You do not need to know dental terminology. If something hurts, say where it hurts. If you dislike the appearance of a tooth, tell us. If you are nervous, mention it. If another dentist recommended treatment and you do not understand it, bring the treatment plan.

2. Can My Previous Dentist Send My Records?

Yes. If you are transferring from another dental office, let our team know that you have existing records. Depending on what is available, your previous office may be able to provide dental X-rays, treatment history, periodontal records and prior treatment plans.

Having recent records may help your new dentist understand your history. Older records do not always provide every image or finding needed for current diagnosis, so your dentist will determine whether additional information is clinically appropriate.

3. Will I Automatically Need New Dental X-Rays?

Not necessarily. The American Dental Association recommends selecting dental imaging according to the patient’s medical and dental history, symptoms, examination findings and diagnostic needs – not simply because a person is a new patient.

Learn more from the American Dental Association’s dental X-ray guidance.

If you recently had dental X-rays, tell us. Your dental team can determine whether those images provide the information needed or whether newer or different images are appropriate.

4. Will I Get My Teeth Cleaned at the First Appointment?

Maybe. Many people assume every first appointment automatically includes a routine cleaning, but the type of cleaning that is appropriate depends on your gum health.

Someone with healthy gums may need a regular preventive cleaning. Someone with signs of periodontal disease may require a different type of treatment, such as scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance.

Learn more about Gentle Dental Care’s preventive and teeth-cleaning services.

If receiving a cleaning at your first visit is important to you, tell the scheduling team when booking so they can explain how your appointment will be arranged.

5. What if I Have Not Been to a Dentist in Several Years?

Come anyway. People postpone dental care for many reasons: work, children, insurance changes, moving, dental anxiety, cost or a difficult previous experience.

You do not need to know exactly what is wrong before scheduling an appointment, and you do not need to wait until your mouth hurts. Your first step is simply finding out where things stand.

6. What if I Am Afraid of the Dentist?

Tell us. Dental anxiety is common, and discussing it before treatment can make the experience easier to manage.

The American Dental Association recommends telling the dental team about your concerns, asking questions and agreeing on a signal if you need a pause during treatment.

You can simply say, “Dental appointments make me nervous. Please explain what you are doing before we start,” or “Can we stop if I raise my hand?”

7. Can My Entire Family Come to the Sterling Office?

Yes. Gentle Dental Care provides dental care for children, teens and adults, allowing families to establish care within one practice.

Our complete dental services include preventive, restorative, cosmetic, orthodontic and implant treatment.

• Dental examinations and professional cleanings
• Children’s dentistry
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Dental crowns and bridges
• Root canal treatment
• Periodontal treatment
• Dentures and dental implants
• Teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry
• Braces and clear aligners
• Emergency dental care

8. Do You Accept Dental Insurance?

Gentle Dental Care works with many dental PPO plans. Before treatment, provide your exact insurance information so network participation and estimated benefits can be reviewed. Plans from the same insurer can differ in deductibles, annual maximums, frequency limitations and coverage levels.

Review our financial information page or call the Sterling office at 703-444-5678.

Looking for a MetLife Dentist in Sterling?

Gentle Dental Care works with MetLife dental plans and has been recognized as a MetLife SpotLite on Oral Health 2025-2026 Award Recipient. Exact network participation and benefits should still be confirmed for your particular plan.

Read about our MetLife SpotLite on Oral Health recognition.

9. What Happens if the Dentist Finds Something?

You should understand the problem before deciding what to do about it. Useful questions include:

• What did you find?
• Can you show me?
• Why does it need treatment?
• How urgent is it?
• What happens if I wait?
• Are there other reasonable options?
• What will my insurance likely cover?
• What is my estimated cost?

The conversation should help you understand your choices rather than simply hand you a list of procedures.

10. What if I Need More Than a Routine Cleaning?

One reason patients look for a comprehensive dental practice is that their needs may change over time. Gentle Dental Care offers preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, periodontal care, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, emergency care and dental implants.

Explore our dental services to learn more.

11. What if I Already Have a Treatment Plan From Another Dentist?

Bring it. A new dentist can review your current condition and discuss the proposed treatment with you. You may want another opinion because the treatment is extensive, you recently moved, your previous dentist is far away, or you simply want to understand your options before making a significant decision.

A second opinion does not automatically mean another dentist’s recommendation was wrong. It can simply help you feel more informed.

12. What if I Am Missing a Tooth?

Missing teeth can be replaced in several ways depending on your oral health and individual situation. Potential options may include a dental implant, dental bridge, partial denture or another restorative option.

Learn more about our dental implant services.

If you already have an implant treatment plan from another local practice, bring your written proposal. Gentle Dental Care may provide price matching for eligible, current, comparable local implant treatment plans, subject to clinical evaluation and comparability.

13. What if I Need a Dental Emergency Appointment?

If you have urgent dental symptoms, you do not have to wait for a routine checkup. Call 703-444-5678 and explain what is happening.

• Significant tooth pain
• Broken or fractured tooth
• Lost crown
• Swelling
• Dental trauma
• Suspected infection
• Knocked-out tooth

You may also request an appointment online, but calling is helpful when the situation is urgent.

If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing or rapidly increasing facial swelling, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment.

14. Does the Sterling Office Offer Saturday Appointments?

Yes. Gentle Dental Care Sterling’s published office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM; Saturday, 8 AM-12 PM; Sunday, closed. Saturday hours can be useful for working professionals, students and families who find weekday appointments difficult. Individual appointment and provider availability may vary, so scheduling ahead is recommended.

15. Can I Book a Dentist Online in Sterling?

Yes. You can use the Gentle Dental Care online appointment page and select Sterling. You can also call 703-444-5678. If you are scheduling because of pain, swelling, dental trauma or another urgent issue, calling allows you to explain the situation directly.

Why Choose Gentle Dental Care Sterling as Your Dental Home?

You have many choices when looking for a dentist in Sterling, Ashburn, Herndon and Loudoun County. We do not believe you should choose a dentist simply because a website calls itself “the best.” Instead, look for things you can evaluate.

A Locally Established Practice

Gentle Dental Care is a locally owned Northern Virginia dental practice with a long-standing focus on comprehensive family care.

Care for Different Ages

We welcome children, teenagers and adults, making the Sterling location an option for families looking for a long-term dental home.

Broad Dental Services

Patients can access preventive, restorative, cosmetic, orthodontic, emergency and implant care within the practice.

Saturday Hours

Saturday appointments provide additional scheduling flexibility for busy families and professionals.

Online Booking

Patients can request appointments online rather than having to call during business hours.

Patient Education

We want patients to understand what we see, why treatment may be recommended and what options are available before making decisions.

Real Patient Experiences

Read our patient testimonials to learn more about individual experiences with our team. Every patient’s situation is different, but reviews can help you understand how a practice communicates and supports its patients.

Convenient Dental Care for Sterling and Nearby Communities

Gentle Dental Care’s Sterling office serves patients from Sterling and surrounding communities, including Ashburn, Herndon, Reston, Oak Hill, Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, Leesburg, Floris, McNair, Dulles and other nearby Loudoun County communities.

If you are searching for a dentist near Ashburn, a dentist near Herndon, a family dentist near Potomac Falls or a dentist in Loudoun County accepting new patients, our Sterling location may be convenient for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a New Patient at Gentle Dental Care Sterling

Is Gentle Dental Care Sterling accepting new patients?

Yes. Gentle Dental Care welcomes new patients at the Sterling office, including children, teens and adults.

What is the phone number for the Sterling office?

Call 703-444-5678.

Where is the Sterling office?

20 Pidgeon Hill Dr #204, Sterling, VA 20165.

Can I book online?

Yes. Use the online appointment page and select Sterling.

Are Saturday dental appointments available in Sterling?

Yes. Published Saturday hours are 8 AM-12 PM. Appointment availability may vary.

Will my first appointment include a cleaning?

Possibly. The appropriate type of cleaning depends on your gum health and what the examination shows. Tell the office when booking if you are specifically requesting a cleaning.

Can I transfer X-rays from another dentist?

Yes. Tell the office you have recent dental records or X-rays. Your dentist can determine whether those records are sufficient for your current diagnostic needs.

What if I have not seen a dentist for years?

Schedule an evaluation. You do not need to wait for pain or apologize for the time that has passed.

Can I bring an existing treatment plan for a second opinion?

Yes. Bring the written treatment plan and relevant records so the dentist can evaluate your current condition and discuss your options.

Does Gentle Dental Care treat children?

Yes. The practice provides family and children’s dentistry in addition to adult dental care.

Does Gentle Dental Care offer dental implants?

Yes. Gentle Dental Care provides dental implant treatment and more extensive implant-supported treatment options.

Does Gentle Dental Care offer braces or clear aligners?

Yes. The practice offers orthodontic treatment options including braces and clear aligners.

Can I schedule an emergency appointment as a new patient?

Yes. Contact the Sterling office at 703-444-5678 and describe the problem. Online appointment requests are also available.

Ready to Establish Care With a Dentist in Sterling?

You do not need to have everything figured out before making your first appointment. Maybe you need a checkup. Maybe your gums bleed. Maybe something hurts. Maybe you are overdue. Maybe another dentist gave you a treatment plan and you want another opinion. Or maybe you simply want to establish a relationship with a dental practice before you have a problem.

Any of those are reasonable reasons to start.

Your first appointment does not commit you to a treatment plan. It gives you a place to start, ask questions and understand your oral health.