Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is your initial contact with your student hygienist or with the dentist. You will receive a new patient consultation, which is free of charge. If x-rays are necessary, you will be charged a fee. If you have a dental home and your dentist has taken x-rays in the past twelve months, please ask that the x-rays be e-mailed to dentalhygiene@oit.edu.
How long will my appointment last?
The new patient consultation lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Treatment appointments with the student hygienist last approximately three hours. Because the dental clinic is a teaching facility, you may need more than one appointment to complete treatment. Dental treatment appointments with the dentist will usually last one hour.
Why are the appointments so long?
The clinic functions for the purpose of providing students the practical experiences necessary to become competent dental hygienists. Treatment takes longer because students are in the learning process and honing their dental hygiene skills.
Why should I visit the clinic when I can be finished in less time elsewhere?
One advantage is cost. Fees for hygiene services are significantly less than fees charged at a regular dental office. You also provide the student hygienists with valuable clinical experience and help them further their career studies.
Dental work makes me nervous. Can you help?
Yes. Please advise your student hygienist if you are anxious when you arrive for your appointment. He/she will explain the procedures to you, and can offer suggestions to help you feel more comfortable.
I want to have my teeth whitened. Can you do that?
Yes. Please call the clinic for more information.
Does the clinic perform fillings and extractions?
Yes. We have a licensed dentist that can perform any normal dental procedures like fillings or extractions. If something needs to be done by a specialist (i.e. impacted wisdom teeth, some molar root canals) we can refer to the appropriate provider.
Can I get crowns or bridges done at the clinic?
Yes. These services are well within the scope of our general dentists’ practice.
I'm a student at Oregon Tech. Can I become a patient?
Yes. Students are scheduled the same as any other patient.
Are students charged the same amount as regular clinic patrons?
Students receive a 50% discount for any services performed by the dentist, but there is no discount for hygiene services.
Do students need to pay up front?
Yes, unless you prefer to have your Oregon Tech student account billed for clinic charges.
Are charges due at the time of service?
Yes, unless other arrangements have been made with the dental office manager.
Will you bill my insurance?
Yes. Bring your insurance card and ask the receptionist to bill your insurance. Any remaining balance will be billed to you.