We greet you as a possible future patient of the College of Dentistry.

The Howard University College of Dentistry is a teaching and patient care institution. Our dental clinics, since 1881, have provided quality patient care and service to the community. The mission of the College of Dentistry includes the education of dental practitioners and dental hygienists, research and service to the community.

Our clinics offer an extensive range of dental treatments and oral healthcare services for adults and children. Dental treatment in our pre-doctoral clinic is rendered by our dental and dental hygiene students under the supervision of the faculty. Prospective patients interested in receiving dental care are primarily selected on the basis of their teaching potential. Special services are offered to children in the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Clinics. Postgraduate dentists in the clinic in the Howard University Hospital and Howard University College of Dentistry also provide general dental treatment, in addition to that provided by undergraduate dental students in the clinics in the College of Dentistry Building. Postgraduate dentists also provide additional specialized care in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

Appointments
ALL PATIENTS, except emergencies, must make an appointment. The first appointment will be for evaluation to determine the patient’s dental needs. Preliminary diagnostic radiographs are taken and your record is forwarded to the patient pool for assignment to a student. Assignment is determined by your dental needs and how those needs will assist the student in obtaining his/her clinical experiences.

Howard University students seeking treatment in the College of Dentistry must first obtain a referral from the Student Health Center along with an insurance claim form. If you are already registered as a patient in the dental clinics you must be able to present a valid current registration sticker.

After assignment the student-dentist will call the patient to confirm their interest in receiving treatment, availability and ability to meet the responsibilities of being a patient in the College of Dentistry. Appointments are made by the student-dentist in accordance with the Clinical Assignment Schedule.

Since the College of Dentistry is a teaching institution, some patients, following the preliminary evaluation appointment, may not be accepted for treatment in the predoctoral program. When this occurs, the patient is referred to one of the college’s Post doctoral programs for an evaluation to see if that program can address their needs. Should this not be the case, the patient will receive a listing of specialty practitioners in the area of their need from which they can choose to receive treatment.

Referral to these specialists is not an endorsement by the college but merely an informational directive to assist the patient to see the appropriate practitioner. Patients who are advised to seek dental care in a private dental office can have copies of their records and x-rays sent to the dentist of their choice, upon written request and payment of a nominal fee.

Emergency Care
Patients assigned to student-dentists MUST contact their student for emergency treatment. Unassigned patients in pain or distress may be seen in our emergency clinic on a limited basis. This clinic operates Monday through Friday during regular clinic hours on a first come first served basis. On week nights and weekends when the regular clinic is closed patients should call the Howard University Hospital and ask for their dental clinic.

Hours of Operation
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon  Wednesday

Payment Policy
The College of Dentistry has a "Fees for Services Rendered" policy.  Fees may be paid in the form of cash, check or credit card.  Payment is due on the date service is provided.  Patients with insurance must also pay at the time service is rendered.  The College of Dentistry will complete an insurance claim for submission to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.  Questions related to your fees and filing of an insurance claim may directed to the Cashiers or the Business Office.

General Information
Parking is available at meters on the street.  The Green Line Metro Stop - Shaw/Howard University - is in close proximity to the College of Dentistry via Georgia Avenue.  The College can also be reached from the 70, 71 and 90 bus routes.

Smoking is not permitted in any area of the College of Dentistry. 


Important Phone Numbers
Patient Information   (202) 806-0456

Appointments
New Patients (202) 806-0008
Dental Hygiene Patients (202) 806-0079

Emergency Dental Care (202) 806-0007

To Leave Message For Assigned Student (202) 806-0062

Patient Assignment (202) 806-0042/0061

Children’s Dental Care (14 and under) (202) 806-0307

Advanced General Practice Program (202) 806-0068

Orthodontics (202) 806-0011

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (202) 806-0330

Patient Advocate (202) 806-0023

Should any of the required numbers be unavailable for an extended period of time, please call 202-806-0023/0064 to request assistance.