Becoming a Patient

All new adult patients must participate in a screening evaluation prior to becoming a patient at the Dental Care Center. To register for an initial screening appointment please call (631) 632-8989 between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

For children under age 17, please call Pediatric Dentistry Program at (631) 632-8967.

For an Orthodontic Program screening appointment, please call (631) 632-8906.

During the screening appointment, your basic oral health status and treatment needs will be assessed by a faculty member. Necessary radiographs (x-rays), will be taken on the same day. The Dental Care Center will accept patients whose treatment needs are compatible with the teaching program. The patient is assigned to a specific student or resident clinical program based on the complexity of care required. If a patient's treatment needs are too complex the patient is referred to the Suffolk County Dental Society or to Faculty Practice for a "dentist referral." Please allow 2-3 hours for this visit. You may be waiting up to 3 months after the screening visit to be assigned to your dental resident/ student to begin your treatment.

On the day of screening, patients are given a Guide to Patient Services Brochure from the Dental Care Center. This packet includes material that briefly explains patient care services which is provided, the initial process of becoming a patient, the payment policy, patient's responsibilities, contact information for patient concerns, and the Patient's Bill of Rights.

In accepting patients, the School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or medical or physical challenges.