Switching Dentists in Timonium: A Simple Guide

Switching dentists is easier than most people expect. Whether you have just moved to Timonium, Lutherville or Cockeysville, or you are simply ready for a change, the process comes down to a few steps: getting your dental records and X-rays, understanding how payment will work, filling out your forms and preparing for your first visit. This guide walks through each step, with the specifics for the Timonium office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS.

If you are still deciding which dentist to choose, especially for cosmetic work, see how to choose a cosmetic dentist in Timonium. This article is about the practical side of making the move.

Common reasons people switch dentists

• A move. A new home in Lutherville-Timonium, Cockeysville or Towson can put your old dentist a long drive away.
• Office hours that don’t fit your work or family schedule.
• Feeling rushed, or never quite understanding why treatment was recommended.
• Wanting care your old office doesn’t offer, such as dental implants, Invisalign or mercury-free, holistic dentistry.
• Dental anxiety that never felt taken seriously.

There is no need to explain or apologize to your old office. Patients change dentists all the time, and you have the right to request copies of your records.

Step 1: Request your dental records and X-rays

Your previous dentist holds your dental history: past X-rays, a chart of your fillings and crowns, gum measurements and notes on any treatment in progress. That information helps your new dentist see how your teeth have changed over time.

How to ask for them

• Call or email your previous office and ask for copies of your records, including your most recent X-rays.
• Ask whether digital X-rays can be sent electronically, and whether a signed release form is needed.
• Ask whether there is a fee for copies and how long the request will take.
• Request your children’s records too if the whole family is moving offices.

Under federal health privacy law, patients generally have the right to get copies of their health information, and dental records are included. Your old office can explain its own process.

What to bring to your new office

The practice asks new patients to bring any X-rays or medical information the team should know about. If recent X-rays are available, bring them or have them sent ahead. If you haven’t had X-rays in a while, the standard of care calls for the necessary X-rays and a thorough exam before treatment.

Step 2: Understand how insurance and payment will work

If your previous dentist participated with your insurance plan, paying at a new office may work differently, so it is worth understanding before your first visit.

The practice does not participate with any insurance company, because it is privately owned: it is out of network with all of them. You pay at the time of your visit, and the office submits the paperwork on your behalf and works for the maximum reimbursement of covered procedures, so your plan can reimburse you. Health savings and flex plans are welcome. Financing is available through CareCredit, with no-interest options for up to 12 months, and Cherry, with payment plans from 3 to 24 months. Kelley Fisher, the Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, is your point of contact for insurance and financing questions. See financing options.

Step 3: Fill out your forms before you arrive

New patient forms can be completed online at forms.flossem.com before your first visit. There are four short forms:

• New Patient Information
• Dental Patient Medical History
• Biological Dental Wellness Checklist
• Privacy Statement and Signature

If you need help with any appointment paperwork when you arrive, a team member will be happy to help. More details are on the new patient information page.

Step 4: Make a short list for your first visit

A little preparation makes the first appointment far more useful:

• Your medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, artificial joints or heart valves
• Your medications, including aspirin, blood thinners, heart medications and anything over the counter
• Your questions, written down, including anything your last dentist recommended that you want explained again
• Treatment in progress, such as a temporary crown, an unfinished root canal or aligners you are wearing
• Your goals, such as whiter teeth, straighter teeth or replacing a missing tooth

If you are bringing children, a parent or legal guardian must be present during the consultation of a patient under the age of 18.

What to expect at your first visit

Your first appointment starts with a conversation about your dental concerns and what you want for your smile. Dr. Haywood then evaluates your teeth, gums and general health, and the team takes X-rays and photos. You will hear what needs attention now, what can wait and what it costs. For a closer look at how that plan comes together, read how Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS plans your dental care, and meet the people you will see in our Timonium dental team takes care of you.

Getting to the office from Lutherville, Cockeysville and Timonium

The office is in Timonium Green at 108 W Timonium Rd, Ste 200, on the corner of the block with Coppermine Health & Fitness, with a parking lot off Greenspring Dr.

• From York Rd: turn onto Timonium Rd, then right onto Greenspring Dr, and take the very first left into the parking lot.
• From Cockeysville: from Padonia Rd, turn left onto York Rd, right onto Timonium Rd and right again onto Greenspring Dr, then take the very first left into the parking lot.

Office hours are Monday 8:30 AM–6:30 PM, Tuesday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Wednesday 8:30 AM–3:30 PM, Thursday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM–4:00 PM. The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday. More directions are on the dentist in Timonium, MD page.

A few office policies worth knowing

• Cancellations: please give at least 72 business hours’ notice. Missed appointments and later cancellations incur a fee of $120 or the cost of the appointment.
• Paying in full: a 2–5% prepayment courtesy is offered when you pay in full at the time of scheduling, or 10% for patients 70 and over. Courtesies can’t be combined with financing.
• Referrals: the practice offers smile gift cards when you refer friends and family.

If you need care before your first checkup

Moving between dentists can leave a gap. If a dental problem comes up before you are established, call early in the day. New patients with emergency needs are seen on weekdays during normal business hours, based on availability, and a full workup with X-rays and an exam comes first. See emergency dental care.

If dental visits make you nervous

A new office is a chance to start fresh. Tell the team about your worries so they can plan around them. The office is spa-inspired, with paraffin wax hand treatments, calming aromatherapy and a Nespresso station, and laughing gas is offered as a complimentary service. See the office tour and sedation dentistry.

Frequently asked questions

How do I transfer from one dentist to another?

Ask your previous office for copies of your records and recent X-rays, book with your new office, complete the new patient forms, and bring your questions, medication list and any records to your first visit.

Do I have to tell my old dentist why I am leaving?

No. You only need to request your records.

Will I need new X-rays?

It depends on how recent your X-rays are. If you haven’t had them in a while, the standard of care calls for the necessary X-rays and a thorough exam before treatment.

Is the practice accepting new patients?

Yes. New patients are always welcome.

Can my whole family switch together?

Yes. Family dentistry is part of the practice, from checkups and cleanings to Invisalign Teen for teenagers.

Make the switch to Dr. Haywood

Ready for a dentist close to home in Timonium? Request an appointment or call (410) 453-9399, and the team will help you find a time. The office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS is at 108 W Timonium Rd, Ste 200, Timonium, MD 21093. For more guides, visit the blog.