Dental Cleaning means

So, you got your new insurance.
You have dental coverage. Every one said, first go for a cleaning.
If you are visiting for the first time, like many immigrants and refugees here, then you have no clue what it means.
So, I will tell you what to expect.
When you reach your chosen dental office, they are going to ask you to fill out a form. Mainly you will be filling out name address and stuff like that.
Then there is place to fill your medical history. The dentist wants to know about your allergies, regular medications you are taking etc. If you have any heart condition, or other diseases, you must mention that too.
Then fill out your insurance information too. Your health card is not needed in a dental office.
Once they take you in, the dentist will examine your teeth, tongue and the jaws. Then will discuss the findings with you. If needed the dentist will prescribe X-rays. Then will usually create a treatment plan.
I will tell you about the dental cleaning now. Some offices the dentist will do the dental cleaning. Some offices, they will assign a dental hygienist to do the cleaning.
Either way, they are going to use something called cavitron to clean your teeth. The instrument vibrates to help remove the calculus from teeth. There will be water coming from the tip as well. The water will cool down the instrument.

There will be a straw like thing to take the water out from your mouth, called saliva ejector.
Not a very pleasant experience, but not a very painful one either.
If it is your first time, and you are not keen in flossing everyday, you can experience some bleeding.
After the cleaning is done, there will be a polishing. It is similar to an electric brush. Instead of tooth paste there will be polishing pate/prophy paste.

While examining, the dentist will let you know about the findings. If you like, you can make a treatment plan too.