The center adheres to strict infection control practices; instruments used in patient care are autoclave-sterilized. We are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and accredited by the American Dental Association. We also are a member of Boston Medical Center, which includes Boston University School of Medicine, the School of Public Health, and Boston Medical Center Hospitals. 

basic services 
Patients with such dental needs as prophylaxis (cleanings), restorations (fillings), bridges and single crowns, periodontal care (gums), and full and partial dentures are seen in the appropriate treatment areas, where dental students provide quality care at a minimal fee under the supervision of faculty dentists. 

more-involved treatment 
If you require more-involved treatment, such as advanced restorative work, extensive periodontal treatment, orthodontics, root canal therapy, oral surgery, or complex crown and bridge work, you will be treated in one of our specialty areas. These specialty areas are staffed by graduate dentists, many of whom have years of experience and are continuing their studies. Dental care in the specialty areas is performed under the supervision of faculty dentists. Because of the complex nature of this care, treatment costs are somewhat higher than in the general dental care centers, although they are still less than those in the private sector. 

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Your first appointment 
To schedule your first appointment, call 617/638-4700 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Please allow a couple of hours for this first appointment, which includes: 

• registration 
• medical and dental history 
• preliminary screening 
• X-rays (if applicable) 
• specialty consultation (if applicable) 

If you need X-rays they will be taken, and a dental student will examine your mouth and discuss the findings with you and a faculty member. The fee for your first visit includes the appropriate radiographs and an examination. 

If you have had X-rays within the last year, you may require only an oral diagnosis examination and consultation. If this is the case, the initial visit fee will be reduced. Please bring your radiographs to your first appointment; the radiology staff will evaluate their diagnostic value. 

To schedule your first diagnostic visit, please call 638-4700 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Appointments are available during the week and on designated evenings. For new patients, there is also an Oral Diagnosis Walk-In Service. Please inquire for days and times. 

subsequent appointments
Following your visit for oral diagnosis, you will be assigned to a student dentist who will be responsible for your comprehensive dental care with faculty supervision. The student or a member of the staff will call you to schedule an appointment. 

As dental care providers, we want you to enjoy a healthy smile. We are committed to delivering superior dental care. This depends on effective communication and equal commitment between the patient, the dental student, and the faculty member. 

Successful treatment requires 

• the patient's commitment to completing the treatment plan 
• arriving for appointments on time 
• providing at least 24-hours notice when canceling an appointment 

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Services 
urgent dental care center 
Emergency dental treatment alleviates pain immediately and address acute problems such as infection and trauma. For emergency dental treatment weekdays, please call 617/638-4700 to inquire about hours of service. Following emergency care, we recommend that you arrange an appointment with Oral Diagnosis and Radiology for a comprehensive evaluation. 

oral diagnosis and radiology 
Your initial visit will most likely be in the Oral Diagnosis and Radiology Department on the first floor. This is where most diagnostic radiographs (x-rays) and preliminary examinations are performed. Patients are then assigned to other departments for care. 

general dentistry 
Routine dental care is provided by student dentists in the general dental facilities. Patients requiring extensive dental care will be referred by the faculty to the appropriate specialty areas for treatment. 

specialty services 

• Prevention Center: preventive education and cleanings 
• Advanced General Practice: general dentistry for more complex dental needs 
• Endodontics: root canal therapy 
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the mouth, jaw, and related structures, including implantology, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ), and cranial disorders 
• Cosmetic Dentistry: porcelain veneers, bleaching, and tooth-colored fillings 
• Orthodontics: the adjustment of the position and alignment of the teeth through the use of corrective appliances or braces (available for both children and adults) 
• Pediatric Dentistry: dentistry for children up to age 14 
• Periodontology: the treatment of the tissues that surround and support the teeth 
• Prosthodontics: the replacement and restoration of teeth through the use of implants, crown and bridge work, and complete and partial dentures 
• Dentistry for Disabled Children and Adults 
• Geriatric Dentistry: dentistry for older adults.
• Oral Medicine: infectious and systemic diorders such as cancer, mouth lesions, AIDS/HIV, and taste disorders. (Click here to reach the school's Oral Medicine website.)

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Payment Procedures 
Dental care services offered by Boston University cost considerably less than services provided by private practices. Fees for the general treatment areas and the specialty areas are different. Payment is expected when services are rendered. We accept: 

• Cash 
• Personal checks 
• VISA or MasterCard  

Payment plans are available for services that involve lengthy treatment such as orthodontics (braces) and prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, and dentures). The center accepts Mass Health and requires that you present a current identification card from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

reimbursement 
The center is unable to accept direct payment from private insurance companies. When all services have been completed and paid for, the center will help you complete insurance claim forms that will enable you to obtain reimbursement for payments made. Check with your insurance company to see if it will accept Boston University Dental Health Center as a primary care provider. For more information regarding fees and financial policies, contact the Finance Office at 638-4712.  

Hours of operation 
Treatment is provided from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except during school holidays. Also, extended hours are available on designated evenings. 

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