The College of Dentistry has been serving the dental needs of Iowans since 1882. We are proud to be a leader in professional education, patient service, and dental research. The finest staff, facilities, and equipment are combined with the most up-to-date and comprehensive treatment techniques and materials to ensure excellent dental care for all ages. We see approximately 9,000 patients who come to the College for 118,000 patient visits annually. The high number of patients gives us a depth of experience that enables us to treat every dental problem in an appropriate way. At the same time, our goal is to treat every patient as if you were our only patient.
1. Student Clinics are carefully supervised by faculty. Extra time and
additional appointments are required for treatment. Your contribution to
our educational program results in a reduced fee. To schedule an
appointment, call Admissions at (319) 335-7447.
2. Residents are graduated dentists who are specializing in one of the
dental areas of expertise.
3. Faculty have a group private practice at the college. Fees and time
commitment are comparable to private practice. All dental specialities are
available for consult regarding special treatment needs. This allows for
convenient and easily coordinated referrals.
4. Recall programs. All provider options offer a comprehensive oral
examination and teeth cleaning to help you maintain your dental health.
5. Special Care Clinic. For the convenience of
the elderly and medically complex adult over 18 years of age, dental
services are offered in one easily accessible location. Phone 335-7373.
Diagnostic Services: In your assigned department, a comprehensive
examination and treatment plan will include a cost estimate and any
necessary specialty consultations. Call 335-7447.
Emergencies: An important service we provide for our patients is emergency
treatment. For pain, swelling, broken teeth, etc., the clinic accepts
patients (new or continuing) every week day (except legal holidays) year
round. Call 335-7447.
Children: Patients under the age of 16 are seen in the Department of
Pediatric Dentistry. Phone 335-7485.
Family Dentistry: Simulating private practice, dental students apply
general dental knowledge and skills in the comprehensive dental treatment
of patients. Phone 335-7316.Provider Options for Patients
We welcome everyone to our clinics, as we provide comprehensive and
referral dental services. Patients requesting student care are first
evaluated in Admissions. Treatment may be recommended to be provided by:
students, residents, or faculty. The same high standard of treatment can be
expected in all provider options.
Becoming a Patient
Adults: Patients older than 16, who choose treatment in the student
clinics, first receive a brief examination and radiographs to determine
which program can provide the most appropriate dental care.
Clinic Services
Endodontics: Root canal treatment for diseases of the pulp and bone,
managing injuries to the teeth, and related surgery to help preserve the
natural teeth in a healthy state. Phone 335-7469.
Operative Dentistry: Restoring decayed or broken teeth with amalgam, gold, and tooth-colored materials. Phone 335-7217.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Includes diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral region. Phone 335-7457.
Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine: provides services to patients in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of conditions affecting the head and neck. Diagnostic services include: radiographs (x-ray); clinical laboratory studies; and comprehensive examinations. Treatment services are provided in a Radiology Clinic, a specialized Pain Clinic, and a Mucosal Disease Clinic (soft tissue of the head and neck region.
Orthodontics: Straightening teeth for both children and adults, and treating problems related to growth and development of the jaws. Non-surgical and surgical treatment methods are used to establish normal function. A special early treatment program is available for small children. Phone 335-7287.
Pediatric Dentistry: Provides comprehensive dental care for children six months to 15 years, with emphasis on preventive dental health. A program for children with special health needs is also available. Phone 335-7485.
Periodontics: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth; and the maintenance of the health, function, and esthetics of these tissues. Phone 335-7233.
Preventive Dentistry Clinic In this clinic you will receive an oral examination which includes: health history update and blood pressure screening; assess condition of the gums and oral soft tissue screening. A thorough cleaning will be provided to include removal of hard (calculus/tartar) and soft (plaque) deposits and polishing to remove stains. Topical fluoride treatment will be applied as needed and sealants (protective coverings) placed as needed. Current oral hygiene techniques (toothbrushing, flossing, rinsing, etc.) and dietary factors as related to oral health will be assessed. We will make recommendations as needed. Phone 335-7373
Prosthodontics: Design, construct and fit crowns, fixed bridges, immediate, complete and partial dentures to replace missing teeth and restore oral structures. Phone 335-7274.
Pharmacy: Our pharmacy, located on the third floor of the clinic area, is available for filling prescriptions and answering questions regarding medications. College of Dentistry prescriptions can also be filled at your local pharmacy. Phone 335-7435.
Business Office: You are asked to pay at each visit. However, installment arrangements can be made for larger dental bills. We accept checks, cash, credit cards, dental insurance, and Title XIX, and we will complete and file the proper forms at no extra charge. We will also assist you with your financial concerns and questions. Phone 335-7440.
Patient Representative: If you ever have any suggestions for us, we would appreciate receiving them. You may discuss any concerns with a patient representative if you feel you need special assistance or are unable to resolve questions with your practitioner. The patient representative may be reached at 335-6579.
Interpreter Services: If you need assistance in understanding English, we ask that you bring your own interpreter so you are well informed about your treatment needs and procedures. If possible we will assist by providing interpreters from our faculty, staff, students, or employees.
Research: Another important mission of the College is research. Many of our staff members are nationally and internationally recognized in their fields. Their research not only helps us to keep up with the latest methods and materials, but it provides an outstanding atmosphere of learning for our students.
Service programs: As a community service, the college provides several services. A mobile clinic travels to nursing homes in the seven counties surrounding Iowa City. Student clinicians provide dental treatment to residents. In addition, senior students spend part of their year providing dental treatment in clinics for disadvantaged patients in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
Continuing Education: The college coordinates and implements continuing education seminars for all practicing dentists in the state of Iowa.
Infection Control: We are concerned about protecting you as our patient from the spread of infectious diseases. All instruments and handpieces used in your dental care are sterilized and meet all Center for Disease Control guidelines. Practitioners are required to wear clean protective clothing and the area is decontaminated between patients. In addition, you may request protective eye wear at all appointments.
THANK YOU for your interest in the College of Dentistry. Your dental health is important to us, and we want to be a resource for both treatment and information to improve your dental health.
You may also wish to consult the Faculty Directory