Howard University
College of Dentistry
600 W. Street, N.W.
Washington, DC  20059
202-806-0007 or 202-806-0008

The Howard University Dental School supports Preventive Dentistry

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

WHY IS PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY IMPORTANT AND WHEN SHOULD
YOU START?

Preventive Dentistry means a healthy smile that requires fewer visits to the Dentist:

1. Eating becomes more enjoyable because healthy mouths chew more easily
   and gain more nutrients from the foods they eat.
2. You can also speak more quickly and clearly.
3. People with healthier mouths have a better chance of general health, because disease in the mouth can endanger the rest of the body.
4. A healthy mouth is more attractive, and you can have confidence that you are putting forth your best appearance.
5. Preventive Dentistry is the first step to becoming cavity-free.

Preventive dentistry begins Regular Tooth brushing.
The earlier your dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental disease and reducing your time in the Dentist’s Chair
Visit your dentist for a complete examination to lay the foundations for having the best in dental health.

The Howard University College of Dentistry is a teaching and patient care institution. Our dental clinics, since 1881, have provided quality patient care and service to the community. The mission of the College of Dentistry includes the education of dental practitioners and dental hygienists, research and service to the community.

Our clinics offer an extensive range of dental treatments and oral healthcare services for adults and children. Dental treatment in our pre-doctoral clinic is rendered by our dental and dental hygiene students under the supervision of the faculty. Prospective patients interested in receiving dental care are primarily selected on the basis of their teaching potential. Special services are offered to children in the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Clinics. Postgraduate dentists in the clinic in the Howard University Hospital and Howard University College of Dentistry also provide general dental treatment, in addition to that provided by undergraduate dental students in the clinics in the College of Dentistry Building. Postgraduate dentists also provide additional specialized care in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

Support Dental Education

ALL PATIENTS, except emergencies, must make an appointment. The first appointment will be for evaluation to determine the patient’s dental needs. Preliminary diagnostic radiographs are taken and your record is forwarded to the patient pool for assignment to a student. Assignment is determined by your dental needs and how those needs will assist the student in obtaining his/her clinical experiences.

Howard University students seeking treatment in the College of Dentistry must first obtain a referral from the Student Health Center along with an insurance claim form. If you are already registered as a patient in the dental clinics you must be able to present a valid current registration sticker.

Appointments
ALL PATIENTS, except emergencies, must make an appointment. The first appointment will be for evaluation to determine the patient’s dental needs. Preliminary diagnostic radiographs are taken and your record is forwarded to the patient pool for assignment to a student. Assignment is determined by your dental needs and how those needs will assist the student in obtaining his/her clinical experiences.

Howard University students seeking treatment in the College of Dentistry must first obtain a referral from the Student Health Center along with an insurance claim form. If you are already registered as a patient in the dental clinics you must be able to present a valid current registration sticker.

After assignment the student-dentist will call the patient to confirm their interest in receiving treatment, availability and ability to meet the responsibilities of being a patient in the College of Dentistry. Appointments are made by the student-dentist in accordance with the Clinical Assignment Schedule.

Since the College of Dentistry is a teaching institution, some patients, following the preliminary evaluation appointment, may not be accepted for treatment in the predoctoral program. When this occurs, the patient is referred to one of the college’s Post doctoral programs for an evaluation to see if that program can address their needs. Should this not be the case, the patient will receive a listing of specialty practitioners in the area of their need from which they can choose to receive treatment.

Referral to these specialists is not an endorsement by the college but merely an informational directive to assist the patient to see the appropriate practitioner. Patients who are advised to seek dental care in a private dental office can have copies of their records and x-rays sent to the dentist of their choice, upon written request and payment of a nominal fee.

Emergency Care
Patients assigned to student-dentists MUST contact their student for emergency treatment. Unassigned patients in pain or distress may be seen in our emergency clinic on a limited basis. This clinic operates Monday through Friday during regular clinic hours on a first come first served basis. On week nights and weekends when the regular clinic is closed patients should call the Howard University Hospital and ask for their dental clinic.

After-hours, holidays, weekends and when the clinic is not in session, please call the Howard University Hospital Dental Clinic: (202) 865-6100. Ask the receptionists for the Dental Resident on duty.

Hours of Operation
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Wednesday

Payment Policy
The College of Dentistry has a "Fees for Services Rendered" policy.  Fees may be paid in the form of cash, check or credit card.  Payment is due on the date service is provided.  Patients with insurance must also pay at the time service is rendered.  The College of Dentistry will complete an insurance claim for submission to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.  Questions related to your fees and filing of an insurance claim may directed to the Cashiers or the Business Office.

General Information
Parking is available at meters on the street.  The Green Line Metro Stop - Shaw/Howard University - is in close proximity to the College of Dentistry via Georgia Avenue.  The College can also be reached from the 70, 71 and 90 bus routes.

Smoking is not permitted in any area of the College of Dentistry.  


Important Phone Numbers
Patient Information   (202) 806-0456

Appointments 

New Patients (202) 806-0008 

Dental Hygiene Patients (202) 806-0079 

Emergency Dental Care (202) 806-0007 

Patient Assignment (202) 806-0042

Children’s Dental Care (14 and under) (202) 806-0307 

Advanced General Practice Program (202) 806-0068 

Orthodontics (202) 806-0011 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (202) 806-0330 

Patient Advocate (202) 806-0023

Should any of the required numbers be unavailable for an extended period of time, please call 202-806-0023 to request assistance.