How to Get Treatment From a Dental School

Dental treatments are costly procedures that are often out of the reach for many people, particularly the uninsured. One option for getting dental treatment at a reduced cost is to seek out a dental school, where patients receive care and students acquire hands-on practice. When seeking treatment from a dental school, you should expect to spend more time onsite for the actual procedure, as every step of the operation must be checked by an instructor. However, if you have the time, dental schools are a good option for gaining access to treatment options at a fraction of the cost.

Instructions

• 1

  Look up the local dental schools in your area. You can find a link to a full listing of U.S. dental schools at dentalsite.com. Many dental schools are located in large cities, which might cause transportation problems. Be sure you have a reliable means of getting to the school for an appointment.

• 2

  Look up the details and requirements for becoming a patient on the dental school websites. Find out the average treatment time and cost of treatment at that particular school, as these are the two most important factors for you as a patient.

• 3

  Contact the schools in your area about their need for test patients and whether you fit their outlined requirements. Ask to have your name wait-listed if there is a large demand for patient services. Many dental schools have an overabundance of patients with common dental problems, so the more unusual your operation, the more likely it is they will be able to find time for your procedure.

• 4

  Set up an appointment for an initial consultation to determine the necessary procedure. Even if you have already been diagnosed by another dentist, the school will want to have a consultation to make sure that the diagnosis is accurate.

• 5

  Arrive on time the day of your procedure. Be sure to budget an appropriate amount of time for the entire treatment. Check what payment type is accepted at that particular school before you arrive.