A welcome to unrushed, comprehensive care.
Everything you need before your first visit — a clear picture of what to expect, the forms to complete, and a simple step that can save you the cost of unnecessary x-rays.
Four steps to a seamless start.
We’ve designed our onboarding to remove every bit of friction. Complete these in order, and your first visit will be entirely about you and Dr. Slate — not paperwork.
Read the welcome letter
Understand our concierge model, what your first two visits look like, and our office policies.
Request your records
Send a one-page release to your previous office. This can save you the cost of new x-rays.
Complete intake forms
Fill out your health history and HIPAA acknowledgment, then return them by email.
Arrive and relax
Park in our covered garage, take the elevator to suite 332. Plan for 60–90 minutes.
Transferring your records can save you up to $359.
If you’ve had recent x-rays at another office, we may be able to use them — meaning you can avoid paying for duplicates at your first visit. It takes one form and a phone call.
Why it matters: New x-rays at your initial exam are billable. If your previous office can send recent imaging, we can often skip that step entirely. The form below makes the request on your behalf.
- Bitewing x-rays usable if taken within2 years · saves $140
- Full mouth series usable if taken within5 years · saves $219
- Maximum potential savings$359
Even if your imaging is older, we still recommend transferring records. Your treatment history, periodontal charts, and clinical notes give Dr. Slate critical context for your comprehensive exam.
How to transfer your records
Three steps. About five minutes of your time.
- Download the release formAvailable below in this section.
- Sign and send to your previous dentistThe form tells them exactly what to send and how.
- Records arrive at our officeThey send digital files to contact@slatedentaldc.com — no follow-up needed from you.
Everything in one place.
How to submit: Complete forms can be returned by email to contact@slatedentaldc.com. We’ll confirm receipt within one business day.
Welcome to Slate Dental.
From Dr. John Slate and our concierge team
We’re thrilled to welcome you to our practice. At Slate Dental, we believe in doing the harder right — care built on uncompromised treatment planning and clinical excellence, guided entirely by your long-term health goals rather than minimum insurance standards. When you choose us, you are investing in dentistry built on precision, integrity, and results that endure.
Your first two visits — a blueprint for your smile
We practice comprehensive dentistry. This means we never rush into a routine cleaning without first understanding the complete picture of your oral health.
Comprehensive Examination
Your initial appointment is dedicated entirely to evaluation. Dr. Slate reviews your dental history, takes any necessary diagnostics, and assesses your teeth, gums, and bite — building a meticulously planned blueprint for your care.
Hygiene & Treatment Plan
Tailored to your specific needs, this visit may include your customized hygiene appointment and a detailed review of any restorative treatments recommended to keep your smile healthy for decades.
Financial information & insurance
As an unrestricted, fee-for-service provider, we work diligently to help you maximize your out-of-network PPO benefits. Our dedicated insurance coordinator handles all paperwork and submits claims directly on your behalf. Out-of-network benefits typically cover 50%–80% of fees, and you maintain the same annual maximum benefit.
We accept HSA and FSA accounts, and partner with TuaPay and Cherry Financing to offer flexible payment solutions so you can receive the treatment you need, when you need it.
Cigna DPPO members: We are an in-network provider for Cigna DPPO (note: we do not participate in the Cigna Advantage network). You receive the same premium materials, dedicated time, and uncompromised expertise as our private-pay patients, with the added benefit of Cigna’s pre-negotiated rates.
Our cancellation policy
When you schedule an appointment, that time is reserved exclusively for you. Because of the dedicated attention and preparation required for each patient, we require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for any cancellations or schedule changes. Missed appointments or cancellations made with less notice are subject to a missed appointment fee.
Before you arrive.
Schedule your comprehensive exam.
Once your records are on the way and your forms are complete, the only thing left is choosing a time that works for you.