With a conversation. No intake form captures everything, and no x-ray that tells Dr. Ochoco what matters most to you. The first appointment is about understanding where you are, what's changed, and what you'd like to address.
No Judgment, Just Solutions
Patients who've been away for a while sometimes arrive expecting a long list of problems and a lecture about why they waited. They won't find either here. Dr. Ochoco's focus is on building a clear picture of your current oral health and identifying the most conservative path forward, not on cataloging everything that should have been done sooner.
What the first appointment typically involves:
- A comprehensive exam covering every tooth, your gums, your bite, and any existing restorations
- Digital x-rays to evaluate what isn't visible to the naked eye
- An honest conversation about what Dr. Ochoco finds, what needs attention now, and what we can monitor over time
- A preventive plan tailored to your current oral health status
What it doesn't involve:
- Pressure to address everything at once
- Treatment recommendations before you're ready to discuss them
- Judgment about how long it's been
It Starts with a Phone Call
Starting is the hardest part. Once Dr. Ochoco has a clear picture of your oral health, he can help you prioritize and move forward at a pace you’re comfortable with.
To schedule your first appointment at Schuster and Ochoco Dental, call our Santa Monica dental office at (310) 453-5300. We welcome patients from all surrounding Westside communities, including Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, and beyond.
There's a reason general dentistry is the foundation of everything we do at Schuster and Ochoco Dental. A healthy smile is the starting point for cosmetic work and makes lasting results possible. Whether you come to us for a routine cleaning or a complete smile redesign, it all begins here.
