Become a Patient

Your first step is to call the Dental College of Georgia at 706-721-2371 to make a screening appointment with us. We will schedule you for a dental exam to determine your dental needs and make sure that you will benefit from our student services. Please allow up to four hours for this appointment.

Screening Criteria

• Please be aware that a screening appointment does not guarantee acceptance as a patient. Priority for acceptance is given to patients with dental problems that fit our teaching programs and student needs. Applicants whose applications are rejected should receive a letter informing them of this within three weeks of their screening appointment.
• Dental x-rays and a more detailed examination may be necessary before being accepted as a patient.

 

The screening process gives our dental care providers an opportunity to fully assess your dental needs. This process usually includes the following steps:

• Interview
• History
• Examination
• Radiographs
• Preventive oral health instructions

 

Please be aware of the following screening guidelines:

• ALLOW UP TO FOUR HOURS FOR THIS APPOINTMENT.
• For the SCREENING appointment, please be prepared to pay $132.00 for the examination. X-rays are typically taken.
• Please advise staff if the patient is non-English speaking or hearing impaired so that we may arrange interpreter services before your arrival.
• Only a screening evaluation will be performed. No dental treatment is available at the screening appointment.

 

Because assigning a patient to a student depends on the needs of the student, a waiting period may be necessary. If we cannot assign you within 6-12 months, you will be notified. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all people awaiting assignment will be accepted for treatment. If you have questions regarding your assignment of care, call Patient Services at (706) 721-8582.

If you are not contacted within four months of your initial screening exam, please assume our waiting list for your particular problem(s) is too long. In this case, we urge you to seek care elsewhere before your problems become more complex.

More about the screening charge:

Although our teaching program offers educational discounts for the dental care provided, this is not a free clinic. Each service provided incurs a charge including your initial screening appointment.

• Again, please be prepared to pay $132.00 for the screening examination, which typically includes X-rays.
• Payment is due at the screening appointment. We will be glad to file your insurance for possible reimbursement.
• Payment may be made by cash, personal check, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover).
• Charges for the screening appointment are non-refundable.

• After you are accepted as a potential patient in the student dental program, you may be assigned to a student.
• Depending on student needs, it may take up to 6 months before you are assigned to a student. 
• Once assigned, the student will contact you and schedule your appointments.

• Our time requirements are extensive; therefore, the cooperation and understanding of the patient is necessary. You may be asked to be available for appointments one morning or afternoon (1-4 hours) each week (Monday-Friday) for 6-12 months. You should be seen at least once a month. The fees charged for care reflect a dollar ($) savings to compensate you for your time. However, if you cannot devote the required amount of time, we suggest you arrange for private dental care.

Because of the rigid requirements on the student's time, we require that patients must notify the student at least two school days in advance when it is necessary to reschedule an appointment. To serve everyone better, repeated tardiness or two broken appointments may result in termination of treatment.

If you think you have a dental emergency, this is not the appropriate application. Please call 706-721-2371 for information about our Emergency Dental Services.