Patient Care Information
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Dentistry, founded in 1878, is Tennessee’s only public dental school and one of the oldest in the nation. Our clinics provide high-quality, patient-centered dental care while supporting the education of future oral health professionals. Dental services are delivered by students, residents, and licensed faculty dentists under close faculty supervision to ensure safe, professional, and effective treatment.
Our Dental Clinics:
Student Clinics: Comprehensive routine dental care provided by dental students under faculty supervision,
typically at a lower cost with longer appointment times.
Resident Specialty Clinics:Specialty and complex care delivered by dentists in advanced training programs, with
moderate fees and more focused treatment timelines.
Faculty Dental Practice: Care provided by faculty dentists with fees comparable to private practice and shorter
appointment times.
Scheduling Appointments
Patients communicate directly with their student provider or clinic to schedule an appointment. Appointment availability varies by clinic, treatment need, and the academic schedule. Because UTHSC is a teaching institution, appointments may take longer than those in private practice. Patients must provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.
Patients undergo an initial screening to determine appropriate clinic placement and provider assignment. Once assigned, the provider will create a customized treatment plan based on the patient’s needs and desires. On the third visit, treatment is initiated. Supervising faculty dentists evaluate care before, during, and after procedures, ensuring patient comfort, safety, and clear communication.
Fees vary depending on clinic type and treatment complexity. Treatment plans and costs are discussed prior to care. Fees are due prior to service. Insurance acceptance varies by clinic and must be verified before treatment.
Patients have the right to receive respectful and confidential care, informed consent, knowledge of treatment options and costs, the right to refuse treatment, access to emergency care, and protection of their health information.
Patients are responsible for keeping appointments, providing accurate medical and dental history, following treatment recommendations, and treating students, staff, faculty, and other patients with respect.
UTHSC College of Dentistry is committed to providing accessible care and maintaining strict infection control and safety standards in compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations.
Patient Advocate
The Patient Advocate serves as a dedicated resource for all patients here at the College of Dentistry. The Patient Advocate helps ensure every patient receives respectful, compassionate, and quality care throughout their dental experience.
If you need to submit a complaint or contact the Patient Advocate, please complete the contact form, and our patient advocate, Rachael Watkins, will reach out.