Boston University
Goldman School of Dental Medicine
100 E. Newton Street
Boston, MA  02118
617-638-4700

(Boston's South End (100 East Newton Street, first floor)

patient services

Boston University School of Dental Medicine offers state-of-the-art dental care through our teaching clinic and faculty practice. Emphasizing preventive and restorative dentistry, our experienced dentists, hygienists, and students provide a wide range of patient services at our Patient Care Center and dental clinics. 

Working under the close supervision of our exceptional dental faculty, the School of Dental Medicine's highly trained students provide affordable dental treatment at our Patient Treatment Center. The Boston University Dental Health Plan offers comprehensive dental care to employees of the university and Boston Medical Center at our Dental Health Centers. 

The Student Dental Plan enables students at many Boston-area colleges to receive low-cost, high-quality care for their basic dental needs. Our Oral Medicine Referral Service utilizes the expertise of our world-renowned specialists in oral medicine and oral pathology in order to provide diagnoses and medical management to dental providers. 

The School of Dental Medicine's commitment to scientific excellence is matched by our dedication to first-rate service and patient care. As a nationally recognized leader in dental research, Boston University continually strives to improve the oral health of our community.

 Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

As a patient at Boston University School of Dental Medicine (BUSDM) I have the right to:

1. information regarding my diagnosis and treatment options and informed consent to the extent provided by law.
2. prompt and appropriate emergency treatment.
3. considerate and respectful dental care.
4. discuss my concerns with a patient advocate.
5. confidentiality of dental records and communications to the extent provided by law.
6. privacy when receiving dental care, within the ability of the facility.
7. prompt and adequate answers to reasonable requests and needs for treatment or service, within the capacity of BUSDM.
8. inspect my dental record in the presence of a patient advocate or dental faculty member, and receive a copy of my dental record for a reasonable fee, as prescribed by law.
9. refuse to serve as a research subject, or refuse to accept any treatment or examination when the primary purpose is educational or informational rather than therapeutic.
10. request and receive a copy of an itemized statement of my treatment and charges.
11. request and receive the name and specialty, if any, of all members of my treatment team.
12. request and receive an explanation as to BUSDM’s relationship, if any, with any other health care facility or educational institution as it relates to patient care.
13. obtain a copy of any rules or regulations of BUSDM which apply to my conduct as a patient of the facility.
14. request and receive from BUSDM a copy of information, if any which BUSDM has available relative to financial assistance and free care

As a patient of Boston University School of Dental Medicine (BUSDM), I understand I have the responsibility to:

1. provide, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and complete information about current medical complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medicines and other issues relevant to my care, and changes to these.
2. inform my provider promptly if you do not understand information relating to my care and treatment or I receive instructions that I cannot comply with.
3. keep appointments, or telephone when I cannot keep a scheduled appointment.
4. observe BUSDM’s no smoking policy.
5. follow BUSDM’s rules and regulations.
6. provide information regarding changes in my dental insurance.
7. accept responsibility for my actions, if I refuse treatment or do not follow my provider’s instructions.
8. be considerate of other patients and BUSDM property
9. show courtesy and respect to BUSDM personnel
10. behave reasonably and appropriately, showing respect for the professional atmosphere of BUSDM
11. fulfill my financial responsibilities 

> welcome The Patient Treatment Center at Boston University School of Dental Medicine offers quality dental care at a reasonable cost. We are located in Boston's South End (100 East Newton Street, first floor) and are easily reached by mass transit. Our dental care services emphasize preventive and restorative dentistry. You will benefit from the latest research in dental techniques and equipment. All facilities are designed to accommodate the disabled.  The center adheres to strict infection control practices; instruments used in patient care are autoclave-sterilized. We are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and accredited by the American Dental Association. We also are a member of Boston Medical Center, which includes Boston University School of Medicine, the School of Public Health, and Boston Medical Center Hospitals. > basic services Patients with such dental needs as prophylaxis (cleanings), restorations (fillings), bridges and single crowns, periodontal care (gums), and full and partial dentures are seen in the appropriate treatment areas, where dental students provide quality care at a minimal fee under the supervision of faculty dentists. > more involved treatment If you require more involved treatment, such as advanced restorative work, extensive periodontal treatment, orthodontics, root canal therapy, oral surgery, or complex crown and bridge work, you will be treated in one of our specialty areas. These specialty areas are staffed by graduate dentists, many of whom have years of experience and are continuing their studies. Dental care in the specialty areas is performed under the supervision of faculty dentists. Because of the complex nature of this care, treatment costs are somewhat higher than in the general dental care centers, although they are still less than those in the private sector.

Oral Medicine Referral Service

Welcome to the Division of Oral Medicine. We serve as a community referral center by providing the highest level of diagnosis and medical management of diseases as described here by the certified oral medicine specialists and oral pathologists with extensive experience and national reputation in the field.

The School of Dental Medicine has a long tradition of improving oral health by building community partnerships, conducting oral health disparities research, and advocating changes in health policies.

The School has numerous service learning programs that provide needed care to the community while educating dental students. These programs include a 30-week mentoring program where freshman and sophomore students work in dental teams in practitioners’ offices and a 60-day senior externship in general and pediatric dentistry.

Rationale for the Oral Medicine Referral Service. Dental management of medically compromised patients is becoming a routine and increasingly important part of dental practice. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon. First, the population continues to age. Many older patients have multiple medical conditions. Second, as medical care becomes more effective and cost issues are emphasized, many patients are being treated on an ambulatory basis to avoid hospitalization. Consequently, these individuals are in the community and readily seek dental care. Third, the sophistication of medical treatment is prolonging life. And fourth, the level of and access to available dental care has improved, resulting in more patients (regardless of medical status) wanting dental treatment. Therefore, behavior disorders and diseases of the mouth as manifestations of systemic disease are seen at an increasing rate, and require prompt and adequate care by experienced specialists.

In addition, oral cancer continues to be a serious problem. An estimated 29,500 new cases of oral cancer, mainly squamous cell carcinoma involving the tongue, oropharynx and floor of the mouth, are diagnosed annually in the United States. Unfortunately, the survival curves of oral cancer have plateaued over the past two decades, causing approximately 9,000 deaths each year in this country and the fifth lowest five-year survival rate, a rate which exceeds that for cervical cancer, malignant melanoma and Hodgkin's disease. As there is rarely a second chance for a cure of oral cancer, early diagnosis and initial approach to therapy is critical.

The Oral Medicine Clinic of Boston University School of Dental Medicine provides the highest level of diagnosis and medical management of oral diseases as described here.

Description of Services. Oral Medicine is a clinical discipline within dentistry that encompasses the following services:

• Diagnosis and medical management of diseases of the mouth, such as ulcerative and vesiculobullous diseases, red and white lesions of the mucosa, pigmentations of the oral tissue, benign tumors and cancer/precancer of the oral cavity, salivary gland disease, and diseases of the tongue.

• Diagnosis and medical management of facial pain and temporomandibular joint diseases, such as temporomandibular disorders, chronic oral sensory disorders including pain and abnormalities of taste, and oral symptoms without apparent physical abnormality including atypical facial pain, glossodynia and burning mouth syndrome, subjective xerostomia, and idiopathic dysgeusia.

• Diagnosis and treatment of oral manifestations of patients with complicating systemic disease, such as diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, renal disease, hematologic disease, bleeding and clotting disorders, immunologic diseases, endocrine disease and dysfunction, diabetes, neuromuscular diseases, and sexually transmitted and blood borne infections

Location: Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 100 East Newton Street, G-104, Boston, MA 02118 (within Boston Medical Center). Click here for directions.

Appointments: To arrange an oral medicine consultation for one of your patients, please contact Ms. Kathleen Bagley at 617/638-5266 orkbags@bu.edu.

Payment Procedures. Fees for Oral Medicine Clinic consultation and treatment are set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Clinic accept Mass Health and requires that patients present a current identification card from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All other medical insurance plans are accepted for medically covered procedures. Authorization prior to services is required for these insurance plans. Check with your insurance company to obtain authorization before the visit. For patients without appropriate insurance coverage and who are not eligible for any service program, payment in cash, personal checks, or Visa/MasterCard is accepted when services are rendered. For more information regarding fees and financial policies, contact the Clinic Finance Office at 617/638-4712.

Ryan White Fund for Dental Services for Eligible HIV Patients. The Ryan White Fund, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Public Health, provides compensation to the school to pay a partial or the full amount for dental services for HIV infected patients who need treatment of orofacial and dental problems. Eligibility for participation in this special benefit program is based on an application to the Dental School. For detailed information, contact the Office of Patient Services at 617/638-5499.

Special Instructions for New Patients: If a patient belongs to an HMO or PPO or other insurance that requires authorization before seeing a specialist, please obtain the authorization before appearing for your visit, even if your dentist is referring you. Patients with recent X-rays, medical records, and lab reports should bring them to their appointment.

Online Consultation: For any particular questions about the patient's condition and for an online consultation, please contact:

L. Lee Chou, D.M.D.,  Ph.D.
Dip. Oral Medicine, Dip. Oral Pathology.
Director and Professor, Division of Oral Medicine

at

Boston University
School of Dental Medicine
801 Albany Street, S-207
Boston, MA 02118
Tel: 617/638-5598
Fax: (617) 638-5591
lchou@bu.edu

Project Accomplishments

1. Increased the community-based senior externship program from 35 to 60 days.
2. Provide annual in-service training for community-based faculty.
3. Developed and implemented a cultural competency curriculum.
4. Established learning initiatives for predoctoral students while on externship.
5. Developed several summer internships and after-school programs for high school and college students interested in Dentistry.
6. Developed Program White Coat to get elementary school children interested in Dentistry and health careers.
7. Developed the Master of Arts in Medical Science Oral Health Curriculum, a degree program to assist students needing to improve their academic preparation before applying to dental school.
8. Established a faculty position of Director of Minority Affairs devoted to minority recruitment.
9. Secured a $4 million endowment from Delta Dental of Massachusetts to provide financial assistance to URM and disadvantaged applicants.
10. Evaluating and monitoring outcomes of educational and recruitment programs.

Community Partners: 
• Boston Medical Center, 
  Boston, MA
• Brockton Neighborhood 
  Community H.C., Brockton, MA
• Brookside Community Health 
  Center, Jamaica Plain, MA
• Codman Square 
  Community Health Center, 
  Boston, MA
• Dental Health Works, 
  Keene, NH
• Dimock Street Health Center, 
  Boston, MA
• Dorchester House, Boston, MA
• Family Health Centers, Ft.  
  Myers, FL
• Geiger-Gibson 
  Community Health Center, 
  Boston, MA
• Harvard Street Health Center, 
  Boston, MA
• Holyoke Health Center, 
  Holyoke, MA
• Indian Health Services, Ft. 
  Defiance, AZ
• Lynn Community Health 
  Center, Lynn, MA
• Mid Upper Cape Community Health Center, Hyannis, MA
• South Boston Community 
  Health Center, 
  South Boston, MA
• South End C. H. C., / Boston 
  Healthcare for Homeless, 
  South End, MA
• University of New England, 
  College of Health 
  Professionals, Portland, ME
• Uphams Corner Community 
  HC, Boston, MA
• US Coast Guard, Yorktown, VA
• VA., Togus, ME
• VA., Miami, FL
• VA., Bedford, MA
• Whittier Street, Boston, MA

Project Contact Information
Dr. Ana Karina Mascarenhas
Project Director
Pipeline, Profession & Practice: 
Community-Based Dental Education 
Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine
715 Albany Street, 560
Boston, MA 02118
Tel (617) 638-4456
Fax (617) 638-6381