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Walking into a new dental practice for the first time can feel surprisingly nerve-wracking. Even if you’re not someone who typically experiences dental anxiety, that first appointment brings uncertainty: Will they judge the state of my teeth? Will they try to sell me treatments I don’t need? Will it be clinical and impersonal, or will they actually listen to my concerns? What if they find problems I wasn’t expecting?
These worries are completely normal, and if you’re feeling them right now as you consider booking your first appointment at Kissdental, you’re not alone. We’ve designed our entire first-visit experience specifically to address these common concerns, creating an environment where patients feel welcomed, heard, and genuinely cared for from the moment they contact us.
Whether you’re visiting our Manchester city centre, Liverpool, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, or Bury clinic, we want you to know exactly what to expect during your first appointment. Let’s walk through the entire experience—from that initial phone call to leaving after your consultation—so there are no surprises, just reassurance.
Your relationship with Kissdental begins before you ever set foot in one of our clinics, and we believe this initial contact sets the tone for everything that follows.
When you call 0161 871 9426 or enquire online, you’ll speak with one of our reception team who understands that contacting a new dental practice—particularly if you’ve been avoiding dental care or had negative experiences elsewhere—can feel daunting.
What happens during this call:
For nervous patients:
If you mention dental anxiety, we note this in your records so every team member you encounter is aware and can provide extra reassurance. Helen Tumbelty, practice manager at the Manchester central clinic, who has worked with Kissdental since its inception in 2005, trains the entire team to recognise and respond supportively to anxious patients.
Before your appointment, we’ll send you registration forms (either by email or post, depending on your preference) that you can complete at home in your own time. This approach means you don’t arrive facing a clipboard full of forms to rush through in the waiting room.
What we ask about:
Why this matters:
Understanding your medical history ensures safe treatment. Certain conditions affect which dental procedures are appropriate and which medications we can use. Your previous experiences help us understand your perspective and any sensitivities you might have.
Dr Kailesh Solanki’s approach to patient care emphasises the importance of this comprehensive understanding. His vision when founding Kissdental in 2005 was to provide not just clinical excellence but genuine personalised care—and that begins with truly knowing each patient’s unique situation.
On the day of your appointment, you’ll arrive at whichever of our eight Northwest locations is most convenient for you. Each clinic is designed to feel welcoming rather than clinical.
Our “chill-out lounge” waiting areas are deliberately designed to reduce the anxiety many people associate with dental practices. You won’t find harsh fluorescent lighting, sterile white walls, or that distinctive dental clinic smell. Instead, you’ll find:
Julie Knott, practice manager at the Flixton clinic, notes that many first-time patients comment that our waiting areas feel more like a contemporary coffee shop than a dental clinic—and that’s exactly the atmosphere we’re aiming for.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll encounter team members who are there to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible. Whether it’s Kat Goodwin at our Altrincham practice or Becky Tonge, our assistant manager, everyone understands that first visits can provoke anxiety and responds accordingly.
If you’ve indicated any nervousness or have specific concerns, the team will have reviewed your notes beforehand and will address these proactively rather than waiting for you to raise them.
Let’s walk through exactly what happens during your initial consultation, removing any mystery about the process.
When your dentist is ready, you’ll be welcomed into the treatment room. For many patients, this is Dr Kailesh Solanki himself, whose informal and relaxed approach has been praised by both adults and children over his nearly two decades of practice.
What happens first:
This orientation might seem like a small detail, but it establishes that you’re a partner in your care, not simply a patient being processed. Dr Solanki’s approach, influenced by his Dental Phobia Certification, recognises that giving patients information and control significantly reduces anxiety.
Before any examination, there’s a conversation. Your dentist wants to understand:
Why we prioritise this conversation:
Dr Solanki, whose postgraduate training includes extensive work in both advanced restorative and aesthetic dentistry, believes that understanding your goals is as important as identifying clinical problems. Two patients with identical dental conditions might have completely different priorities—one focused on function and health, another primarily concerned with aesthetics. Understanding your perspective shapes the treatment recommendations we make.
For cosmetic consultations specifically, Dr Khushal Morar (who heads our Liverpool clinic and has transformed over 1,000 smiles) spends significant time during initial consultations understanding exactly what you dislike about your current smile and what you envision for the future. His artistic approach to cosmetic dentistry requires this collaborative understanding before any treatment planning begins.
The clinical examination is thorough but gentle. Your dentist will examine:
For nervous patients:
If you’ve indicated anxiety, your dentist will explain each step before doing it and will check in regularly to ensure you’re comfortable. You can raise your hand at any point if you need a break—there’s absolutely no judgement for needing to pause during examination.
Dr Solanki’s qualification to provide sedation means that for future appointments requiring treatment, options exist for patients who find even examinations stressful. But many anxious patients find that the gentle, explanatory approach during their first visit is less intimidating than they feared.
Depending on your situation, your dentist might recommend X-rays or other imaging to see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.
What we explain about imaging:
For more complex cases—particularly implant planning or assessment of jawbone structure—we use advanced 3D CT scanning. This technology allows Dr Solanki, who has placed well over 1,000 dental implants, to plan treatments with millimetre precision.
After examining your teeth and reviewing any imaging, your dentist will sit down with you to discuss what they’ve found. This conversation happens in clear, accessible language—not dental jargon that leaves you confused.
What we explain:
Our philosophy on treatment recommendations:
Dr Solanki’s approach is to present options, not push procedures. You’ll understand what’s urgently needed versus what’s recommended for optimal health versus what’s purely elective. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions based on your priorities, timeline, and budget.
For instance, if you have a small cavity, Dr Solanki might explain, “This needs to be filled to prevent it from becoming larger and more painful. We can schedule this anytime in the next month or two. If left untreated, it will likely require root canal treatment within 6-12 months, which is far more extensive and expensive.”
This honest, pressure-free approach respects your autonomy while ensuring you understand the consequences of different choices.
Based on the findings and your priorities, we’ll develop a treatment plan together. This might be:
What’s included in your treatment plan:
Jodie Lane, our treatment coordinator, ensures that you leave with clear written information about recommended treatments, costs, and next steps. You’re never left confused about what was discussed or what you’re supposed to do next.
Before you leave, there’s dedicated time for questions. Nothing is too small or too “silly” to ask. Common first-visit questions include:
Dr Solanki’s team, including Dr Khushal Morar, who was mentored by Dr Solanki and now trains other dentists through Kisscourses, understands that patients need clear, honest answers to make confident decisions about their care.
Not all first visits are the same. Here’s what to expect for specific types of initial consultations:
If you’re simply establishing care with a new practice for ongoing maintenance:
Hygienists like Vicci Gallimore, who graduated in 2008 and provides comprehensive care, or Allyson Askew, Kissdental’s longest-standing hygienist who qualified in 1995, might be involved in your initial appointments, particularly for hygiene assessment and cleaning.
If you’re specifically interested in improving your smile:
Dr Morar’s expertise with composite bonding, veneers, and smile makeovers means cosmetic consultations are collaborative, creative sessions where you’re actively involved in designing your future smile.
If you’re exploring dental implants or comprehensive restoration:
If you’re considering Invisalign or other teeth straightening:
Your relationship with Kissdental doesn’t end when you leave your first appointment.
Within a few days, our team will typically follow up to:
This follow-up is particularly important for patients who felt overwhelmed during their appointment and need time to process information.
When you’re ready to proceed with recommended treatment:
Dr Solanki’s vision for Kissdental has always centred on ongoing relationships with patients, not transactional encounters. Whether you’re seeing the team for regular check-ups every six months or undergoing a comprehensive smile transformation over several months, the goal is building trust and continuity of care.
After that first visit, why do patients continue choosing Kissdental for their ongoing dental care? Patient testimonials consistently highlight:
Helen Tumbelty, who has been with Kissdental since 2005, notes that many patients comment that their first visit was nothing like they expected—in the best possible way. The anxiety they felt beforehand dissipated once they experienced the welcoming, patient-focused approach that defines the practice.
If you’ve been putting off finding a new dentist, or if you’ve avoided dental care altogether for months or years, taking that first step—simply booking an initial consultation—is often the hardest part. But once you’ve experienced what a first visit to Kissdental actually involves, most patients wonder why they waited so long.
Whether you’re in Manchester city centre, Liverpool, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, or Bury, your nearest Kissdental clinic offers the same welcoming, patient-centred approach. Dr Solanki’s founding vision of providing unparalleled patient care permeates every aspect of the practice, from that first phone call through every appointment.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dental advice. Every patient is different, and treatment outcomes vary. Please consult a qualified dental professional at Kissdental for advice specific to your situation. All treatments are carried out by GDC-registered dentists.
Reviewed by Dr Kailesh Solanki, Founder of Kissdental
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dental advice. Every patient is different, and treatment outcomes vary. Please consult a qualified dental professional at Kissdental for advice specific to your situation. All treatments are carried out by GDC-registered dentists.
Reviewed by Dr Kailesh Solanki, Founder of Kissdental
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