FAQ
Questions, answered
Everything you and your family might want to know before visiting Smile Essence Dental Care before booking your first appointment to what to expect in the chair.
Getting Started
You can book directly through our Book a Visit page, call us on +254 707 348 180, or message us on WhatsApp. We'll confirm your appointment time and answer any questions before your visit.
Please bring a valid ID, your insurance card (if applicable), and any previous dental records or X-rays if you have them. If you're bringing a child, feel free to bring along a favourite toy or comfort item — we want every visit to feel calm and familiar.
We recommend bringing your child in by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. Early visits are gentle, short, and focused on helping your child feel comfortable in a dental setting, while giving you guidance on home care.
Visits & Treatment
A routine check-up and cleaning usually takes 30–45 minutes. First visits, especially for children, may take a little longer as we take time to build trust and comfort. Treatment appointments vary depending on the procedure — we'll always let you know what to expect beforehand.
We generally recommend a check-up and cleaning every six months for both children and adults. However, some patients — particularly those with orthodontic treatment, gum concerns, or higher cavity risk — may benefit from more frequent visits, which we'll discuss with you directly.
Yes — gently and without judgement. Many of our patients (children and adults alike) come to us with dental anxiety. We take time to explain every step, work at a pace that feels comfortable, and never rush a nervous patient. Let us know about any anxiety when booking so we can prepare accordingly.
Our Care Journeys are designed around your family's life stages: First Smile (Ages 1–5), Growing Smile (6–12), Confident Teen (13–18), Parent Restoration (25+), Smile Enhancement, and Long-Term Preservation. You can explore each journey on our Care Journeys page.
Payments & Insurance
Yes, we work with a number of insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to your appointment so our team can verify your cover before treatment. For full details, visit our Pricing & Insurance page.
We accept cash, M-Pesa, and major debit/credit cards, in addition to direct billing for accepted insurance providers. If you have questions about a specific treatment cost, our front desk team is happy to provide a written estimate before you proceed.
Absolutely. After your examination, we'll walk you through a clear treatment plan and cost breakdown so you can make an informed decision — with no pressure and no surprises. Your first visit is always a conversation, not a commitment.
Visiting Us
We're located at Suite C2, Hurlingham Park, Argwings Kodhek Rd, Nairobi. We're open Monday–Friday from 8am–6pm and Saturday from 8am–1pm. We're closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Yes, Hurlingham Park offers on-site parking for visitors. If you have any trouble finding a spot, our reception team is happy to help guide you when you call ahead.
Of course — we understand plans change. Please give us at least 24 hours' notice where possible so we can offer the slot to another family. You can reschedule by calling us or messaging us on WhatsApp.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help, reach out and we'll get back to you quickly.
Ready to find your family's dental home?
Your first visit is a conversation, not a commitment. Let's find the right starting point for your family.