Dental schools are a great place to get affordable or even free dental care. They offer various dental services, from preventive care to restorative and endodontic care. And because experienced dentists supervise dental students, you can be sure you will receive high-quality care.
In this blog post, we will discuss the types of dental services offered at dental schools, the eligibility requirements for free dental care, and how to find a dental school near you that offers free care. We will also provide a step-by-step guide on scheduling an appointment for free dental care at a dental school.
Types of Dental Services Offered at Dental Schools
Preventive care
Preventive care is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Dental schools offer a variety of preventive dental services, including:
- Cleanings: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar, which can build up on your teeth and lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Exams: Dental exams allow your dentist to check for cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems early on, when they are most treatable.
- X-rays: X-rays allow your dentist to see between your teeth and under your gums, where they may not be able to see with their eyes. This helps them to detect cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems early on.
- Fluoride treatments: Fluoride treatments can help to strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to cavities.
- Sealants: Sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth to protect them from cavities.
Restorative care
Restorative care is used to repair or replace damaged teeth. Dental schools offer a variety of restorative dental services, including:
- Fillings: Fillings are used to repair cavities.
- Crowns: Crowns are caps that are placed over teeth to protect them, restore their function, or improve their appearance.
- Bridges: Bridges are used to replace missing teeth.
- Dentures: Dentures are used to replace missing teeth and restore function.
Endodontic care
Endodontic care is used to treat teeth that have become infected or damaged. Dental schools offer a variety of endodontic services, including:
- Root canals: Root canals are used to remove infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth.
Periodontic care
Periodontic care is used to treat gum disease. Dental schools offer a variety of periodontal services, including:
- Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar below the gum line.
- Gum grafts: Gum grafts are used to replace gum tissue lost due to gum disease.
Orthodontic care
Orthodontic care is used to straighten teeth and correct bite problems. Dental schools offer a variety of orthodontic services, including:
- Braces: Braces are metal or ceramic brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected by wires. They are used to move the teeth into the desired position.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is used to straighten teeth. The aligners are worn over the teeth and gradually move them into the desired position.
Oral surgery
Oral surgery is used to treat a variety of dental problems, including:
- Extractions: Extractions are used to remove teeth that are damaged, infected, or crowded.
- Implants: Implants are metal screws placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth.
- Other procedures: Dental schools also offer a variety of other oral surgery procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal, jaw surgery, and cleft palate repair.
Eligibility Requirements for Free Dental Care at Dental Schools
Most dental schools offer free care to patients who meet certain income requirements. The specific income requirements vary from school to school but are typically based on federal poverty guidelines.
In addition to income requirements, some dental schools offer free care to patients with certain medical conditions or disabilities. For example, some schools may offer free care to patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic health conditions.
You may also be eligible for free dental care at a dental school if you are a student, a veteran, or a senior citizen. Many dental schools offer free care to students enrolled in the school’s dental or dental hygiene program. Dental schools also offer free care to veterans and senior citizens, but the specific eligibility requirements vary from school to school.
To determine if you are eligible for free dental care at a dental school, contact the school’s admissions office. The admissions office can tell you about the school’s eligibility requirements and the application process.
Here is a list of some of the most common eligibility requirements for free dental care at dental schools:
- Income requirements: Most dental schools require patients to meet certain income requirements to be eligible for free care. The specific income requirements vary from school to school but are typically based on federal poverty guidelines.
- Medical conditions or disabilities: Some dental schools also offer free care to patients with specific disabilities. For example, some schools may offer free care to patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic health conditions.
- Student status: Many dental schools offer free care to students enrolled in the school’s dental or dental hygiene program.
- Veteran status: Dental schools also offer free care to veterans, but the specific eligibility requirements vary from school to school.
- Senior citizen status: Dental schools also offer free care to senior citizens, but the specific eligibility requirements vary from school to school.
How to Schedule an Appointment for Free Dental Care at a Dental School
To schedule an appointment for free dental care at a dental school, you will need to contact the school’s admissions office. You can usually do this by calling the school or visiting the school’s website.
When you contact the school, be sure to ask about the following:
- The eligibility requirements for receiving free dental care
- The types of dental services that are offered
- The scheduling process
- Any other information that you need to know
You will be scheduled for an initial appointment once you have confirmed that you are eligible for free dental care at the school. At your initial appointment, you will be evaluated by a dentist or dental student, and a treatment plan will be developed. You will then be scheduled for subsequent appointments to receive your dental care.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to schedule an appointment for free dental care at a dental school:
- Contact the dental school admissions office to learn more about their free dental care program and to find out if you are eligible.
- Once determined to be eligible, you will be scheduled for an initial appointment.
- At your initial appointment, you will be evaluated by a dentist or dental student, and a treatment plan will be developed.
- You will then be scheduled for subsequent appointments to receive your dental care.
Be sure to bring the following documentation to your initial appointment:
- Proof of income
- Proof of medical condition or disability (if applicable)
- Photo ID
- Insurance card (if you have one)
Tips for scheduling an appointment for free dental care at a dental school:
- Be prepared to wait. Dental schools often have a long waiting list for free dental care.
- Be flexible with your schedule. You may need to schedule appointments outside regular business hours or on weekends.
- Be patient. Dental students are still learning, so your treatment may take longer than if you were seeing a private dentist.
Comprehensive List of Dental Schools Providing Patient Care
Dental schools across the United States offer dental services to the public, providing students with practical experience and the community with affordable care. Highlighted here are some of the most reputable and accredited dental schools that are also considered as community colleges, known for their quality services and professional staff. Below is a list of these institutions, categorized by state:
Alabama
- University of Alabama School of Dentistry at UAB
- Address: 1530, 3rd Avenue S.
- Phone: (205) 934-4720
Arizona
- Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Arizona
- Address: 19555, North 59th Avenue, Glendale, 85308
- Phone: 623.572.3800
California
- Loma Linda University of Dentistry
- Address: 11092 Anderson St., Loma Linda, 92350
- Phone: 909.558.4683
Colorado
- University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Address: 13065 E. 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045
- Phone: (303) 724-6900
District of Columbia
- Howard University College of Dentistry
- Address: 600 “W” Street N.W., Washington, 20059
- Phone: (202) 806-0019
Florida
- LECOM College of Dental Medicine
- Address: 4800 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, 34211
- Phone: (941)-405-1517
- Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
- Address: 3200 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, 33328
- Phone: 954-262-7311
- University of Florida College of Dentistry
- Address: 1600 SW Archer Rd. P.O. Box 100405, Gainesville, 32610-0405
- Phone: 352-273-6700
New York
- State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
- Address: 325 Squire Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, 14214-3008
- Phone: (716) 829-2836
- Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
- Address: 630 West 168th Street, PH7 East Room 122, New York, 10032
- Phone: 212.305.4511
- New York University College of Dentistry
- Address: 345 East 24th Street, New York, 10010
- Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine
- Address: Health Sciences Center, 154 Rockland Hall, Stony Brook, 11794-8700
- Phone: 631-632-8950
Ohio
- Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
- Address: 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, 44106-4905
- Phone: (216) 368-3266
- Ohio State University College of Dentistry
- Address: 305 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, 43210-1267
- Phone: 614-292-9755
Texas
- Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry
- Address: 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, 75246
- Phone: (214) 828-8201
- The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston
- Address: 7500 Cambridge Street, Houston, 77054
- Phone: (713) 486-4021
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School
- Address: 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, 78284-7914
- Phone: 210.567.3160
Virginia
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry
- Address: P.O. Box 980566, 520 North 12th Street, 450 Lyons Building
- Phone: 804-828-7235
These dental schools prioritize professional training and quality patient care, ensuring access to dental services for communities nationwide. Patients are encouraged to contact the schools directly for more information on services and appointment availability.
Ways to Search Dental Schools Near You That Take Patients
There are a few different ways to search for dental schools near you that take patients:
Online search
The simplest way to find dental schools near you that take patients is to search online. You can use a search engine such as Google or Bing and enter search terms such as “dental schools near me that take patients” or “dental schools that accept new patients.” This will return a list of dental schools in your area with websites or online listings.
Tips for searching for dental schools online:
- Use specific search terms. The more specific your search terms, the more relevant the results will be. For example, instead of searching for “dental schools near me,” you could search for “dental schools in [your city] that take new patients.”
- Use filters. Many search engines allow you to filter your search results by location, price, and other criteria. This can help you narrow your search results and find dental schools that meet your needs.
- Read reviews. Once you have found a few dental schools that interest you, be sure to read online reviews. This can help you better understand the quality of care that the schools provide and the experiences of other patients.
Dental school websites
Another way to find dental schools near you that take patients is to visit the websites of dental schools in your area. Many dental schools have a section on their website dedicated to new patients. This section will typically include information about the school’s admissions process, the types of dental services offered, and the cost of care.
Tips for searching dental school websites:
- Look for a section titled “New Patients” or “Admissions.” This section will typically have information about the school’s eligibility requirements and how to apply for care.
- Check the school’s list of services. Some dental schools may only offer certain dental services, such as preventive or restorative care. Be sure to find a school that offers the types of services that you need.
- Compare the cost of care. Dental schools typically charge less for dental care than private dentists. However, the cost of care can vary from school to school. Be sure to compare the cost of care at different schools before deciding.
Contact your state dental board
You can also contact your state dental board to find dental schools near you that take patients. State dental boards are responsible for licensing and regulating dentists and dental schools in their state. You can find contact information for your state dental board on the American Dental Association website.
Tips for contacting your state dental board:
- Ask for a list of licensed dental schools in your state.
- Ask about the eligibility requirements for receiving dental care at a dental school.
- Ask about the types of dental services that are offered at dental schools in your state.
Ask your dentist or other healthcare provider
If you have a dentist or other healthcare provider, you can ask them for recommendations for dental schools near you that take patients. They may be familiar with dental schools in your area and can provide you with more information about the school’s eligibility requirements, services, and cost of care.
Tips for asking your dentist or other healthcare provider for recommendations:
- Ask them if they know of any dental schools in your area that take patients.
- Ask them about their experiences with different dental schools in your area.
- Ask them for their recommendations on the best dental school for your needs.
Tips for Getting Free Dental Care at a Dental School
Be prepared to wait. Dental schools often have a long waiting list for free dental care. The waiting list length will vary depending on the school and the type of dental care you need. However, some dental schools may have waiting lists of several months or even years.
Be flexible with your schedule. Dental schools may offer appointments outside of regular business hours or on weekends. Be willing to schedule appointments during these times to reduce your wait time.
Be patient. Dental students are still learning, so your treatment may take longer than if you were seeing a private dentist. However, experienced dentists supervise dental students, and you can be sure you will receive high-quality care.
Additional tips:
- Do your research. Before you contact a dental school, be sure to research their free dental care program. Find out what types of dental services are offered, the eligibility requirements, and the waiting list time.
- Be prepared to provide documentation. When you contact a dental school, you may be asked to provide documentation of your income and/or medical condition. Be prepared to provide this documentation so the school can determine your eligibility for free care.
- Be persistent. If you cannot get an appointment at one dental school, try contacting other dental schools. Many dental schools offer free dental care, so you should be able to find one with openings.
Getting free dental care at a dental school can be a great way to save money on your dental care costs. Following these tips can increase your chances of getting the care you need.
