After four consultations with dentists in my area and up to two hours away, I realize that I cannot afford implant dentures. A colleague suggested that I check out dental schools to see if they need patients for implants. Is this a safe and reliable way to get quality implant dentures? Thanks. Jordan from UT

Jordan,

Dental schools accept patients because students need real clinical experience to complete their training. This allows you to receive care at a lower cost. However, there are some trade-offs to understand before deciding where to get your care.

What Can You Expect from Procedures at a Dental School?

Treatment at a dental school can be a practical solution if cost is your main concern. At the same time, the process often moves more slowly and requires flexibility with scheduling.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Lower fees: Dental schools typically charge significantly less than private practices.
• Longer appointments: Procedures take more time because students work carefully under supervision.
• Frequent interruptions: Faculty members check the work at different stages, which can extend your visit.
• Solid quality overall: While you may not receive the same level of refinement as a top private practice, the care is generally above average.

What Types of Procedures Are Available at Dental Schools?

Dental schools actively look for patients who need removable dentures. This type of treatment is part of every undergraduate dental curriculum, so there is usually strong availability.

However, most dental students do not receive training in placing implants during dental school. That training typically happens in advanced specialty programs, so opportunities for implant patients may be more limited.

We recommend seeking cosmetic treatment from a dentist with advanced, post-graduate education in implantology and cosmetic procedures for natural-looking replacement teeth. If you haven’t done so already, speak with a dentist about payment options or completing your dental procedures in phases to make treatment more affordable. This can help ensure that your expectations and the results are closely aligned.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read how he strives to provide his patients with the best possible dental care.