Dental schools can be a convenient avenue if you are looking for quality dental care at a lower cost than that offered in a private dental practice, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. In the dental school setting, you can get a cavity filled or even have a problematic tooth pulled by a dental student who seeks practical experience in the field. Dental school students treat you only under the supervision of licensed dentists. The three dental schools in the state of Massachusetts, all located in Boston, provide both student teaching and faculty clinics that can help you to keep your teeth healthy.
General Dentistry/Esthetics
Massachusetts dental schools feature general dentistry teaching clinics that meet the preventive and restorative dental needs of the public at a lower price. In fact, the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine often charges only 70 percent of regular prices in the Boston area, according to the university. However, the number and length of visits in a dental school setting are greater than they would be in a private dental office because dental students work at a slower pace, reports the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine.
If you visit Boston University or the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, pre-doctoral students who are in their third and fourth years can provide esthetic dentistry services such as tooth-colored fillings, bleaching and porcelain veneers. Massachusetts dental schools also offer emergency care services to patients who are experiencing acute pain from infection or trauma.
Specialties
Endodontics, or root canal therapy, is one type of specialty procedure you can choose to undergo at Massachusetts dental schools. In addition to performing root canals, dental students at all three of the state's dental schools can treat you if you have gum disease or want braces to correct misaligned teeth. These types of specialty procedures are available in post-doctoral teaching clinics/practices, which train students who want to specialize in advanced oral care procedures.
Other Specialties
At a Massachusetts dental school, you can choose to undergo an implant procedure to surgically replace a missing tooth. In addition, dental school students can extract teeth and address diseases and injuries of the mouth and jaw. If you have oral problems, such as dry mouth or mouth lesions, you also can seek treatment from a dental student. You can undergo prosthodontic treatment, such as crown, bridge and denture procedures, as well.
Special Populations/Services
The dental school at Tufts University features a pediatric dentistry service that caters to people who are between the ages of 6 months and 18 years, while pediatric services at Boston University are available for children up to age 14. In addition, both Tufts University and Boston University tailor their services to older adults. Tufts University also has an oral medicine referral service that helps diagnose and manage problems such as temporomandibular disorders and oral tumors. Tufts University also pays special attention to patients who have HIV/AIDS, while Boston University provides special services to disabled children and adults.
Faculty Clinics
Faculty clinics are available if you want faster treatment than what you would receive in a dental school's teaching clinics, according to Tufts University. In addition, a dental school's faculty group practice provides treatment in all aspects of dentistry at a single location by experienced faculty who also teach and perform research, according to Harvard University.
