New patients
What happens at a first visit.
About an hour, no obligation to book anything at the end of it, and a clear answer to the question that brought you in.
The appointment
Paperwork and history
Medical history, medications, and anything you are worried about. Ten minutes, and worth being candid on.
Digital x-rays
Lower dose than film and on screen straight away, so you can see what is being described rather than take it on trust.
The examination
Teeth, gums, bite, existing fillings and crowns, plus an oral cancer screening. Dr. Bowman does this himself.
A conversation
What needs doing, what can wait, what each option costs, and what your insurance is likely to cover. You leave with it in writing.
A cleaning, usually
Often done at the same visit. If the exam finds gum disease, a different kind of cleaning may be needed and that is explained before anything begins.
What to bring
- Photo ID
- Your dental insurance card, if you have one
- A list of any medications you take
- X-rays from a previous dentist, if you have them — it can save a set
- Any treatment plan you want a second opinion on
Finding the office
8010 W Sahara Ave, Suite 230. The suite is on the second floor and there is elevator access. Parking is free surface parking directly outside, and the entrance, parking and restroom are all wheelchair accessible.
Arrive about ten minutes early on a first visit to get the paperwork done.
If you are nervous
Say so when you call. It is the single most useful thing you can tell the front desk, and it changes how the appointment is scheduled and paced.
A large share of this practice is people who avoided the dentist for years, sometimes a decade or more, and came back through a friend's recommendation. Nobody will lecture you about the gap.
Nitrous oxide is available if you want it. Ask.
“For the first time, I have been able to feel confident and know that I won’t go through the pain I did as a child.”
Margaret Thompson · patient of 20 years
Common questions
First visit
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. Call (702) 363-8001 and ask for a new patient exam.
How long does it take?
Usually about an hour for the exam, x-rays and the conversation afterwards. Add time if you are having a cleaning the same day.
Can I have a cleaning at the first visit?
Often, yes. It depends what the exam finds — if there is gum disease present, a deeper cleaning may be needed instead, and that gets explained and costed before anything starts.
What will it cost?
You will be told before anything is done, and your insurance checked in advance. How billing works here →