New Patient Information | East Wind Dental Care Hillsboro

Welcome to East Wind Dental Care! We’re thrilled you’ve chosen us as your dental care partner and look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health. This page contains important information to help you prepare for your first visit and get the most out of your experience at our practice.

Ready to schedule your first appointment? Call (503) 614-0198

Welcome to Our Dental Family

At East Wind Dental Care, we treat every patient like family. Led by Dr. Merat Ostovar (Dr. O), our practice is built on a foundation of exceptional care, advanced technology, and genuine compassion. Whether you’re visiting us for preventive care, restorative treatment, or a complete smile makeover, you can expect:

• Comprehensive, personalized care tailored to your unique needs
• Advanced dental technology for accurate diagnoses and comfortable treatment
• Transparent communication about your oral health and treatment options
• Flexible financing to make quality care affordable
• A warm, welcoming environment where you feel comfortable and valued

Before Your First Visit

1. Complete Your New Patient Forms

To make your first appointment as efficient as possible, we ask that you complete our new patient forms before arriving. This allows us to spend more time focused on your dental care rather than paperwork.

New Patient Forms Include:

• Patient Information Form
• Medical History Form
• Dental History Form
• HIPAA Privacy Notice
• Financial Policy Agreement
• Insurance Information Form (if applicable)

How to Complete Forms:

• Download: Visit our website to download printable PDF forms
• Online: Complete forms securely online through our patient portal
• In-Office: Arrive 15 minutes early to complete forms at our office

2. Gather Important Information

Please bring the following to your first appointment:

Required:

• Photo identification (driver’s license or state ID)
• Insurance card(s) if you have dental insurance
• List of current medications (including dosages)
• List of known allergies
• Contact information for your primary care physician

Helpful:

• Previous dental records (if available)
• List of any specific concerns or goals
• Questions you’d like to ask Dr. Ostovar

3. Verify Insurance Benefits

If you have dental insurance, our team will verify your benefits before your appointment to give you an accurate estimate of any out-of-pocket costs. To help with this process:

• Provide your insurance information when scheduling
• Bring your current insurance card to your appointment
• Know your subscriber ID and group number
• Understand your deductible and annual maximum

Don’t have insurance? No problem! Ask about our affordable In-House Membership Plan.

4. Plan for Your Appointment

Timing:

• New patient appointments typically take 60-90 minutes
• Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your first visit
• Let us know if you need to leave by a specific time

What to Wear:

• Wear comfortable clothing
• Avoid wearing lipstick or heavy makeup (we’ll need to examine your lips and mouth)

What to Expect:

• Comprehensive oral examination
• Digital X-rays and imaging
• Professional cleaning (time permitting)
• Discussion of findings and treatment plan
• Answers to all your questions

What Happens at Your First Appointment

Step 1: Welcome & Check-In

You’ll be warmly greeted by our friendly front office team, who will:

• Welcome you to our practice
• Collect any remaining paperwork
• Verify your insurance benefits (if applicable)
• Answer any questions you have about forms or policies
• Show you around our office

Step 2: Medical & Dental History Review

One of our team members will review your medical and dental history with you, including:

• Current health conditions and medications
• Previous dental experiences and concerns
• Any dental anxiety or special needs
• Your goals for your smile and oral health

This information helps us provide safe, personalized care tailored to your unique situation.

Step 3: Comprehensive Oral Examination

Dr. Merat Ostovar will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including:

Visual Inspection:

• Examination of all teeth for cavities, damage, or wear
• Assessment of existing dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.)
• Evaluation of gum health and periodontal status
• Check for signs of oral cancer
• Assessment of bite alignment and jaw function (TMJ)

Digital X-Rays:

We use state-of-the-art digital X-rays (with 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays) to see areas not visible during the visual exam, such as:

• Between teeth
• Below the gumline
• Inside teeth (for root canal assessment)
• Bone structure and density
• Developing wisdom teeth
• Hidden cavities or infections

Intraoral Camera:

Our high-resolution intraoral camera allows both you and Dr. O to see detailed images of your teeth on a large screen, making it easy to understand any issues or concerns.

Step 4: Review of Findings

Dr. Ostovar will take time to thoroughly review all findings with you, including:

• Current state of your oral health
• Any areas of concern or needed treatment
• Visual examples using X-rays and photos
• Clear explanations in easy-to-understand language
• Answers to all your questions

Step 5: Personalized Treatment Plan

If treatment is recommended, we’ll create a customized treatment plan that:

• Prioritizes urgent needs vs. long-term goals
• Respects your budget and time constraints
• Offers multiple treatment options when available
• Provides clear cost estimates and insurance coverage information
• Can be phased over time if needed

Our Philosophy:

We believe in conservative, patient-centered care. We’ll never pressure you into treatment you don’t need or want. Our recommendations are honest, transparent, and focused on your best interests.

Step 6: Professional Cleaning

If time permits and your oral health allows, we’ll perform a professional cleaning during your first visit, which includes:

• Removal of plaque and tartar buildup
• Polishing of tooth surfaces
• Fluoride treatment (if recommended)
• Education on proper home care techniques
• Recommendations for oral hygiene products

Step 7: Schedule Follow-Up Appointments

Before you leave, we’ll:

• Schedule your next preventive care appointment (typically in 6 months)
• Schedule any recommended treatment appointments
• Provide you with written treatment plans and cost estimates
• Answer any final questions

Office Policies

Appointment Scheduling

Making Appointments:

Schedule appointments by calling (503) 614-0198, booking online, or scheduling in-person at the end of your visit.

Appointment Reminders:

We’ll send you appointment reminders via text, email, or phone call (your choice) 24-48 hours before your appointment.

Running Late:

Life happens! If you’re running late, please call us as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate you, though we may need to reschedule if we can’t complete your treatment in the remaining time.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that emergencies and schedule conflicts occur. However, last-minute cancellations prevent us from serving other patients who need care.

Cancellation Requirements:

• Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling
• You can cancel or reschedule by phone, email, or text
• Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a cancellation fee

No-Show Policy:

• Patients who miss appointments without notice may be charged a no-show fee
• Multiple no-shows may affect your ability to schedule future appointments

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!

Payment & Insurance

Payment is due at the time of service.

We Accept:

• Cash
• Personal checks
• Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
• CareCredit healthcare financing
• FSA and HSA cards

Insurance:

• We accept most PPO insurance plans
• We file claims on your behalf
• We provide accurate pre-treatment estimates
• You’re responsible for any amount your insurance doesn’t cover

No Insurance?

Ask about our In-House Membership Plan—an affordable alternative that includes preventive care and treatment discounts.

Learn More About Insurance & Financing →

Financial Policies

Estimates:

We provide accurate cost estimates before treatment. However, estimates are not guarantees—actual costs may vary based on the complexity of treatment and insurance processing.

Outstanding Balances:

Payment arrangements can be made for large treatment plans. However, outstanding balances must be settled before additional treatment is provided.

Financing:

We offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit with low monthly payments and interest-free promotional periods for qualified applicants.

Insurance & Financing Options

Dental Insurance

We Work With Most PPO Plans:

We’re in-network or accept out-of-network benefits for most major dental insurance providers, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, United Healthcare, and many others.

How Insurance Works:

• Deductible: The amount you pay before insurance begins covering services (typically $25-$100)
• Annual Maximum: The maximum amount your plan pays per calendar year (typically $1,000-$2,000)
• Coverage Percentages:

– Preventive care (cleanings, exams): Usually 100%

– Basic procedures (fillings): Usually 70-80%

– Major procedures (crowns, bridges): Usually 50%

Insurance Assistance:

Our knowledgeable team will:

• Verify your benefits before your appointment
• Provide accurate cost estimates
• File claims electronically on your behalf
• Maximize your insurance benefits
• Appeal denied claims when appropriate

CareCredit Healthcare Financing

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that helps you pay for dental treatment over time with flexible payment plans.

Benefits:

• No upfront costs or down payment required
• No annual fees
• No prepayment penalties
• Low monthly payments
• Interest-free promotional periods available (for qualified applicants)
• Covers treatment for you and your family

How to Apply:

Apply online at carecredit.com or ask our team for assistance. Most applications are approved within minutes.

In-House Membership Plan

Don’t have dental insurance? Our affordable membership plan is designed for individuals and families who want to maintain excellent oral health without the hassle and expense of traditional insurance.

Membership Benefits:

• Annual exams and X-rays
• Two cleanings per year
• Emergency exams
• 15-20% discount on all other services
• No deductibles, no claim forms, no annual maximums
• Family plans available at discounted rates

Cost:

• Individual: $299/year
• Family plans: Available—ask for details

Learn More About Our Membership Plan →

Preparing Children for Their First Visit

If you’re bringing your child to East Wind Dental Care for their first dental visit, here are some tips to help prepare them:

Before the Appointment:

• Talk positively about the dentist—avoid words like “pain,” “hurt,” or “shot”
• Read children’s books about visiting the dentist
• Explain that the dentist will count their teeth and make sure they’re healthy
• Avoid sharing your own negative dental experiences

During the Appointment:

• Stay positive and calm—children pick up on parent anxiety
• Let our team take the lead—we’re experienced in working with kids
• Encourage but don’t force—we’ll go at your child’s pace
• Celebrate their bravery after the appointment

Age Recommendations:

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit the dentist by age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting.

Learn More About Pediatric Dentistry →

Special Accommodations

We want every patient to feel comfortable at East Wind Dental Care. If you have special needs or concerns, please let us know so we can accommodate you.

We Can Accommodate:

• Wheelchair accessibility (our office is fully accessible)
• Sedation options for anxious patients
• Longer appointment times for complex medical histories
• Special communication needs
• Sensory sensitivities

If You Have Dental Anxiety:

You’re not alone—millions of Americans experience dental anxiety. We offer:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Oral conscious sedation
• Gentle, patient-centered approach
• Clear explanations of every step
• Breaks whenever you need them

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry →

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will my first appointment take?

New patient appointments typically take 60-90 minutes to allow time for a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and discussion of findings.

2. Will I get my teeth cleaned at my first visit?

If time permits and your gum health allows, yes! However, if you have significant buildup or gum disease, we may schedule a separate cleaning appointment to ensure thorough treatment.

3. Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

Yes—please bring your photo ID, insurance card (if applicable), list of medications, and any previous dental records you may have.

4. What if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?

No judgment here! We understand life gets busy, and dental anxiety is real. Our team is experienced in working with patients who haven’t had dental care in a while, and we’ll help you get back on track with a gentle, supportive approach.

5. Can I bring my child to my appointment?

While we welcome families, we recommend arranging childcare for your appointments so you can focus on your dental care without distractions. If you need to bring your child, please let us know in advance.

6. Do you offer emergency appointments?

Yes! If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us immediately at (503) 614-0198. We’ll make every effort to see you the same day.

7. How often should I visit the dentist?

Most patients should visit every 6 months for preventive care (exams and cleanings). However, some patients with gum disease or other issues may need more frequent visits.

8. What if I need treatment I can’t afford right now?

We offer flexible payment plans and financing options to make treatment affordable. We can also phase treatment over time, addressing the most urgent needs first.

9. Do you treat children and adults?

Yes! We’re a family dental practice serving patients of all ages, from young children to seniors.

10. How do I access my dental records?

You can request copies of your dental records at any time by contacting our office. We’re happy to provide records for insurance claims, referrals, or your personal files.

Ready to Get Started?

We’re excited to meet you and help you achieve optimal oral health! If you have any questions about your first visit or our practice, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Schedule Your New Patient Appointment Today

Call: (503) 614-0198 Visit: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124 Email: [email protected]

Serving Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, Tanasbourne, Orenco Station & Surrounding Areas

We look forward to welcoming you to the East Wind Dental Care family!

East Wind Dental Care—Where Exceptional Dentistry Meets Compassionate Care