Patient of a Student Dental Care Provider

Treatment provided by students is conducted under the close supervision of our teaching faculty at The Dental College of Georgia.

Our students deliver a wide range of preventive and restorative care, including routine exams, cleanings, fillings and crowns, bleaching, extractions, mouth guards, esthetic treatments, root canals, implants, complete and partial dentures, and more.

Once accepted into the program and assigned, your student provider will create an inclusive treatment plan so that you will understand treatment options, sequence, informed consent, estimated costs, and time involved.

All of your dental needs can be met under one roof.

Note:

For children 14 and younger, and special needs patients under 21, call the Pediatric Dentistry clinic at 706-721-2716.
 
For orthodontic referral information, call the Orthodontic Clinic at 706-721-2421.

Contact Us

Schedule a Screening with Us

706-721-2371

Frequently Asked Questions

Reduced Fees

On average, fees in the student clinic are approximately one-third the usual and customary dental fees charged in private practice, but appointments and the duration of treatment are longer. Payment plans may be available for patients who qualify.

Expectations

Patients of the Student Clinic must be at least 15 years old.

If you are accepted into the student program, you will be assigned to a student dentist as soon as possible, but assignment may take up to six months

You may be asked to be available several times a month, and these appointments may last up to four hours.

Understand that this is a total commitment for dental care, not treatment of a single problem. Our providers will meet all of your dental needs.

Patients must notify the student at least two school days in advance when it is necessary to reschedule an appointment.

Because of the rigid requirements on the student's time, repeated tardiness or two broken appointments may result in termination of treatment.

You are expected to stay current with your financial obligations during your dental treatment.

Becoming a DCG Student Clinic Patient

Step 1: Make a Screening Appointment

Your first step is to call the Dental College of Georgia at 706-721-2371 to make a screening appointment with us. We will schedule you for a dental exam to determine your dental needs and make sure that you will benefit from our student services. Please allow up to four hours for this appointment.

Screening Criteria

  • Please be aware that a screening appointment does not guarantee acceptance as a patient. Priority for acceptance is given to patients with dental problems that fit our teaching programs and student needs. Applicants whose applications are rejected should receive a letter informing them of this within three weeks of their screening appointment.
  • Dental x-rays and a more detailed examination may be necessary before being accepted as a patient.

Step 2: Arrive at Your Screening Exam

The screening process gives our dental care providers an opportunity to fully assess your dental needs. This process usually includes the following steps:

  • Interview
  • History
  • Examination
  • Radiographs
  • Preventive oral health instructions

Please be aware of the following screening guidelines:

  • ALLOW UP TO FOUR HOURS FOR THIS APPOINTMENT.
  • For the SCREENING appointment, please be prepared to pay $132.00 for the examination. X-rays are typically taken.
  • Please advise staff if the patient is non-English speaking or hearing impaired so that we may arrange interpreter services before your arrival.
  • Only a screening evaluation will be performed. No dental treatment is available at the screening appointment.

Because assigning a patient to a student depends on the needs of the student, a waiting period may be necessary. If we cannot assign you within 6-12 months, you will be notified.

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all people awaiting assignment will be accepted for treatment. If you have questions regarding your assignment of care, call Patient Services at (706) 721-8582.

If you are not contacted within four months of your initial screening exam, please assume our waiting list for your particular problem(s) is too long. In this case, we urge you to seek care elsewhere before your problems become more complex.

More about the screening charge:

Although our teaching program offers educational discounts for the dental care provided, this is not a free clinic. Each service provided incurs a charge including your initial screening appointment.

  • Again, please be prepared to pay $132.00 for the screening examination, which typically includes X-rays.
  • Payment is due at the screening appointment. We will be glad to file your insurance for possible reimbursement.
  • Payment may be made by cash, personal check, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover).
  • Charges for the screening appointment are non-refundable.

Step 3: Become a DCG Patient

  • After you are accepted as a potential patient in the student dental program, you may be assigned to a student.
  • Depending on student needs, it may take up to 6 months before you are assigned to a student. 
  • Once assigned, the student will contact you and schedule your appointments.

  • Our time requirements are extensive; therefore, the cooperation and understanding of the patient is necessary. You may be asked to be available for appointments one morning or afternoon (1-4 hours) each week (Monday-Friday) for 6-12 months. You should be seen at least once a month. The fees charged for care reflect a dollar ($) savings to compensate you for your time. However, if you cannot devote the required amount of time, we suggest you arrange for private dental care.

Because of the rigid requirements on the student's time, we require that patients must notify the student at least two school days in advance when it is necessary to reschedule an appointment. To serve everyone better, repeated tardiness or two broken appointments may result in termination of treatment.

If you think you have a dental emergency, this is not the appropriate application. Please call 706-721-2371 for information about our Emergency Dental Services.