How to Get an Appointment at a Texas Dental College

Dental students need practice before they graduate, which is why many dental schools operate dental clinics. People needing dental care in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas can take advantage of programs offered through the University of Texas and the Texas A&M - Baylor University. The schools estimate that -- for supervised student-given care -- their rates are approximately 30 percent lower than average private dental practices.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact either the University of Texas dental school clinic, or Texas A&M-Baylor Dental clinic to arrange a screening appointment.

• 2

  Undergo a screening consultation or exam. All schools have a consultation fee between $50 and $70. The screening appointment does not involve any treatment, and is only for qualification purposes. Dental instructors will determine if your case is appropriate to match to a dental student.

• 3

  Schedule an appointment immediately with the University of Texas clinics, if you are accepted. University of Texas takes people with acute problems as well as patients with general dentistry needs. If the clinic approves you, the staff can arrange an appointment with you at that time.

• 4

  Wait to be called, if you visit the Texas A&M-Baylor program. If the screener rejects you, you'll know before you leave your appointment. If you are accepted, you'll get a call when the school can match you to a student. This can take weeks or months. If your need for treatment is urgent, chances are good that the screener will advise you to get immediate care elsewhere.

• 5

  Bring payment to your dental appointment. The student clinics are not free, and ask for cash payment at the time of service.

• 6

  Call the dental clinic appointment scheduling line, to make a faculty dentist appointment at any time. There is no screening involved, and appointment scheduling is similar to that of a private practice. This may be your only option, if you have a complex, urgent dental problem.