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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.

HIPAA and Patient Privacy

The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) ensures patient privacy. Learn more about it in the Rutgers Health Privacy Policy.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Note: This document is distributed to each patient during the screening orientation.

    1. You have a right to receive considerate, respectful and confidential treatment by your dentist and dental team.
    2. You have a right to know the education and training of your dentist and the dental care team.
    3. If asked to participate in clinical research, you have the right to refuse.
    4. You have a right to continuous and comprehensive care and to be informed of continuing dental care needs.
    5. You have a right to adequate time to ask questions and receive reasonable answers regarding your dental condition, treatment, procedure or operation plan for your care.
    6. You have a right to request and receive an itemized explanation of the cost of treatment.
    7. You have a right to an explanation of the purpose, probable results, alternatives and risks involved before consenting to a proposed treatment plan.
    8. You have a right to accept, defer, or decline any part of your treatment recommendations.
    9. You have a right to reasonable arrangements for dental care and emergency treatment.
    10. You have a right to expect the dental team members to use appropriate infection and sterilization controls.
    1. You have the responsibility to provide, to the best of your ability, accurate, honest and complete information about your medical history and current health status.
    2. You have the responsibility to report changes in your medical status and provide feedback about your needs and expectations.
    3. You have the responsibility to participate in your health care decisions and ask questions if you are uncertain about your dental treatment or plan.
    4. You have the responsibility to let us know of any changes to your address or phone number.
    5. You have the responsibility to keep your scheduled appointments.
    6. You have the responsibility for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the prescripted treatment plan.
    7. You have the responsibility to assure that your financial obligations for health care received are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
    8. You will be required to present 5-Points of Identification (similar to the NJ Motor Vehicle's 6 Point ID Verification requirement) at the time you are registered for your initial screening appointment. Please see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.