What to Expect at Your First Visit in Huntsville
Your first visit at Doug Booth, D.D.S. is a 90-minute appointment with Dr. Doug Booth or Dr. Rhett Pendley.
It includes:
- a review of your health history
- a comprehensive exam
- digital X-rays and imaging as needed
- a professional cleaning
- an unhurried conversation about your smile goals
You’ll leave with a clear picture of your oral health and a personalized plan for keeping it that way.
We know choosing a new dentist is a big decision, especially if it’s been a while since your last appointment. Our team is here to make your first visit comfortable, relaxed, and stress-free and to start a relationship you can count on for years to come.
What Happens During Your First Visit?
Getting to Know You
We’ll start by reviewing your medical and dental history, any medications you take, and what brought you to us. This is your time to share concerns, past dental experiences, and any questions on your mind.
A Comprehensive Dental Exam
Your dentist will carefully examine your teeth, gums, bite, and any existing dental work. Your exam also includes an oral cancer screening with VELscope, a quick, painless tool that helps detect changes not visible to the naked eye.
Digital X-Rays and Imaging
If needed, we’ll take digital X-rays to see what’s happening below the surface. When a closer look would help, our advanced 3-D imaging gives your dentist a detailed view of your teeth, roots, and jaw.
A Professional Cleaning
Your hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar buildup and polish your teeth, so you leave your first appointment with a fresh, healthy smile.
Your Smile Goals Conversation
This is one of our favorite parts of the first visit. Your dentist will take time to talk with you about how you feel about your smile and what you’d like to change. Many patients bring up things they’ve wondered about for years, like staining, crowding, or worn fillings. Whether you’re happy with your smile or curious about whitening, Invisalign® clear aligners, or veneers, there’s never any pressure.
Your Personalized Care Plan
Before you leave, we’ll explain what we found in plain language, answer your questions, and recommend any treatment or preventive care that fits your health and goals. We believe in honest communication, so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Why Does the First Visit Take 90 Minutes?
We schedule 90 minutes because a thorough first visit can’t be rushed. That time lets us get to know you, complete a full exam and imaging, and talk through your goals without watching the clock. It’s the foundation for every visit that follows.
Which Dentist Will I See?
New patients can see either Dr. Doug Booth or Dr. Rhett Pendley. Having two dentists means more appointment times to fit your schedule.
- Dr. Booth has cared for Huntsville patients for more than 30 years and is widely known for his expertise in laser dentistry.
- Dr. Pendley, a North Alabama native, has a special interest in TMJ and teeth grinding treatment.
Both share the same commitment to thorough, comfortable care.
How We Keep You Comfortable
Feeling nervous is completely normal. Please let us know if you have dental anxiety or special concerns, and we’ll work with you to make every appointment as comfortable as possible. With our Fotona LightWalker laser, many fillings can be done without the drill and often without needles. Our office is designed to feel more like a cozy living room than a typical waiting room, with comforts like:
- Bose noise-cancelling headphones
- Soft pillows and cozy blankets
- Warm towels and paraffin hand treatments
- Soothing aromatherapy
- A hospitality station with beverages and fresh-baked cookies
What Should I Bring to My First Appointment?
- A photo ID and your dental insurance card, if you have one
- A list of any medications you take
- Your completed new patient forms, which you can fill out ahead of time to save time at check-in
- Recent X-rays from your previous dentist, if available
We bill most PPO insurance plans, accept HSA and FSA cards, and offer flexible financing through Cherry. Learn more on our financial information page.
First Visits That Fit a Busy Schedule
Our hours are designed for busy professionals:
- Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 7 am to 3:30 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 7 am to 6 pm
Early appointments let you take care of your smile before work, and late hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays make after-work visits easy. Our phone lines stay open until 6 pm every weekday.
Why Huntsville Patients Choose Doug Booth, D.D.S.
- Experience you can trust: More than 30 years caring for patients in Huntsville and North Alabama
- A team that stays: Our longtime team has a combined 75+ years with the practice
- A reputation patients recommend: More than 270 five-star Google reviews
- Advanced, comfortable technology: Laser dentistry, CEREC same-day crowns, and 3-D imaging
- Care built for the long term: We focus on prevention, education, and a relationship built on trust
Book Your First Visit in Huntsville
We look forward to meeting you. Call us at (256) 533-4770 or request an appointment online to schedule your first visit.
Doug Booth, D.D.S. is located at 2410 L and N Drive, Suite A, in Downtown Huntsville. We welcome patients from:
- Huntsville City Center and Twickenham (35801)
- South Huntsville and Jones Valley (35802)
- Bailey Cove and Green Mountain (35803)
- Madison, Hampton Cove, Owens Cross Roads, Hazel Green, and Meridianville