New Patient Experience

Your First Visit Starts Here.

We know the first appointment sets the tone. At Ortega Cottage Dentistry, we've designed every step to feel considered, not rushed, not clinical, not transactional.

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Care that begins before treatment

We take the time to understand you, your history, your concerns, your goals, before we recommend anything. Most dental offices schedule you, seat you, and start drilling. We take a different approach. Your first visit is a conversation, we listen before we plan, and we plan before we touch a single tooth.

Before your visit

What to Prepare

A little preparation makes your first visit more productive, and means we can spend our time together focused on your care.

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Complete Your Patient Forms

We'll send you a link to complete your new patient paperwork online, at your own pace, before you arrive.

Medical & dental history form

Insurance information

Consent forms

HIPAA authorization

Gather Your Records

Previous dental records and X-rays help us build a complete picture, though we'll take updated images as needed.

Prior X-rays (if available)

List of current medications

Insurance card & photo ID

Referral letter (if applicable)

Note Your Questions & Concerns

Write down anything that's been bothering you, sensitivity, pain, cosmetic concerns, so we can address everything.

Symptoms or discomfort

Cosmetic goals

Past dental anxiety

Questions about treatment

What happens during your visit

The Full Picture, Step by Step

Here's exactly what to expect during your first appointment at Ortega Cottage Dentistry

Welcome & Check-In

You're greeted by our team, paperwork is confirmed, and any remaining questions about your forms are addressed in a relaxed setting, not at a reception window.

Medical & Dental History

Dr. Kim sits with you to review your health history, medications, and any dental concerns. This conversation shapes everything that follows.

Comprehensice Oral Exam

A thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite relationship, and soft tissues. Dr. Kim follows a Kois trained, evidence based assessment protocol.

Digital X-Rays & Imaging

Where clinically indicated, we take low dose digital radiographs to see what can't be seen with the naked eye, bone levels, interproximal decay, root anatomy.

Findings & Treatment Discussion

Dr. Kim walks you through every finding, clearly, without pressure. You'll understand what's urgent, what can wait, and what's purely elective.

Your Personalized Care Plan

Before you leave, you'll have a written summary of recommendations, estimated costs, and suggested next steps, nothing vague, nothing rushed.

Kois-Trained Assessment

What Dr. Kim Looks For

Trained at the Kois Center, one of dentistry's most rigorous postgraduate programs, Dr. Kim's exam goes well beyond a standard checkup. Every visit is a complete picture of your oral health.

Periodontal Health & Gum Condition - Pocket depths, bone levels, and tissue quality measured at every exam, gum disease is the most commonly missed condition in dentistry.

Bite & Jaw Alignment - How your teeth come together affects tooth wear, TMJ health, and long-term structural integrity, not just comfort.

Tooth Structure & Integrity - Enamel wear, fracture lines, and decay assessed at every surface using magnification where indicated.

Existing Restorations - Old fillings and crowns evaluated for longevity, we flag what needs attention before it becomes an emergency.

Cosmetic Goals & Aesthetic Concerns - Whitening, veneers, alignment, we understand your goals and what's realistic before recommending anything.

Oral Cancer Screening - A soft tissue screening for early signs of abnormal changes, quick, non-invasive, and included at every comprehensive exam.

Patient Reviews

Trusted by Patients Across San Juan Capistrano

“Dr. Kim and his staff were great. They made me feel comfortable and were very attentive. Also the office and equipment were brand new and very clean.I would recommend this Doctor to anyone.”

Joe E.

“I was very pleased with my experience. Dr. Kim and his assistant were very friendly and attentive throughout my exam and cleaning. I will definitely return. The office is new and sparkling clean too.”

Gary E.

“Dr. Kim is very knowledgable, uses state of the art equipment, and is meticulous in his work. The staff is very friendly and efficient. We are new to the area and very satisfied we found a good dentist.”

David F.

“Beautiful space, amazing staff! I had a great experience visiting Dr. Kim for treatment. I’m typically very anxious visiting dentists, but I was put at ease the moment I stepped foot inside his offices. Dr. Kim and his staff were very kind, thorough, attentive. I’m very impressed with the service I received. Will definitely be going back!”

Brandon Y.

“This office is super nice. Staff is great. Dr. MICHAEL KIM is an amazing dentist. He did a great job numbing me for my fillings. I was very anxious to go to the dental office until i had Dr. Kim do some restorative work on me. I’d recommend this office to anyone that wants a caring and kind dentist.”

Taka F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to commonly asked questions.

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Request an Appointment

Please contact us to request a future appointment with Dr. Michael Kim at Ortega Cottage Dentistry in San Juan Capistrano. Thank you!

Advanced, conservative dental care in San Juan Capistrano, guided by Kois-trained precision and genuine warmth.

27382 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675

(949) 749-2868

Languages Spoken:

English and Spanish