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Dental Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dental Clinic provides preventive, restorative, cosmetic and emergency dental care. Services include cleanings, x-rays, restoratives including fillings and crowns, root canals, extractions, fabrication of TMJ/clenching appliances and athletic mouth guards and teeth whitening. Referrals are given as needed. Appointments are necessary except in case of emergency.

New!

Make your appointment online with the dental hygienist for a cleaning and examination by the dentist.

Spring Semester Special for New Patients

image of a tooth Have your teeth professionally whitened for half the cost when you make an appointment for exam & cleaning. Call for details: 706-542-8700


Services are provided on a fee-for-service basis.

Phone: 706-542-8700

Hours:
Fall/Spring Semester
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Closed from 12:00 noon - 1 pm

Location:
The Dental Clinic is located on the third floor of the University Health Center, at the corner of College Station and East Campus Road, on the University of Georgia campus.


Our Dental Clinic Staff

John Leffert, DMD
Richard B. Finger, Jr., DDS
Donna Manley, RDH
Emily Shumate, RDH
Vada Timberlake, RDH


photo of dentist and student
Student Testimonials

"The Dental Clinic has always been excellent. The staff are very helpful and the hygienists are careful and thoughtful. They always explain what needs to be done, how much it will cost and they answer my questions thoroughly."

"Wonderful service. Very professional. Wish I could use them after I graduate."

"I was very pleased with the Dental Clinic. I would recommend it to all of my friends."

"I have been to the Dental Clinic twice, and both experiences were the best dental experiences I have had in 29 years. Thank you!!"

"Everyone was extremely nice and professional. Never had a better time at the dentist."

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you charge for your services?
2. Do you charge for missed appointments?
3. Do you accept insurance?
4. How often should I have a cleaning?
5. What can I do about a mouth ulcer?
6. I noticed you do bleaching. What is your process?
7. Is there a treatment for sensitive teeth?
8. Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth evaluated?
9. My teeth and jaw hurt and sometimes I get headaches. Is this a dental problem?

1. Do you charge for your services?
Yes. We are a fee-for-service clinic and charge a fee for every service provided.

2. Do you charge for missed appointments?
Yes. We require 24 hours notice by phone, in person or in writing to avoid a charge for missed appointments.

3. Do you accept insurance?
The University Health Center provides direct billing to insurance companies. Please call your individual insurance carrier to inquire about coverage for dental services and any stipulations they may have to ensure timely payment.

4. How often should I have a cleaning?
For most patients, we recommend an examination and cleaning every 6 months. Some patients require more or less frequent visits depending upon each individual's oral health.

5. What can I do about a mouth ulcer?
The actual etiology or cause of mouth ulcers is unknown but in most instances stress, illness, or trauma is usually involved. They last for approximately 7-10 days. Though you can use creams, ointments, etc. to help with the symptoms, ulcers usually have to run their course.

6. I noticed you do bleaching. What is your process?
The bleaching process is an at home treatment. Impressions of the teeth are taken and custom bleaching trays are fabricated for patient to use at home. Bleaching refill kits also are available at a reduced fee. (Patients must have previously made bleaching trays for the refill kits.) Research shows that the most effective and longest lasting method of teeth whitening is with custom fitted trays made by your dentist.

7. Is there a treatment for sensitive teeth?
Yes. Sensitive teeth often result from exposed root surfaces due to gum recession or through loss of enamel as a result of excessive tooth wear from clenching or grinding and/or erosion from acidic foods or acid reflux. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth oftentimes will reduce or relieve tooth sensitivity. Other treatment options include application of desensitizing agents by your dentist, prescription for self-applied fluoride agents and/or placement of fillings. If persistent or increased sensitivity continues, further evaluation by a dentist is recommended to rule out split or cracked teeth or faulty fillings.

8. Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth evaluated?
To prevent acute problems with infection and dental caries as well as rule out any pathology associated with impacted wisdom teeth. Rarely is there enough room for wisdom teeth (third molars) to fully erupt and function properly in the oral cavity. Often they do partially erupt and are very difficult to brush/floss to maintain good oral hygiene which results in decay and/or gum irritation and infection. Other potential problems include the formation of cysts or tumors associated with impacted wisdom teeth. A dental exam and full-mouth x-ray (panorex) is recommended to fully evaluate each patient's condition.

9. My teeth and jaw hurt and sometimes I get headaches. Is this a dental problem?
It can be. There are many causes for pain in the mouth, jaws, and head and neck areas. Often clenching and/or grinding of teeth can cause these symptoms. Clinical signs often found on a dental examination reveal wear on the biting surface of teeth, clicking or popping of the TMJ upon opening, and limited opening with pain. Patient symptoms vary greatly. Headaches, ear pain, tooth sensitivity, and/or pain or difficulty in jaw movement and opening are some of the sypmtoms reported by patients. Referred pain to the head, neck and shoulders may also be reported. Causes and contributing factors are the good and bad stressors of everyday life, lack of sleep and some medications. The dental clinic does offer TMJ syndrome evaluation and treatment options.