Dental Clinic Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a “teaching clinic”?
A teaching clinic provides clinical education and training to future health care professionals, in addition to delivering health care to patients. Our Dental Hygiene students are held to the highest possible standards of care. Patients can expect to receive excellent treatment at a reasonable price.
- Is the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Medical Institute an accredited program?
The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/
- Will I be cared for by a “real” dentist or dental hygienist?
Students work under the direct supervision of faculty members who are licensed dentists and dental hygienists. Faculty members check each procedure performed by students.
- How do I make an appointment?
Click here to view our locations and call to make an appointment with the clinic nearest to you. - What services do you offer?
You can find our lists of services at the links for each location below.
Albuquerque, NM
Houston, TX
Seattle, WA - Do you take my insurance plan?
Our Houston and Seattle clinics accept most dental insurances and Medicaid is accepted at the Seattle clinic. Please call the clinic of your choice to confirm if your insurance is accepted.
- How often should I see a dentist or dental hygienist?
It is recommended that you should have a dental exam with a dentist at least once a year. The number of times you should see your dental hygienist is based on the condition of your gums, but, at minimum, you should get your teeth cleaned twice a year. - What should I expect?
Since students are learning procedures, patients can expect that the procedures/appointments will take significantly longer to complete in the school setting than they would in a private practice. Our typical appointment length is three hours and patients should be aware that they may have to return several times to have treatment completed depending on the number and extent of the procedures that are required. - How much are your fees?
Choose a location below to access our campus fee schedules.
Albuquerque, NM
Houston, TX
Seattle, WA - Can you help patients with special needs or kids?
For teaching purposes our clinic operatories are designed to be open rather than individual rooms. We welcome special populations as long as individuals are able to sit in the chair for the entire appointment time and are not disruptive to those around them. - What is a “faculty practice”?
Our faculty practice is separate from our student clinic. Faculty members that are licensed dentists provide general dentistry services (fillings, crowns, extractions, etc.) and our faculty dental hygienist provide dental hygiene services to the general public. Patients can expect prices to be below private practice fees, but higher than our student clinic fees. Faculty practice may not be available at all clinic locations. For more information please visit the Services and Cost page for your nearest clinic location.
Albuquerque, NM
Houston, TX
Seattle, WA - Who can use the clinic?
Everyone! Our community clinic is open to the public. - Can you recommend any resources on the internet where I can learn more about oral hygiene and dental care?
Education is an essential aspect of what we do here at the Community Dental Clinic, and we highly encourage the public to learn more about proper dental hygiene practices. Healthy teeth are an important part of a healthy you! If you’re interested in learning more, please visit our Resources page for a list of websites that can get you started.