Information for Patients>Patient Screening and Assignment 

Patient Screening and Assignment

The information collected at your first appointment will be sent to the Patient Services Office where your dental needs will be matched to a dental student's needs. Assigning a patient to a student depends on the needs of the student. Therefore, a waiting period may be necessary. If we cannot assign you within four months, you will be notified. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all people awaiting assignment will be accepted for treatment. If you have questions regarding your assignment of care, call Patient Admissions at (706) 721-2371.

At the School of Dentistry, the students are expected to care for all your dental needs. The order of your treatment depends on your needs and will usually proceed as follows:

1. Assessment of dental needs (1-2 visits)
   • Interview
   • History
   • Examination
   • Radiographs
   • Preventive oral health instructions
2. Presentation of diagnosis (1 visit)
   • Recommended treatment options
   • Expected cost
   • Time commitment
3. Oral health care
   • Professional cleaning
   • Periodontal (gum) treatment
4. Surgery (such as extractions)
5. Restorative dentistry (fillings and crowns)
6. Prosthodontics–tooth replacement with bridges, partial dentures, complete dentures

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Patient Services
School of Dentistry | Medical College of Georgia
Please email comments, suggestions or questions to:
Linda Kimberly,

July 27, 2004