Welcome, new patients

What to bring

• A photo ID
• Your dental insurance card, if you have one
• A list of any medicines you take
• For a child: a parent or guardian comes along

Forms

[OFFICE TO CONFIRM: new-patient forms — online link, or arrive a few minutes early to fill them in at the desk]

What happens at the first visit

Most first visits start with a look at your health history, then an exam of your teeth and gums and any images the doctor needs. Dr. Sadek explains what he sees and what, if anything, needs care, and in what order. You decide what to do and when. Read more in your first visit: what to expect.

Questions new patients ask

Your rights as a patient in Florida

Summary of section 381.026, Florida Statutes. Full text: flsenate.gov — s. 381.026 [OFFICE TO CONFIRM: attorney to confirm the current-year link]

Florida law requires that your health care provider or health care facility recognize your rights while you are receiving medical care and that you respect the health care provider's or health care facility's right to expect certain behavior on the part of patients. We follow these standards at our dental office. You may request a copy of the full text of this law from us.

Your rights include

• Dignity and privacy — to be treated with courtesy and respect, to have your privacy protected, and to get a prompt, reasonable answer to questions and requests.
• Information — to know who is providing your care, to get understandable information about your diagnosis, planned treatment, alternatives, risks and outlook, and to refuse treatment except where the law says otherwise.
• Language help — to have an interpreter if you do not speak English, when one is reasonably available.
• Costs — to get, on request, information and counseling about financial resources for your care, a reasonable estimate of charges before treatment, and a copy of an understandable, itemized bill with an explanation of charges.
• Fair access — to impartial access to treatment regardless of race, national origin, religion, handicap, or source of payment.
• Research — to know if treatment is experimental and to agree or refuse to take part.
• Complaints — to express complaints about any violation of your rights. Florida complaints about a licensed dentist go to the Florida Department of Health, Medical Quality Assurance: floridahealth.gov — file a complaint.

Your responsibilities include

• Giving accurate and complete information about your health, medicines and past care.
• Telling us if you do not understand your treatment plan or what is expected of you.
• Following the treatment plan you agreed to, keeping appointments, and calling if you cannot come.
• Paying your bills on time or making payment arrangements.
• Following office rules and being considerate of staff and other patients.