Welcome to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry!

The University of Detroit Mercy 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.

As Dean of the School of Dentistry, I am greatly honored to serve our exceptional community of students, educators, scientists, clinicians, and alumni. Our School celebrates over 75 years of excellence as a leader in dental education, graduating over 5,500 dental professionals since 1932.

Our mission serves as the foundation of our commitment to providing quality dental education,excellent patient care, and service to our community. I encourage you to explore our web site to discover information about our school, its programs, activities, admission procedures and the mission.

Sincerely,
Mert N. Aksu, DDS, JD, MHSA
Dean

UDM School of Dentistry “Gives Kids A Smile”

Many children in Detroit will have a lot more to smile about. With the help of dentists, dental hygienists, faculty, staff and students, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry will provide free oral health care services to more than 250 children from low-income families on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in UDM's new Corktown Campus.

UDM, in partnership with the Detroit, Oakland and Macomb District Dental Societies will once again participate in the American Dental Association's "Give Kids a Smile" program that began in 2002.

"There are so many children in our area that have not seen a dentist," said Mert Aksu, dean of the School of Dentistry. "UDM's dental clinic provides care to the homeless, the elderly and AIDS patients, and this event reflects the University's mission to help others," he added.

"Give Kids A Smile" is a program designed for children, ages four through 16. After each screening, participants will take home a free oral health kit containing toothpaste, floss… and a big smile.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact United Way for Southeastern Michigan at: 1-800-552-1183 and connect to the call center at 2-1-1.

Release date: February 03, 2010

University of Detroit Mercy
School of Dentistry
8200 W. Outer Drive, Box 98
P.O. Box 19900
Detroit, MI  48219-0900
313-494-6600

Support Dental Education

PATIENTS

Thank you for your interest in becoming a patient of the School of Dentistry. The faculty, staff and students are committed to providing comprehensive "patient centered" care. Please review the following patient information about becoming a patient at the University of  Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.  This information applies to our student clinics; for more information about our specialty and faculty practice clinics please see the section on Specialty Clinics.

Locations

The School of Dentistry provides dental care at two locations.

The main clinic is on the University of Detroit Mercy Corktown Campus, located near downtown Detroit, one block east of I-96 Jeffries Freeway and within minutes of I-94, I-75, and the Lodge Freeway.  Free parking is available.

The University Health Center clinic is at Detroit Receiving Hospital, located on St. Antoine Street between Mack Avenue and East Canfield Street.  There is a nominal cost for parking.

Click here for maps and detailed directions.

First Visit

Your first visit will consist of a screening appointment to determine the difficulty of your case.

 Please note that not everyone is accepted for dental care.

• Call 313-494-6700 to schedule a screening appointment at either location.
• Bring recent radiographs, if available.
• Bring ALL current medications with you.
• Bring all insurance information, your insurance card, and photo identification. You will not be seen without a photo ID.
• There is no charge for the screening appointment but there is a $48 charge for x-rays.
• If you are under the care of a physician, please bring the name and address of your physician.

What to Expect as a Patient

Most of our patients are part of our student clinical program where students provide treatment under the supervision of licensed faculty dentists.  Due to the educational nature of the clinic, it will take much longer to complete your treatment than in a private dental office.

If you are accepted into the program and assigned to a dental student, you will be examined and a plan for your treatment will be developed.  This usually requires three to four visits and may involve making molds of your teeth.  Expect to spend three hours for each appointment, a minimum of twice a month, until your treatment is completed.  

Click here for more information on patient responsibilities. (PDF Document)

Emergency Services

If you have a dental emergency, for example severe pain or swelling, and you are not receiving regular treatment at the dental school, you can use our walk-in emergency service.

Walk-in Emergencies

Limited walk-in emergency service is available on a first-come, first-serve basis when the dental clinics are open.  The clinics are generally open Monday through Friday but are closed for holidays and at other times throughout the year. 

The main doors open at 7:00am; the Emergency Clinic begins seeing patients at 9:30am.

NOTE: You are limited to 2 emergency visits per calendar year; exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Payment Options

We accept cash, Master Card and Visa but not checks for emergency walk-in services.  A fee of $80, applied towards the cost of treatment, must be paid beforeyou will be seen.  We also accept most major dental insurance plans and Medicaid.  You are responsible for the cost of treatment not covered under your dental insurance.

Patients of Record

If you are currently receiving dental treatment at the school and have a dental emergency, call your Patient Care Coordinator during normal business hours.  We provide after-hours emergency for our patients in active treatment.  For after-hours emergencies, call (313) 494-6700 for information.

The School of Dentistry provides a wide range of dental services as listed below.  See the specialty clinics indicated after each treatment for more information. Student clinics include the clinics at both the Corktown and UHC location.

General dentistry including exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns (caps), bridges, and dentures are provided in the Student Clinics as well as the AEGD Clinic and Faculty Practice Clinic.

X-rays are taken in the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Clinic.

Implant Surgery is done in the Faculty Practice Clinic, Periodontics Clinic andOral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic.

Implant Restoration is done in the Student Clinics, Implant Fellowship*, theAEGD Clinic and Faculty Practice Clinic.

Extractions are done in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic.

Periodontal (gum) treatment is provided in the Student Clinics, and thePeriodontics Clinic and Faculty Practice Clinic.

Root canal treatment is done in the Endodontics Clinic, AEGD Clinic andFaculty Practice Clinic.

Braces are provided in the Orthodontic Clinic.

Children under the age of 15 are seen in the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic.

* Patients are referred to the Implant Fellowship through the student clinics. 

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry offers specialty care in the following areas:

• AEGD Clinic
• Endodontics Clinic
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Clinic
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic
• Orthodontic Clinic
• Pediatric Dentistry Clinic
• Periodontics Clinic

Faculty practice offers general and specialized dental care provided by faculty dentists.

Patient Care Services

The Faculty Practice Clinic is an integral part of the School of Dentistry patient care services.  It offers general and specialized dental care utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and diagnostic tools in a private practice-like environment.  Patients have access to all adult specialty dental care within one facility, facilitating coordination of care.

Treatment is provided by faculty members, highly trained professionals current on the latest developments in the dental field.  Fees are comparable to those charged by private practice dentists and most traditional dental insurances are accepted.

Clinic Hours and Appointments

Faculty Practice is open from 9:00am–5:00pm, Monday through Friday.  It is closed for major holidays and at other times throughout the year for conferences, meetings and academic related events and breaks.

To make an appointment or for more information please call the Faculty Practice Clinic at (313) 494-6730.

Meet the Dentists