Dental Care
at the University of Michigan
School of Dentistry
WelcomeWhy HIPAA?
Confidentiality at U of M School of Dentistry
Patient Record Release Form
Becoming a Patient at U of M School of Dentistry
Dental Care Providers
Clinic Hours
Emergency Services
Commonly asked questions
Tips for Good Dental Health
Welcome!
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry (UMSD) was established in 1875 to educate dental professionals, treat patients and perform scholarly research. We are very proud of our record of commitment to both the dental profession and patient care. In the past year, we have had over 100,000 patient visits in our predoctoral, specialty and faculty clinics.
UMSD Patients' Rights and Responsibilities (.pdf)
Why HIPAA?The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is an extensive piece of legislation that requires the standardization of electronic patient health, administrative, and financial data. Important to healthcare providers and researchers, HIPAA created the Privacy Rule-a set of minimum standards for the use and disclosure of "protected health information" (PHI). The Privacy Rule protects individuals by safeguarding the privacy of any identifiable health information, yet many provisions ensure that the rule does not impede the delivery of healthcare.
Protected Health InformationThe School of Dentistry will protect the following which is considered individually identifiable if it includes one more of the following:
- Names
- All geographic references smaller than a state, including:
- street address
- city
- county
- precinct
- zip codes
- Telephone & fax number
- E-mail addresses
- Social Security numbers
- Medical/dental record numbers
- Health plan beneficiary numbers
- Account numbers
- All elements of dates (except years) for dates related to an individual, including:
- birth date
- date of death
- all ages over 89 and all elements of dates (including year) indicative of such age, except that such ages and elements may be aggregated into a single category of age 90 or older
- Certificate/license numbers
- Vehicle identifiers and serial numbers, including license plate numbers
- Device identifiers and serial numbers
- Biometric identifiers, including finger and voice prints
- Full face photographic images and any comparable images
- Any other unique identifying numbers, characteristics, or codes
The U of M School of Dentistry recognizes and supports patients' rights to
confidential medical/dental care. Staff members are committed to ensuring your
confidentiality. All staff, both permanent and temporary, sign agreements to
that effect.
See
the UM Notice of Privacy Practices on the UM Health System website.
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Becoming a Patient at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry
If you are a new patient seeking care by a pre-doctoral student or resident (see definitions below) you must first make an
appointment in the Patient Admitting and Emergency Services (PAES) Clinic.
PAES Clinic faculty will evaluate your dental needs to determine which program can best provide your dental care.
X-rays are usually taken at this time. Please call our Appointment and Information Center at 734-763-6933 or toll
free 888-707-2500. After your appointment in the PAES clinic, you will be contacted by a pre-doctoral or resident
provider for a second appointment. At your second appointment, you will receive a comprehensive oral examination and a
treatment plan. In addition, we will provide an estimate of the time required and cost of the recommended treatment.
The Pediatric Dentistry Clinic treats children less than 14 years of age. Please call 734-764-1523 to make
an appointment for an initial examination.
Dental Care Providers
Pre-doctoral students (dental and dental hygiene students):
Pre-doctoral dental students have usually completed four years of college and then spent an additional four years in training
in our School before they become a dentist. Dental hygiene students attend one year in college and three years in
the Dental School. Dental care by pre-doctoral and dental hygiene students requires extra time. You should expect
that each appointment will last all morning or afternoon, and multiple appointments are often needed. Lower fees
are offered as compensation for your additional time and participation in the educational process.
Patient care is provided by a dental student under the close supervision of faculty members who are also experienced
dentists. During your treatment, dental specialists may be consulted for complex dental needs. To schedule an
appointment call 734-763-6933 or toll free at 888-707-2500.
The UMSD has nearly 100 dental residents who have graduated from dental school and are receiving advanced
training in a dental specialty or in general dentistry.
Patients with general dental needs and who have time constraints can schedule an appointment with a dental resident
in the Advanced Education General Dentistry (AEGD) Program. The length and number of appointments are usually less than being treated
by a pre-doctoral students. Call 734-764-1532 for appointments.
Dental Faculty Associates (DFA), our Faculty Practice, is staffed by experienced General Dentists,
Hygienists and Specialty Dentists who provide care in a private practice setting within the School of Dentistry.
Fees and time commitment for seeing a faculty dentist are comparable to a private dental practice.
All dental specialties are available for consultation and special treatment needs, allowing for convenient and easily
coordinated referrals. Call 734-764-3155 for appointments.
| Dental Providers | Simple Cleaning | 2-Surface Silver Filling | |
| Pre-doctoral Students | Time | 3 hr | 3 hr |
| Fees | $46 | $65 | |
| Residents | Time | 1 hr | 1 - 2 hr |
| Fees | $71 | $85 | |
| Faculty Dentist | Time | 1 hr | 1/2 - 1 hr |
| Fees | $78 | $142 | |
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Clinic Hours
The School of Dentistry clinic hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. We follow an academic
schedule; therefore, appointments may not be available during the holidays and over semester breaks.
Reserved parking is available for a fee.
Graduate Clinic Options
Emergency Services
Emergency treatment is available during clinic hours Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, except for
holidays. If you are receiving treatment at the School of Dentistry and have pain or discomfort after-hours, treatment is available.
Call 734-763-6933 or 888-707-2500 for information about emergency services.
Commonly asked questions
My general dentist gave me a referral to a specialist at the School of Dentistry. What should I do?
Patients who have a referral from their own dentist to see a specialist at the University can call for an
appointment at 734-763-6933 or 888-707-2500.
Do you provide bleaching and other cosmetic dentistry services?
Bleaching, crowns, veneers, bonding and implants are some of the possibilities for improving your smile. You may
discuss these options with your dental provider at your treatment planning visit.
Can you make dentures to replace my teeth?
Dental providers at the University can design, construct and fit complete and partial dentures to replace missing teeth.
Crowns, bridges and dental implants may also be an option for some patients.
What kind of payment will you accept?
We accept cash, checks, credit cards and many dental insurance plans. Payment is expected at the end of each visit.
The patient is responsible for any deductibles, co-payments and final balances not paid by insurance. Financial
arrangements may be made through the Patient Business Office for larger dental bills.
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Tips for Good Dental Health