Intial Exam

When you arrive at Orthodontic Associates, our appointment coordinator will greet you and introduce you to our treatment coordinator. They will take the necessary films and photos not provided by your general dentist or previous orthodontist. The treatment coordinator will then provide you with some background information regarding our practice before they introduce you to one of our three doctors, Bruce J. Podhouser, Stephen T. Saks or Jeanne McDonald. The doctor will review all X-rays sent to us from the general dentist or previous orthodontist as well as our own images. Following this, they will go over the medical and dental history form. Next, the clinical exam will start.

Once the doctor determines whether or not the patient is a candidate for treatment, the remainder of necessary diagnostic records are taken. This includes plaster models, and any other required films.

If the doctor feels quite confident in a specific treatment plan, questions regarding treatment, contracts, and financial commitments can be handled during the initial exam. A brief appointment will be set up the same day treatment is initiated to cover any remaining questions or concerns. If further study of your diagnostic records is needed, A consultation appointment will then be set up. The doctors will further study the records and come up with a treatment plan(s) to discuss with you at this appointment. If necessary, one of the doctors will meet with your general dentist to review treatment options prior to your consultation appointment.