New Patient Exam

Start your journey to a healthy smile with our comprehensive new patient exam

Roam Dental in Shelby Township welcomes new patients with a comprehensive initial exam — full-mouth evaluation, digital x-rays, gum health assessment, oral cancer screening, and a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Virgil Barbu takes the time to understand your dental history, current concerns, and long-term goals so we can build a plan that fits your life. Patients from Shelby Township, Utica, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, and across Macomb County are welcome. Schedule your new patient visit or call (586) 500-7647.

Man at dentist during new patient exam
Preventative Care

The Dental Exam: What to Expect

A clinical exam is more commonly referred to as a routine check up. A new patient exam lets our dentist essentially take inventory of the overall health of your mouth and teeth and diagnose any potential problems you may have.

A. The first thing we will check during the exam is your face and neck. Checking visually, we will look for any abnormalities, such as lumps, bumps or swelling.

B. Checking inside your mouth is next on the agenda. During this part of the check up our dentist will be looking for any abnormalities in the soft tissue, such as discolorations or ulcers on your lips, gums, tongue, palate and cheeks. We will also perform an oral cancer screening and will check your bite and your jaw joint for any problems.

Young woman at dentist receiving dental exam

C. Next we'll check your gums and jawbone, as they are the foundation for your teeth. We will check them for any signs of gingivitis, gum disease and bone disease.

D. Checking your teeth comes next. We will be checking them for cavities and other problems. Finally, we will be sure to look specifically at any areas where you may have symptoms or concerns.

Digital dental x-ray imaging equipment
Advanced Technology

Digital Impressions

A clinical exam alone is often inadequate to detect all possible oral health issues. Many problems, such as those involving the teeth and jawbone, are not visible to the naked eye. Digital impressions are an important tool in providing a more detailed and precise view of what is happening inside your mouth and below the teeth and gums. They allow dentists to check for bone loss and assess the severity of gum disease. Digital impressions are crucial in detecting and diagnosing dental issues early on, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved oral health.

In addition to revealing any problems that were not visible during the clinical exam these initial digital impressions will also provide your dentist with a benchmark with which to compare against during your future visits.

Be Prepared

What to Bring to Your First Appointment

  • Driver's license
  • Dental insurance card, if you have one
  • List of medications you're taking
  • Any questions or concerns
What You Receive

What to Expect From Your New Patient Visit

Your new patient exam is a comprehensive experience designed to give you complete clarity about your oral health and a clear path forward:

Comprehensive Health Assessment

A full clinical exam covering teeth, gums, bite, jaw, soft tissues, and oral cancer screening — giving your dentist a complete picture of your oral health.

Personalized Treatment Plan

A prioritized, transparent plan outlining any treatment needed, the order in which to address it, and clear estimates — with your input guiding every decision.

Early Problem Detection

Finding cavities, gum disease, and other issues when they are small means simpler, less expensive treatment and better long-term outcomes for your teeth.

Digital X-Rays

Low-radiation digital X-rays reveal hidden decay, bone levels, and structural issues invisible during a clinical exam — reviewed with you chairside in real time.

Comfortable Modern Office

Our office is designed for patient comfort, with a friendly team, modern technology, and a calm environment that makes every visit as easy as possible.

We are currently welcoming new patients from Shelby Township and the surrounding area. Whether you are establishing care for the first time or switching providers, your first visit sets the standard for everything that follows — thorough, transparent, and centered entirely on you.
Step By Step

What to Expect During Your New Patient Exam Visit

Here is exactly what happens at your appointment at Roam Dental. Knowing each step makes the experience far less intimidating — and lets you relax knowing what comes next.

  1. 1. Medical history review. Your paperwork is reviewed with a team member — medical conditions, medications, allergies, prior dental work. Everything stays confidential.
  2. 2. Full exam. Dr. Barbu examines every tooth, your gums, tongue, cheeks, and lymph nodes. Pocket depths are measured to check gum health.
  3. 3. Digital x-rays and photos. Modern digital sensors capture x-rays with very low radiation. Intraoral photos document your starting point so we can track changes.
  4. 4. Oral cancer screening. A quick visual and tactile screening of soft tissues catches abnormalities early — takes about two minutes.
  5. 5. Discussion. Dr. Barbu walks you through findings, answers questions, and builds a personalized plan — prioritizing urgent care first and giving you clear options.
Common Concerns

Common Concerns About New Patient Exam

These are the questions patients at Roam Dental ask most often before committing to treatment. Dr. Barbu addresses each one honestly at your consultation.

"I haven't been to a dentist in years — will you judge me?"

Never. Dr. Barbu sees patients every week who have avoided the dentist for years. We focus on where you are today and how to move forward — not what happened in the past.

"Will it take forever?"

Plan for 60–90 minutes. That time includes full records, a thorough exam, cleaning (if scheduled), x-rays, and unhurried time to discuss your goals with Dr. Barbu.

"Will I be pressured into treatment?"

No. We present options and let you decide. Dr. Barbu will tell you what's urgent, what can wait, and what's elective. You set the pace.

What to Know

Risks and Considerations of New Patient Exam

Every procedure has tradeoffs, and transparent conversation about them is part of informed consent. Dr. Barbu reviews these at your consultation and answers every question before treatment begins.

  • Digital x-rays use very low radiation doses
  • Some patients may feel anxious during a first visit — sedation options are available
  • Any findings will be discussed with you before any treatment is recommended
Our Clinical Approach

How We Approach New Patient Exam at Roam Dental

The new patient exam is one of the most important appointments any patient has. It establishes the baseline for everything — history, current condition, immediate priorities, and long-term goals — and builds the trust that makes the long-term relationship successful.

First exams are never rushed at Roam Dental. Some patients come in with years of avoided dentistry and real anxiety. The job is to listen, explain, and build a plan that can be tackled together — one step at a time, at a pace that works.

Reviewed by Dr. Virgil Barbu, DDS · Roam Dental, Shelby Township, MI

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About New Patient Exams

Yes. If you live in Shelby Township or the surrounding area, we are accepting new patients. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

During your first visit, our dentist will perform a comprehensive exam of your teeth, gums, jawbone, and soft tissue. We will also take digital impressions to get a complete picture of your oral health and develop a personalized treatment plan.

A new patient exam typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This allows time for digital impressions, a thorough clinical exam, a discussion of your dental history, and a conversation about any treatment options.

No, dental insurance is not required. We welcome patients with and without insurance. If you have dental insurance, please bring your card so we can help maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible payment options for uninsured patients.

You can schedule your new patient appointment by calling our office at (586) 500-7647 or by visiting our online booking page. We look forward to welcoming you!

Your first visit includes a full medical and dental history review, comprehensive oral exam, digital x-rays, gum health measurement, oral cancer screening, and a discussion of your concerns and goals. Dr. Barbu will walk you through any findings and recommend next steps.

Plan for about 60–90 minutes for your first visit. This allows time for records, exam, cleaning (if scheduled), x-rays, and a thorough conversation with Dr. Barbu.

Most dental insurance plans cover new patient exams, cleanings, and x-rays at 100% as preventive services. We verify your benefits before the visit so there are no surprises.

Your first visit includes a full medical and dental history review, comprehensive oral exam, digital x-rays, gum health measurement, oral cancer screening, and a discussion of your concerns and goals. Dr. Barbu will walk you through any findings and recommend next steps.

Plan for about 60–90 minutes for your first visit. This allows time for records, exam, cleaning (if scheduled), x-rays, and a thorough conversation with Dr. Barbu.

Most dental insurance plans cover new patient exams, cleanings, and x-rays at 100% as preventive services. We verify your benefits before the visit so there are no surprises.

Your first visit includes a full medical and dental history review, comprehensive oral exam, digital x-rays, gum health measurement, oral cancer screening, and a discussion of your concerns and goals. Dr. Barbu will walk you through any findings and recommend next steps.

Plan for about 60–90 minutes for your first visit. This allows time for records, exam, cleaning (if scheduled), x-rays, and a thorough conversation with Dr. Barbu.

Most dental insurance plans cover new patient exams, cleanings, and x-rays at 100% as preventive services. We verify your benefits before the visit so there are no surprises.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. New patient exams are non-invasive. Digital x-rays use very low radiation doses. Any treatment recommended after the exam will be reviewed in detail so you understand the purpose, benefits, and risks. Consult Dr. Virgil Barbu or a qualified dental professional regarding any questions about your oral health. Individual results may vary.

Ready for Your New Patient Exam?

Take the first step toward a healthier smile. Schedule your comprehensive new patient exam today.