized in-house phase-treatment payment arrangements are also available upon consultation.

When will I receive an estimate of my out-of-pocket costs?

Before initiating any treatment beyond routine preventive visits, you receive a transparent, itemized treatment breakdown detailing provider fees, anticipated insurance contributions, and your precise co-pay.

GETTING STARTED

Planning Your Visit.

Everything you need to know about appointments, record transfers, arrival protocols, and what to expect across preventive, restorative, and cosmetic appointments.

How do I schedule my first visit and what should I bring?

You can schedule online through our direct booking portal or by calling our front desk. Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID, your completed online health history forms, and a current list of any prescribed medications.

What should I expect during an initial preventive hygiene and exam visit?

Your first preventive visit lasts approximately 75 to 90 minutes. It includes high-definition digital radiographs, a full periodontal evaluation, an oral cancer screening, and a comprehensive cleaning tailored to your gum health baseline.

How are restorative visits (crowns, inlays, and fillings) scheduled?

Following your diagnostic exam, restorative appointments are reserved with dedicated clinical blocks. For precision ceramic crowns and restorations, we prepare the tooth, capture 3D optical impressions, and place a custom temporary while our master laboratory crafts your permanent restoration.

What is the process for planning cosmetic treatments and whitening?

Cosmetic consultations begin with a 45-minute aesthetic mapping session. We review your goals, evaluate enamel shade and symmetry, take studio photographs, and present structured treatment timelines for in-office whitening, clear aligners, or porcelain veneers.

How do I transfer existing dental records and recent digital X-rays?

Simply contact your previous dental provider and request that diagnostic X-rays taken within the last 12 to 24 months be emailed directly to [email protected]. We can also assist you with a record release form prior to your appointment.

What are your arrival recommendations, office hours, and cancellation terms?

We welcome patients Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We ask that new patients arrive 10 minutes early. We request a minimum of 48 business hours notice for any appointment changes to accommodate waitlisted patients.

GETTING STARTED

Planning Your Visit.

Everything you need to know before stepping into our Northwest Portland studio. We keep onboarding effortless, organized, and clinically thorough.

How do I schedule my first appointment?

You can schedule directly through our online booking pathway or by calling our clinical coordination team. We collect your primary dental goals and basic contact details to reserve a dedicated 60-minute evaluation block.

What should I bring to my initial consultation?

Please bring a valid photo ID, your current dental insurance card (if applicable), and a list of any routine medications or health conditions. Completing our digital intake forms online prior to arrival speeds up your check-in.

How do I transfer previous dental records and recent X-rays?

Contact your former dental provider and request that your diagnostic records, periodontal charts, and recent digital bitewings/panoramics be emailed to our clinical reception. We can also provide a records release authorization if you prefer us to request them on your behalf.

Will I receive a routine teeth cleaning during my first visit?

In most cases where periodontal health is stable, we combine your comprehensive exam, digital imaging, and standard prophylaxis into your initial visit. If active gum therapy or advanced periodontal treatment is identified, we will outline a tailored hygiene protocol.

What are your clinical office hours and arrival recommendations?

We welcome patients Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and select Fridays by appointment. We ask that new patients arrive 10 to 15 minutes before their scheduled time to settle into our reception suite.

What is your policy regarding cancellations and rescheduling?

We reserve specific treatment operatories exclusively for each patient. We kindly request at least 48 business hours' notice for any schedule adjustments so we can accommodate other patients needing care.

Where is your Northwest Portland practice located and is parking available?

We are centrally situated in the historic Northwest Portland medical district. Dedicated patient parking is accessible directly behind our clinic building, with additional street parking along the avenue.

What occurs during the comprehensive clinical examination?

Dr. Miller conducts a meticulous assessment including low-radiation 3D/2D digital radiographs, periodontal pocket probing, intraoral photographic scanning, and an oral cancer screening before reviewing findings together.

CAN'T FIND YOUR ANSWER?

Ask Our Team.

Some questions depend on your specific clinical history or insurance policy. Select a direct pathway below to connect immediately with the right coordinator.

SCHEDULING DESK

Appointment Question?

Need to adjust a visit, confirm timing, or coordinate back-to-back family appointments? Our scheduling team is available directly.

FINANCIAL COORDINATION

Insurance / Payment Question?

Have questions about out-of-network claims, pre-authorizations, or flexible payment plans? Our front office provides clear line-item estimates.

CLINICAL TRIAGE

Dental Concern?

Experiencing tooth sensitivity, localized pain, or structural discomfort? Schedule a comprehensive assessment with Dr. Miller.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

Still Have A Question?

You don't have to figure everything out on your own. Whether verifying insurance benefits, understanding treatment options, or securing emergency care, our clinical coordinators are ready to assist you today.

Accepting New Patients • In-Network With Most Major PPO Plans • Same-Day Emergency Consultations