VCU
dental care Student Practice is a vital component of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry, located in Richmond, Virginia. It functions as a dental clinic where third and fourth-year dental and
dental hygiene students gain invaluable hands-on experience by treating real patients. All procedures are conducted under the direct and rigorous supervision of experienced faculty members, many of whom are specialists or board-certified, ensuring a high standard of care.
The primary mission of the VCU Dental Care Student Practice is twofold: to provide a comprehensive and practical educational environment for future dental professionals and to offer accessible, affordable, and high-quality oral healthcare to the community. This dual focus allows patients to receive dental services at a significantly reduced cost compared to private practices, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking budget-friendly dental solutions, including those with Medicaid.
Services offered are extensive and cover a wide range of general and specialized dental needs. These include routine cleanings and exams,
fillings, gum disease treatment, extractions,
crowns, bridges, dentures, and more. Beyond
general dentistry, the broader
VCU School of Dentistry, which encompasses the student practice, also offers specialized care in areas such as cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, oral and facial surgery, orofacial pain and oral medicine, orthodontics, pathology, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, and urgent care. This means that while direct student practice may focus on general care, complex cases can be referred to resident or faculty practices within the same institution.
Patients typically undergo an initial screening to determine if their dental needs align with the educational objectives of the student dentists. Appointments in the student clinic are often longer than those in private practice (typically 2-3 hours) due to the educational nature of the environment, allowing ample time for students to perform procedures meticulously and for faculty to provide thorough oversight and evaluation. The VCU Dental Care Student Practice emphasizes a thorough and patient-centered approach, with many patients reporting a more detailed and attentive experience due to the time dedicated to each appointment. The clinic is equipped with modern technologies and advanced equipment, as it serves as a training ground for the next generation of dentists.
