Welcoming New Patients to our Belmont Dental Family

Whether you need a routine cleaning, a root canal, or a complete smile makeover, our team of specialists is here — all under one roof, no referrals needed.

For a shorter time in the waiting room, please fill out our secure and HIPAA compliant Registration Form before your initial visit.

 

Introduction

 

What to Expect at your First Visit

 

Insurance & Financing

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

At Peninsula Specialty Dental Care, your first visit is about more than a checkup — it's the start of a long-term relationship with a dental team that truly knows you. We're a family-run specialty practice in Belmont, and we take the time to listen, explain, and make sure you feel completely comfortable before we begin any treatment.

Our doctors include a Harvard-trained board-certified endodontist, a dual board-certified periodontist and endodontist, and a general and cosmetic dentist — all in one location. That means complex care is handled in-house, without the hassle of multiple referrals and separate offices.

Step 1 — Complete Your Forms Online (Saves Time) To make check-in smooth, please complete your HIPAA-compliant registration form before your appointment. It takes about 10 minutes and means less paperwork on the day of your visit.

→ Complete Registration Form Online

Step 2 — Meet Your Doctor Dr. Nelia Barkhordar will take time to get to know you — your dental history, any concerns you have, and your goals for your smile and oral health. This isn't a rushed visit. We want to understand the full picture.

Step 3 — Exam and X-Rays We'll perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and bite, and take digital X-rays as needed. Our digital imaging is fast, comfortable, and significantly reduces radiation compared to traditional X-rays.

Step 4 — Your Personalized Treatment Plan Dr. Nelia Barkhordar will walk you through any findings in plain language — no jargon — and present your treatment options clearly. There's no pressure. You'll always have the final say.

Step 5 — Cleaning (When Appropriate) In many cases, we can complete your professional cleaning on the same visit. If additional care is needed first, we'll schedule your cleaning at the most convenient time for you.

Accepted Insurance We are proud to accept most major PPO dental insurance plans, both as an in-network and out-of-network provider. We will handle submitting your claims and work to maximize your benefits.

  • Most PPO plans accepted

  • In-network with many major carriers

  • Out-of-network PPO benefits also accepted

  • HMO, Medi-Cal, and Denti-Cal are not accepted

Not sure if we accept your plan? Call us at (650) 654-1854 — we're happy to verify your benefits before your visit.

Financing Options We want cost to never be a barrier to the care you need. We offer flexible financing options to help you get started. Ask our front desk about available payment plans at your visit.

How long will my first appointment take? Plan for approximately 60–90 minutes for a new patient visit that includes an exam, X-rays, and cleaning. If you have complex concerns or specialty needs, it may run a bit longer — and that's okay. We'd rather take the time to do it right.

Do I need to bring anything? If you have recent dental X-rays from another office, bring them or ask your previous dentist to forward them — it saves you from duplicate imaging. Also bring your insurance card and a valid photo ID.

What if I have dental anxiety? You're not alone, and we take this seriously. Let us know when you call or in your registration form, and we'll make sure your doctor and team are prepared to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We work at your pace.

Can I be seen for a dental emergency? Yes. We do our best to accommodate dental emergencies the same day. Call us at (650) 654-1854 and let us know you need urgent care.

Do you treat children? Yes, we welcome patients of all ages. Dr. Nelia Barkhordar has extensive experience with family and pediatric dentistry.

Where do I park? Parking is available in our office back lot. See our Parking Information page for details.