Whether you recently relocated from Toronto or are a student at one of our local universities, finding a new dentist in the Kitchener-Waterloo area is an important step in making your move. While it might be tempting to push this item down your to-do list, investing in your oral health is never a bad thing.
Are you new to the Kitchener-Waterloo area and looking for a dentist near you? Look no further–Chiu Dental is here to help! With over 13 years of dental experience and a steadfast commitment to friendly, high-quality care, our dental clinic is currently accepting new patients for dental exams, comprehensive teeth cleanings, and more. Keep reading to learn how to book your first appointment with us today!
Step 1: Choose Your New Dentist
While this step might seem self-explanatory, finding a local dentist that meets your needs is essential. Consider:
- Location
- Accessibility
- Services offered
- Languages spoken
- Team experience
Not sure where to start? Read our previous blog post: “How to Choose the Best Dentist in Kitchener and Waterloo,” which goes over all these key details and more.
Step 2: Transfer Your Dental Records
Once you’ve settled on a new dentist, you can request that a copy of your records be transferred from your old clinic. This is especially important for patients with complex needs or an extensive history of dental work. Here’s how this process works:
- Contact your new dentist and let them know you’d like to get your dental records transferred. Provide the name, address, and contact information of your previous dentist.
- At this stage, you might need to sign a release form due to local or national privacy regulations. If this is the case, your new dentist will provide you with a simple form to complete.
- Finally, allow time for the transfer to be completed. Most dental clinics maintain digital records, making the transfer simple and quick. However, in some situations, acquiring your records might take slightly longer, especially if you are moving from outside of Canada. If you have concerns about your records, speak to your new dentist for a more detailed timeline.
Step 3: Understand Your Coverage
Concerned about affordability? Dental costs can be a significant roadblock for many patients, especially if you are new to the area. Don’t let these concerns stop you–there’s a high chance that you have dental coverage through your school, work, or the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Reviewing your coverage ahead of time helps prevent surprises and unexpected costs. Let’s break down some key details about dental insurance coverage in Ontario:
Canadian Dental Care Plan
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps to make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadians. As of October 2025, you qualify for the CDCP if you meet all of the following:
- You don’t have access to dental insurance.
- You (and your spouse/common-law partner) have filed a Canadian tax return.
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000.
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
For more information about this program and what’s covered, consult the Government of Canada’s website. Here are some helpful links:
Private Insurance
Typically, most employer-provided dental insurance plans offer significant coverage, meaning your out-of-pocket costs should be minimal. You can use these benefits to cover routine work like dental exams, teeth cleanings, and more. Read more here: “Book Your Dentist Appointment Before Your Benefits Reset.”
Are you concerned about the cost of your dental exam? Contact the Chiu Dental team–we work with most major insurance providers and can walk you through the claims process.
Student Dental Plans
Are you a student at the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, or another post-secondary institution in the area? Most Ontario schools offer exclusive dental benefits to their students, making the cost of dental care more affordable and accessible. For example, the University of Waterloo offers up to $750 of coverage for dental visits per policy year.
Step 4: Prep Essential Documents
Having all essential documents in one place ensures that your intake goes as smoothly as possible! Make sure you have the following prepped for your first dental exam:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (including your CDCP details, if applicable)
- A list of all your current medications
- Detailed medical history, including specific conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Step 5: Time for Your Appointment!
Now you are ready for your first appointment with your new dentist! Make sure you arrive at the clinic 10-15 minutes early for paperwork, check-ins, and any other pre-appointment details. Curious about what to expect from your first dental exam with Chiu Dental? Check out our website for more information!
Book Your First Dental Exam in Kitchener-Waterloo Today!
As a trusted dentist in the Kitchener and Waterloo area, Dr. Jody Chiu has been protecting smiles and investing in patient relationships for over 13 years. Interested in booking an appointment? You are in luck–Chiu Dental is accepting new patients right now! Call us, email us, or schedule your first comprehensive oral exam on our website today. We can’t wait to meet you!
Content Reviewed by Dr. Jody Chiu