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How do I become a patient in the Student Program?

We are pleased that you are interested in receiving dental care in our school. The Dental College of Georgia is a teaching institution. Our goals are to teach dental students, provide quality dental care for our patients, and research health issues that will keep our profession in the forefront of scientific knowledge. First we need to evaluate your dental needs to assure that you may benefit from our student services. You can help us speed up the screening process by printing and completing a Screening Application. All received applications are reviewed by a faculty member. Applications which are incomplete or do not appear to match current student needs will be rejected. You can submit your completed application to The Dental College of Georgia in one of three ways:

Mail to the address listed at the top of the application

E-mail to CDM_PATIENTSCREENING@augusta.edu

Fax to Patient Screening: 706-723-0228

Do I need insurance to be a patient?

Nope – in fact, about half of our patients do not have insurance. Our rates are up to 50 percent lower than area private practices which makes us a great fit for self-pay patients (as well as those who want to make their insurance dollar go further). If the estimated cost of treatment allows, we can  help you set up payment plans In addition, we offer payment plans through Lending Club.

How much does it cost to get a cleaning, filling, root canal, implant, braces, etc.?

All treatment plans are unique, so we cannot provide you with an estimate until you are seen in the clinic. However, our rates are up to 50 percent lower than area private practices. We are not able to offer free care. We are a teaching facility and we provide discounted rates. You are expected to stay current with your financial obligations during your dental treatment. At times there may be some upfront costs that need to be paid to continue your treatment.

Can I just get a cleaning?

New patients always need an examination and treatment plan before any treatment begins, including cleanings. We provide comprehensive treatment and will take care of all your dental needs under one roof. However, we must complete care in phases starting with diagnostic exams, disease control by completing cleanings (possible deep cleanings if indicated) and then fillings, finally finishing up with crowns or partials

Can I bring my child(ren) to my appointment?

To ensure safety, privacy and confidentiality to all our patients, minor children accompanying patients to a clinic visit are prohibited from entering the operatory areas. Patients must bring a responsible childcare provider (over the age of 13) to supervise the child in the waiting room if a child must be brought to the appointment. Your visit may need to be rescheduled if you do not provide appropriate childcare when accompanied by a minor child.

How long is the process to be assigned and get treatment completed?

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.

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.

As everyone treatment needs are unique, there is no way to predict length of treatment until a  treatment plan has been established. . Treatment such as surgery and healing times can lengthen  the time it takes to complete treatment  however, you can estimate that a typical patient’s case can take up to  12-18 months to complete.

What happens if I am not accepted into the Student Program?

Priority is given to applicants with dental problems which fit our teaching programs. Applicants whose applications are rejected should receive a letter informing them of this within three weeks of our receipt of the application. Dental x-rays and a more detailed examination may be necessary before being accepted as a patient. If you are accepted and screened and still found to not be a candidate for the pre-doc program you will be mailed a letter informing you of this within a few weeks. You are free to contact one of the residency programs that might be a better fit for your dental needs. 

Will all of my care be completed by one student?

Your time is valuable and so is that of the dental student assigned to your case. You can help your student dental care provider to keep your treatment moving more smoothly by being available and on time for each appointment. The clinics are open daily from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. We close on weekends, holidays, and student vacations. Appointments should be canceled only if absolutely necessary. Late cancellations may unnecessarily delay your treatment. Your dental student will provide you with a contact number so you can reach them. You should plan to spend as much as three to three and a half hours for each appointment once treatment has begun. If it is difficult for you to come frequently and stay for the lengthy appointments often required, you should seek care elsewhere. In the event there are delays and your student graduates before your work is complete then a new student will be assigned to complete your treatment. As we are comprehensive in nature we do our best to limit the work done by other students.

Can I still see my private dentist while a patient in the Student Program?

We provide comprehensive treatment and will take care of all your dental needs under one roof. However, we must complete care in phases starting with diagnostic exams, disease control by completing cleanings (possible deep cleanings if indicated) and then fillings, finally finishing up with crowns or partials. Students develop a specialized treatment plan for every patient. As such, students set up their schedule based upon these dental procedures. As students plan and schedule based upon treatment plans we requested that once you enter the dental program you refrain from seeking care outside of the school. If you do seek care outside of the school this could impact the students progression towards on time graduation and can be seen as a violation of policy and grounds for patient dismissal from program.