Key takeaways:
- Dental schools offer affordable, supervised care from dental students.
- Procedures are reviewed by faculty, ensuring multiple layers of oversight and quality control.
- Care is affordable and thorough, but appointments may take longer and availability can be limited.
If you’ve ever put off a dental visit because of cost, you’re not alone! But here’s something you might not have considered: many dental schools offer affordable care provided by dental students under professional supervision.
These student provider clinics help give future dentists the hands-on training they need before entering the world of dentistry. For patients, this is a great budget-friendly option that also gives back to the dental community.
Why consider dental students for your next visit
There are several benefits to turning to your local dental school for your next dental visit:
- Cost savings: Services are typically priced substantially lower than those at a private practice. Many schools offer reduced pricing and flexible payment options.
- Thorough care: Unlike at your regular clinic, dental students are working for a grade, which means they’re going to be extra meticulous. All appointments are supervised and reviewed by faculty, so you also have the benefit of multiple eyes for review.
- Support for students: Students need real practice. Being a patient is a great way to give back to the dental community and help them get the experience they need! If you enjoy being part of a teaching moment, you may find working with dental students extremely rewarding.
- Access to modern technology: Dental schools are often up to date with the latest materials, techniques, and technology.
What to know before you book with a dental students
While opting to go with dental students comes with its perks, there are also some drawbacks to think about:
- Longer treatment times: Since dental students must be supervised, appointments can often take longer than at a regular practice.
- Fewer locations: According to the American Student Dental Association, there are currently 80 dental schools in the United States, which may lengthen your commute.
- Check out the American Student Dental Association’s list of dental schools to find the one nearest you.
- Limited availability: Fewer dental schools mean limited availability. Intake can be selective, and waitlists are common, especially at the start of each term.
What services can dental students provide?
Dental schools typically offer everything from basic check-ups to more advanced procedures.
In Virginia, the VCU School of Dentistry offers the following services:
- Routine exams and cleanings
- Fillings
- Teeth whitening and bleaching
- Mouthguards and night guards
- Cosmetic bonding and minor repairs
- Bridges, veneers, crowns
- Pediatric dentistry
- Teledentistry
- Complete and partial dentures
- Repair of chipped or fractured teeth
- Oral health education and preventive care
What to expect at your dental student visit?
The exact process will vary by location, but most schools follow a similar structure. For example, the VCU School of Dentistry outlines the following steps:
- An initial evaluation to confirm your dental needs align with student learning goals.
- A student appointment where a dental student performs the procedure or treatment.
- A faculty review, in which a licensed instructor evaluates and approves the treatment before it’s finalized.
If you have some flexibility in your schedule, seeing dental students can be a great way to save money, receive supervised care, and help train the next generation of providers. For many patients, partnering with dental students is a win-win!
