First Visit: What To Expect

At your first non-emergency patient visit, you will receive a screening that includes one set of X-rays at a fee of $75. Depending on screening results, an additional set of X-rays may be needed at additional cost.

If you have recent dental x-rays, you will be asked to have your previous dentist email them to RSDM after your first appointment. If you are being referred by another dentist, please bring your referral letter. Eligibility for care will be determined at your first screening.

Because the clinic is staffed by student doctors, who are closely overseen by faculty, treatment typically takes longer than it would at a private dental office. Your screening visit can take up to four hours to complete, so please arrive promptly and devote enough time.

At your first visit, you'll be assigned to either a predoctoral student (studying to become a dentist) or a postdoctoral student (already a dentist, studying to become a specialist). All students are supervised by faculty who are licensed dentists.

Your screening appointment will include an overview of your oral condition by a dentist. You'll be assigned a student doctor based on availability and the complexity of your dental treatment. It can take up to 8 weeks, and sometimes longer, for you to be assigned to a student for treatment. If your treatment needs require more specialized care, you may be referred to an RSDM specialist or our faculty practice.

If you present with severe medical complications, you may be asked to have your physician complete a clearance for dental treatment form before treatment can continue. This form will be provided to you.