Health Dental Clinic

The Dental Clinic provides preventive, restorative, cosmetic and emergency dental care in a clean, safe, pleasant, and caring environment. Services include cleanings, x-rays, restoratives including fillings and crowns, root canals, extractions, fabrication of TMJ/clenching appliances and athletic mouth guards and teeth whitening. Referrals are given as needed.

This service is available to UGA students, their spouses/partners, UGA Faculty and Staff, visiting professors, and postdocs, their spouses/partners, and dependents (age 6 and up) of current UGA students and faculty/staff. Retired faculty/staff who have previously been treated while employed at UGA are eligible for care for 2 years after retirement.
*Dependents 16 or older must have their own UGA ID card.

Services are provided on a fee-for-service basis. We will file your dental insurance as a courtesy to you if you bring your dental insurance card with you. The Dental Clinic is not “in-network” with any dental insurance plan (including Delta Dental).

Appointments

Appointments are necessary except in case of emergency. All patients can call the clinic to schedule appointments: 706-542-8700. In addition students can make an appointment online for a cleaning with the dental hygienist and an examination by the dentist.

* Occasionally throughout the year, Athens Tech dental hygiene students do a rotation at the Dental Clinic. Cleanings with an Athens Tech hygiene student are at a reduced rate and are set for 2 hour rather than 1 hour appointments. You are checked by the Health Center licensed dentist after your cleaning.

Missed Appointments

If necessary, cancel or reschedule your appointment by 24 hours on the preceding business day to avoid a $30 missed-appointment charge.

Phone: 706-542-8700

Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8 am- 5 pm
Closed from 12:00 noon - 1 pm

Location:
The Dental Clinic is located on the third floor of the University Health Center, at the corner of College Station and East Campus Road, on the University of Georgia campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you charge for your services?
Yes. We are a fee-for-service clinic and charge a fee for every service provided.

2. Do you charge for missed appointments?
Yes. We require 24 hours notice by phone, in person or in writing to avoid a charge for missed appointments.

3. Do you accept insurance?
The University Health Center does provide direct billing to dental insurance companies.
Please call your individual insurance carrier to inquire about coverage for dental services and any stipulations they may have to ensure timely payment.
The Dental Clinic is not “in-network” with any dental insurance plan (including Delta Dental). However, you will find that our pricing is reasonable, and we are glad to file your insurance.
The United Healthcare student health insurance plan does not cover most dental care. It basically is a catastrophic policy that only covers damage to sound natural teeth due to accident.

4. How often should I have a cleaning?
For most patients, we recommend an examination and cleaning every 6 months. Some patients require more or less frequent visits depending upon each individual’s oral health.

5. What can I do about a mouth ulcer?
The actual etiology or cause of mouth ulcers is unknown but in most instances stress, illness, or trauma is usually involved. They last for approximately 7-10 days. Though you can use creams, ointments, etc. to help with the symptoms, ulcers usually have to run their course.

6. I noticed you do bleaching. What is your process?
The bleaching process is an at home treatment. Impressions of the teeth are taken and custom bleaching trays are fabricated for patient to use at home. Bleaching refill kits also are available at a reduced fee. (Patients must have previously made bleaching trays for the refill kits.) Research shows that the most effective and longest lasting method of teeth whitening is with custom fitted trays made by your dentist.

7. Is there a treatment for sensitive teeth?
Yes. Sensitive teeth often result from exposed root surfaces due to gum recession or through loss of enamel as a result of excessive tooth wear from clenching or grinding and/or erosion from acidic foods or acid reflux. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth oftentimes will reduce or relieve tooth sensitivity. Other treatment options include application of desensitizing agents by your dentist, prescription for self-applied fluoride agents and/or placement of fillings. If persistent or increased sensitivity continues, further evaluation by a dentist is recommended to rule out split or cracked teeth or faulty fillings.

8. Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth evaluated?
To prevent acute problems with infection and dental caries as well as rule out any pathology associated with impacted wisdom teeth. Rarely is there enough room for wisdom teeth (third molars) to fully erupt and function properly in the oral cavity. Often they do partially erupt and are very difficult to brush/floss to maintain good oral hygiene which results in decay and/or gum irritation and infection. Other potential problems include the formation of cysts or tumors associated with impacted wisdom teeth. A dental exam and full-mouth x-ray (panorex) is recommended to fully evaluate each patient’s condition.

9. My teeth and jaw hurt and sometimes I get headaches. Is this a dental problem?
It can be. There are many causes for pain in the mouth, jaws, and head and neck areas. Often clenching and/or grinding of teeth can cause these symptoms. Clinical signs often found on a dental examination reveal wear on the biting surface of teeth, clicking or popping of the TMJ upon opening, and limited opening with pain. Patient symptoms vary greatly. Headaches, ear pain, tooth sensitivity, and/or pain or difficulty in jaw movement and opening are some of the symptoms reported by patients. Referred pain to the head, neck and shoulders may also be reported. Causes and contributing factors are the good and bad stressors of everyday life, lack of sleep and some medications. The dental clinic does offer TMJ syndrome evaluation and treatment options.