New patients & financing
New Patients: What to Expect
New patients are welcome at Dr. Kathia Steel's Preston Center practice by appointment, ages 12 and up. A first visit is about getting to know your mouth and your goals: we gather records, examine your teeth and bite, and talk through your options before anyone recommends treatment.
Your first visit
Your first appointment is an unhurried evaluation, where Dr. Steel gets to know your mouth and your goals. Here is what it generally involves:
- Records. We gather the diagnostic records a specialist needs to see the full picture, which may include digital X-rays, digital impressions from an intraoral scanner, and 3D imaging when a case calls for it.
- Exam. Dr. Steel examines your teeth, gums, and bite as a board-certified prosthodontist, the dental specialist trained in restoring and replacing teeth.
- Discussion of options. You and Dr. Steel talk through what she found and what your choices are, including the times when the simpler, less expensive option is the right one for you.
We do not quote a fixed appointment length here, because a hygiene visit and a full-mouth consultation are not the same appointment. When you request a visit, our office matches the time to what you are coming in for. New to the specialty? What is a prosthodontist?
Same-day and urgent visits
Dental emergencies do not wait. Our office does everything possible to schedule same-day appointments for urgent problems. If an injury is severe, go to your local emergency department first, then follow up with us for whatever dental care is needed.
To be seen for an urgent problem, call (214) 369-9000 during office hours, or request an appointment and note that it is urgent so our office can prioritize your callback.
Insurance
The practice is out-of-network, and we file your claims for you. Out-of-network means no insurer sets our fees, so Dr. Steel plans each case on its merits rather than around a plan's restrictions. Many patients with dental benefits still use them here; we submit the paperwork on your behalf so you are reimbursed according to your plan.
If you have questions about how your specific benefits apply, call the office and our staff will walk you through it.
A list of the specific insurance plans we work with is being confirmed and will be added here.
Financing and payment
We want cost to be predictable, so we go over the plan and the fees with you before treatment starts. Ways to pay:
- CareCredit — a healthcare financing option you can apply for to spread payments over time.
- HSA and FSA funds.
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
- Checks and cash.
Patient forms
To save time at your first visit, you can complete your new-patient paperwork ahead of time. If you haven't received your forms, the office will get them to you when we call to schedule.
Downloadable patient forms are coming soon.
Please bring a photo ID and your insurance information if you have dental benefits. Do not include medical details in any online message; you will go over your health history on your forms and in person.
Good to know
- Ages: we see patients 12 and up.
- Languages: English and Spanish are spoken in the office.
- New patients: accepting; an appointment is required.
- Parking: free garage and free on-site lot. See the contact page for directions and accessibility details.
Frequently asked questions
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. The practice welcomes new patients age 12 and up, by appointment. Request an appointment online or call (214) 369-9000, and our office will call you back to schedule.
Do you take my insurance?
The practice is out-of-network, but we file your insurance claims for you so you are reimbursed by your plan. We also accept CareCredit, HSA and FSA funds, and all major credit cards.
Can I be seen the same day for a dental emergency?
Our office does everything possible to schedule same-day appointments for urgent problems. Call (214) 369-9000. If an injury is severe, go to your local emergency department first, then follow up with us.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Bring a photo ID and, if you have dental benefits, your insurance information. Completing your patient forms ahead of time helps your first visit go faster.
Do you treat children?
The practice sees patients ages 12 and up. We do not provide pediatric dentistry for younger children.
Request an appointment
Call (214) 369-9000 or request an appointment online. We'll call you within one business day to find the right appointment.
Kathia Steel, D.D.S., M.S., P.A. · 8117 Preston Rd #170, Dallas, TX 75225 · (214) 369-9000