General Dental Care
General Dental Care
Get exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and other general dental care from student dentists under the supervision of Harvard faculty. Your care begins with a screening visit so we can learn about your needs and determine the appropriate next steps.
What care is available?
General dental care includes preventive visits, exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and other treatment based on your needs. Your dental team will discuss its recommendations and help you understand your options.
How your care works
DMD students are training to become dentists. Residents are licensed dentists completely advanced training. Both provide care under the supervision of Harvard faculty. Appointments may take longer or require more visits, and fees are generally lower.
Who will provide my care?
Your care may be provided by a DMD student or a resident dentist, depending on your needs and the care recommended after your screening. Both work under the supervision of Harvard faculty. We’ll help you understand your options before you schedule treatment.
General dental care provider comparison
| Provider | Typical relative cost* | Typical visit length |
|---|---|---|
Third- or fourth-year dental student | $ | Longer visits |
Licensed dentist completing advanced training | $$ | Visit length varies |
*Your care team will discuss the expected cost and number of visits for your treatment plan.
Before you arrive
- Complete any forms we send you before your appointment.
- Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and a list of medications you take.
- If you have recent dental X-rays, bring them or arrange to have them sent to us.
- Plan to arrive early enough to complete any remaining paperwork.
Your first visit starts here
Every new patient begins with a required oral diagnosis (OD) screening. This 15–30 minute visit includes a brief exam and review of your medical history. No cleaning or treatment is provided at this visit. The screening helps us determine the most appropriate care for your needs.
After your screening
If general dental care with a DMD student or resident dentist is appropriate for you, we’ll schedule a full intake appointment and match you with a provider based on your needs. At the intake visit, your provider will complete a more thorough exam and discuss a treatment plan with you. Cleanings and treatment are scheduled for future visits.
If your needs call for specialty care or another care option, we’ll explain the recommendation and help guide you to the appropriate team.
Manage your care
Find the information you need before and after your visit, from paying for treatment to contacting your dental care team.
Learn when payment is due and which forms of payment we accept. | |
See participating plans and learn what to ask your insurer before your visit. | |
Access your account and information about your care. | |
Speak with our team at (617) 432-1434. |
What patients ask us
Your student or resident provider will do a full exam and review your medical history. A faculty member will guide each step. Cleanings and treatment are scheduled for future visits.
Cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, and more—for patients without complex medical issues.
Yes. Because our students are in training, visits may take more time and require follow-up appointments.
Yes. All new patients must complete a screening to make sure the Teaching Practice is right for their needs.
If you’re a new patient with urgent dental needs, call us at (617) 432-1434. We’ll help guide you to the best care option.