Patient Information

How To Become a Patient in the Student Clinic

Patients desiring to be considered for treatment in the student clinics should call (901)448-6241 for information on how to get a screening appointment. This is a brief examination by a faculty member to determine if the patient's needs are compatible with the educational needs of our student body. X-rays may be taken at this appointment.

All dental work is done by student doctors and examined by a qualified dentist. Because we are teaching students, you will find our clinic is different from a private dental office. Even though we do things somewhat differently, you will receive excellent dental care at a lower cost.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in provision of education or employment opportunities. This policy extends to patient acceptance and patient assignment to student doctors.

A request for a student doctor based upon race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or handicap will not be honored and such a request will indicate you will be better served by a private dentist.

PATIENT ACCEPTANCE

We are able to accept many people as patients. However, if we have a lot of people needing dental care the same as you or if the care you need is too difficult for a student, we will suggest you see a private dentist.

We provide dental care in two steps. First, we may clean your teeth, treat your gums, fill cavities, or take out teeth that cannot be saved. The first step is to treat any disease in your mouth. After we complete step 1, we will consider replacing any missing teeth you might have. If we can do the work and you want your missing teeth replaced, we will continue your treatment.

We cannot guarantee assignment to a student. If you are eligible for assignment, we will keep your record for 4 months. If we are not able to assign you during that time, we will notify you by mail that we cannot do your work.

CLINIC FEES

Our fees are about 1/2 of what you would pay at a private dental office. You do not pay for all the treatment you need at one time. You pay for the work when it is started.

We accept cash and personal checks. The total amount of a personal check must be applied toward payment of clinic fees. Post-dated, payroll, or two-party checks cannot be accepted for payment.

We also take VISA, MasterCard, and Discover.

The College of Dentistry attempts to keep fees as low as possible. However, rising costs of providing care may require fee increases. Fees may increase without notification. You will always be advised of the fee for a procedure before it is started.

It is against college policy for students to pay for any patient treatment; therefore, please do not ask your student doctor to pay for any treatment you receive. Any violation of this policy may lead to the patient being dismissed from the college treatment program.

INSURANCE

If you have dental insurance, you will pay us as mentioned under CLINIC FEES. When you have had $50.00 worth of work done or your treatment completed, we will complete your insurance form and the insurance company will pay you.

TENNCARE: Please ask if we contract with your MCO.

APPOINTMENTS

Because our students are learning to provide good care and our staff doctors must look at each step, your appointments will be longer and it will take more appointments than at a private dentist. For your extra time, we provide your care at a lower cost.

You should plan to be here a half day every other week for your dental treatment. Our morning hours are 8:00 till noon, and the afternoon from 1:00 till 5:00. We are open Monday through Friday.

Our students have classes they must go to along with taking care of patients. Their time is limited, and it is important that patients work with their student and meet their appointments.

Children MUST have their parent or legal guardian with them on the screening appointment and the first appointment after screening. They must have a responsible adult with them for each visit after the first. It will be necessary for children to miss some school time if they are treated at the College of Dentistry.

MISSED APPOINTMENTS

If you miss an appointment, your student cannot make up that time. Loss of clinic time can keep a student from graduating. Missed appointments may cause us to stop your treatment.

If it is absolutely necessary to cancel your appointment, you should do so at least 24 hours before the time of the appointment. Your student will give you a home telephone number. You can also leave a message at 448-6468 for your student to call you.





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