Harvard University
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
188 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA  02115
617-432-1405

The Harvard University School of Dental Medicine supports Preventive Dentistry

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

WHY IS PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY IMPORTANT AND WHEN SHOULD
YOU START?

Preventive Dentistry means a healthy smile that requires fewer visits to the Dentist:

1. Eating becomes more enjoyable because healthy mouths chew more easily
   and gain more nutrients from the foods they eat.
2. You can also speak more quickly and clearly.
3. People with healthier mouths have a better chance of general health, because disease in the mouth can endanger the rest of the body.
4. A healthy mouth is more attractive, and you can have confidence that you are putting forth your best appearance.
5. Preventive Dentistry is the first step to becoming cavity-free.

Preventive dentistry begins Regular Tooth brushing.
The earlier your dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental disease and reducing your time in the Dentist’s Chair
Visit your dentist for a complete examination to lay the foundations for having the best in dental health. 

The Harvard Dental Center is a "school within a school". Here, patients can obtain dental care from the Teaching Practice, where treatment is delivered by pre-doctoral dental students and dental residents or from the Faculty Group Practice, where Harvard faculty members provide care.     In the event of severe weather...		Founded in 1867, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), was the first University-based dental school in the United States. HSDM trains both pre-doctoral dental students and post-doctoral dental residents. The school is a national leader in dental education with graduates assuming leadership positions in the dental profession. In 1996 the School of Dental Medicine expanded and remodeled the facility used by student dentists. Today, the Teaching Practice at the Harvard Dental Center is a state-of-the-art facility with well-equipped operatories and modern sterilization equipment. Student dentists, supervised by Harvard faculty, provide affordable and comprehensive care to patients in the fields of General Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics (including Implant Dentistry), Endodontics, Orthodontics and Dental Hygiene. For many patients, the lower fees make it worth spending the extra time to receive quality care. Also, in the Dental Center is the Faculty Group Practice. A multi-specialty group dental practice, the Faculty Group Practice combines general dentists, specialists in all areas of dental medicine and dental hygienists to provide a one-stop approach to treating patients. Thirty-six faculty members provide comprehensive dental care to 2,000 patients each month.

Pre-Doctoral Teaching Practice

Operating Hours Monday thru Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Services The Teaching Practice provides comprehensive care to patients. It combines all aspects of dentistry - oral diagnosis, dental hygiene, radiology, restorative dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and orthodontics - at a single location. Whatever your dental needs, the entire range of dental care services are available at the Teaching Practice. Length of Treatment The number and length of visits is greater in the Teaching Practice than in a private dental practice. The dental students often work at a slower pace. To assure the highest quality of care, a Harvard faculty member will check the work at each step. For many patients the lower fees make it worth spending the extra time to receive quality care. Payment Payment for your dental treatment is expected at the time care is provided. The Teaching Practice accepts Master Card, VISA, and American Express. Payment plans can be arranged if necessary. The Teaching Practice at HARVARD DENTAL CENTER accepts various dental insurance plans and MassHealth. Your Patient Account Representative will review your insurance plan or MassHealth eligibility and outline the estimated costs of your comprehensive treatment plan.

Cost Cost There is a $136.00 charge for the initial examination and necessary diagnostic x-rays in the Oral Diagnosis Clinic. If you need additional treatment, each of the Teaching Practices has a different fee structure. The Pre-Doctoral Practice has the lowest fees. Although The Post-Doctoral fees are higher than the Pre-Doctoral fees, they are still lower than those charged by dentists in private practice.

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early for your first visit to the Faculty Group Practice in order to complete a registration form and medical history. If you have recent dental x-rays you may wish to bring them with you. If you are being referred to the Faculty Group Practice from another dentist please bring your referral form or letter.

Located in the heart of Boston's Longwood Medical Area, the Harvard Dental Center is easily accessible by car and public transportation, including MBTA buses and subway.

We are here to serve you:

Whatever your dental needs, an entire range of dental care is available at the Harvard Dental Center. All new patients receive an oral examination to detect existing or potential problems. Based on the findings in the examination the following services will be provided:

	General Dentistry
	Dental Hygiene (cleanings)
	Pediatric Dentistry
	Periodontics (treatment of gums)
	Endodontics (root canal therapy)
	Prosthodontics (crowns, bridges)
	Orthodontics (braces)
	Implant Dentistry
	Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
	Temporomandibular Disorders and Facial Pain
	Cosmetic Dentistry

Emergency Service is available after hours, weekends and holidays by calling our triage pager at:617/540.5044. A General Practice Resident (GPR) is on call at this number.

The FACULTY GROUP PRACTICE

The Faculty Group Practice at the HARVARD DENTAL CENTER is a multi-specialty group dental practice and an integral part of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Located in the heart of Boston's Longwood Medical Area, it offers consumers quality dental care delivered by faculty of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Harvard faculty members teach and conduct state-of-the art research in addition to providing the highest quality dental care. Billing-Payment The Faculty Group Practice is a fee-for-service dental practice with fees that are comparable to other dental practices in Boston's Metropolitan Area. Payment for your dental treatment is expected at the time of your visit. The Faculty Group Practice accepts MasterCard, VISA and American Express. Experienced Patient Services Liaisons can help you to understand your comprehensive treatment plan and to coordinate your dental insurance benefits. The Faculty Group Practice accepts most dental benefit programs offered by Delta Dental Plan of Massachusetts and by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Our Patient Services Liaisons will also submit claims to other dental insurance carriers. Services The Faculty Group Practice provides comprehensive care to patients. It combines all aspects of dentistry - oral diagnosis, dental hygiene, radiology, restorative dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry and orthodontics - at a single location. Whatever your dental needs, the entire range of dental care services are available at the Faculty Group Practice. Operating Hours Monday and Wednesday 8:30 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Dental Self-Care Information   At the Harvard Dental Center we think that it is important for consumers to actively participate in their dental health. We have collected information from a variety of sources that can educate you about your dental condition and provide you with clear information about your treatment options. Patient Information Associations and Societies Antibiotic Prophylaxis Policy Indications for SBE prophylaxis Procedures requiring SBE prophylaxis Endocarditis Prophylaxis Regimens Endocarditis - MD request for information   American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons American Association of Endodontists American Association of Orthodontists American College of Prosthodontists American Dental Assistants Association American Dental Association Massachusetts Dental Society The Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health The American Dental Hygienists Association The American Academy of Periodontology