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Dentistry -- Dr. Tadasha Culbreath of the Howard University College of Dentistry examines the work by a dental student on patient Wayne Wright

(WASHINGTON - October 8, 2012) - For the past year and half, Mary Wood of Arlington, Va., has been commuting to the Howard University College of Dentistry in the District for her dental care.  She had originally heard about the university’s dental services from a friend and decided to compare its services to those of private practices in the area. 

She wasn’t disappointed. 

“Some dentists charge about $500 for an extraction,” Wood said.  “Here, I believe it was only $65.” 

Wood has had her teeth pulled, dentures made and she came in for a cleaning.  The low prices for dental services are a major draw for many in the Washington area. 

Those, however, are only a small part of the services offered by the College of Dentistry.  It has six clinics that offer affordable dental services to local residents and Howard students and staff.

All patients must make an appointment, unless there is an emergency.  During the preliminary appointment, patients are evaluated and their dental needs are accessed to determine to which clinic and dental student the patient should be assigned. 

The Carriers Management Clinic provides typical dental services, such as oral examinations and cleanings.  The Blue Clinic provides geriatric dental services, such as dentures.  The Gold Clinic offers fillings and other restorative services.

The Evening Clinic offers pediatric and adult services at a later time.  The Pre-Doctoral Clinic supplies services provided by students training without a degree, and the post-doctoral clinic supplies specialized services provided by beginning dentists.  Orthodontics, pediatrics, advanced education in dentistry, and the dental residency program offered at Howard University Hospital are all a part of this clinic. 

“Junior and senior students are the primary care providers at these clinics,” said Dr. Tadasha Culbreath, an assistant professor, course director and clinical supervisor at the College of Dentistry.  “But all procedures are supervised by a professor.” 

Because of this, Ms. Wood said she never felt any concern about being treated by a student. 

“I was never nervous, since there was always a professor there,” she said. 

The dental clinics are located within the College of Dentistry at 600 W St., NW, Washington, D.C.  On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, clinic sessions are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Wednesday clinic sessions are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Members of the community can schedule appoints at 202-806-0007.  Emergency walk-ins are accepted the desk on the second floor. 

For more information on the College of Dentistry, visit http://www.dentistry.howard.edu/. 

Tags: College of Dentistry Offers Affordable Care to University and Community