Dental School and Training Clinics Near Durham That Take Patients
When cost is what keeps you from the dentist, a training clinic can be worth a look. Dental schools and continuing education programs treat real patients as part of how dentists learn. Near Durham, there are two places to start, plus the nonprofit clinic that hosts one of them.
This guide covers how each option works, based on what each program says about itself, and the questions to ask before you apply.
UNC Adams School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill
The UNC Adams School of Dentistry is at 120 Dental Circle, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Its new patient page describes three kinds of clinics:
Faculty practice: which the school describes as "just like a private dental office, but has access to any specialist." The school marks it as its highest-cost option.
Resident clinics: staffed by dentists who are completing advanced training, and marked as mid-range in cost.
Student clinics: staffed by pre-doctoral dental students and dental hygiene students, and marked as the lowest-cost option.
A few details from the same page are worth knowing before you call:
Student clinic appointments are generally three hours long.
The graduate student and predoctoral and dental hygiene student clinics accept Medicaid and Delta Dental.
To start, call (919) 537-3737 or fill out the school's new patient form.
Implant treatment through a SIDE course in Durham
SIDE, the Southeast Institute for Dental Education, is Local Start Dental's training center at 370 Jackson Street in Durham. It runs hands-on implant courses for dentists, and patients in those courses receive implant treatment.
According to SIDE's patient page:
Patients in SIDE courses receive implant treatment as part of the training.
Treatment includes your implant procedure, whether you need one implant or several, plus all restorative work including your permanent crowns, post-operative care and follow-up appointments.
The first step is a comprehensive exam with all necessary diagnostic x-rays. Current fees are on our fees page.
To apply, fill out the form on that page or call 919-569-5533.
SIDE course care still has a cost, and not everyone qualifies. The comprehensive exam is how you find out whether you are a candidate. Our earlier post, what it's like to be a patient in a training course, walks through the experience in more detail.
Care at Local Start Dental itself
SIDE's courses take place at Local Start Dental, a nonprofit clinic for adults. You do not need to join a course to be seen there. Payment options on the fees page include:
Sliding scale fees for qualifying patients, based on an application and proof of household income
NC Medicaid that includes the appropriate dental coverage
Qualified VA benefits
Financing through Proceed Finance, CareCredit, Alpheon Credit, Healthcare Finance Direct, Lending Club and One Main Financial
For implant options and pricing at the clinic, see dental implants in Durham. How to pay for dental care without insurance in Durham explains how the payment options combine, and you can also read about pro bono dental care at Local Start Dental.
Questions to ask any training clinic
Who will treat me, and who supervises them?
How long are appointments, and how many visits should I expect?
Does my treatment depend on a course or school calendar?
What does the first exam cost, and what does it include?
Do you accept NC Medicaid, and which of my treatments would it apply to?
What happens if I need follow-up care after the course or semester ends?
Which option fits
You need general care and have time for long appointments: ask about UNC's student clinics.
You need one or more implants and cost is the barrier: start with the SIDE comprehensive exam.
You need dentures, extractions or general dentistry in Durham: contact Local Start Dental and ask about the sliding scale.
Getting started in Durham
If you are not sure which route suits you, call Local Start Dental. The team can explain the clinic's options and SIDE's patient program in one conversation.
Local Start Dental370 Jackson Street, Durham, NC 27701919.569.5533
Details about UNC Adams School of Dentistry come from the school's own website and may change. Contact the school directly for current information.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Every patient's situation is unique, and treatment recommendations may vary based on individual circumstances, medical history, and oral health conditions.
Only a qualified dental professional can determine appropriate treatment after a thorough examination and consultation.
The content on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any dental condition. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers regarding any questions you may have about oral health treatments.
Local Start Dental's fee schedules, financing options, and sliding scale programs are subject to change and qualification requirements. Contact our office directly for current eligibility information.
Individual results may vary, and there are risks associated with any surgical procedure.
Fees shown in this article are current as of the publication date and are subject to change. See the SIDE patient page for current pricing. Eligibility for sliding scale fees and for financing is determined by application.
