Eastman Institute for Oral Health / Patients / Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions How do I become a patient at Eastman Dental? What do I need to bring to my first appointment? What can I expect at my first appointment? Who will provide my dental care? I have a dental emergency; what should I do? What if I am afraid of dental treatment; can you put me to sleep? What are your hours? Are you open in the evenings? Are there any research studies I can participate in? Do you provide dental services for the elderly? What will my treatment cost? How do I pay for treatment? Questions about Braces/Orthodontics Q. What will my treatment cost? Many patients select resident care because the cost is discounted. We do not publish fee schedules. It is very hard to quote a fee over the phone because all patients have unique needs. Fees will be discussed at your treatment planning appointment. Q. How do I pay for treatment? We accept most insurance plans including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Excellus, private dental insurances, and self pay at the time of the visit. If you have questions regarding insurance and fees, please contact our billing office by calling (585) 275-5051 and press option 5. Q. I have a dental emergency; what should I do? We have a walk-in urgent care clinic at our Eastman Dental site. We register patients between 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (these emergencies are for pain, swelling, bleeding, or dental trauma – all other oral health care must be scheduled). Q. How do I become a patient at Eastman Dental? All new patients must schedule a patient exam. To make an appointment, please view our clinic locations and telephone numbers. Q. What do I need to bring to my first appointment? You will need a photo ID, insurance card, list of medications you are currently taking, and the phone number of your medical doctor. You will be asked to complete a patient registration form and medical and dental history forms. Q. What can I expect at my first appointment? Your first appointment is an exam only, consisting of a evaluation of your teeth, gums and mouth. Based on this evaluation, x-rays may need to be taken. No dental treatment is provided during this exam. Your second appointment will be for treatment planning. Your dentist will review the findings of your exam and x-rays and discuss how your dental needs can be met. Your dentist will review the risks and benefits of the treatment, and you will be asked to sign a consent agreeing to the planned treatment. Your dental treatment will start at your next scheduled visit. Note: If you are experiencing dental pain at the time of your exam appointment you will be seen as an emergency patient so that your immediate dental need can be met. You will then be scheduled for another appointment for a complete exam. Q. Who will provide my dental care? Dental care services are performed by residents under the supervision of highly experienced dental specialists who are part of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health/URMC faculty. Residents are already dentists who come to Eastman for advanced specialty training. Individuals who prefer to receive care from faculty are encouraged to seek treatment in one of our University Dental Faculty Group locations. The University Dental Faculty Group is a multi-specialty dental practice that offers quality oral health care by faculty members who are also teachers and researchers. Q. What if I am afraid of dental treatment; can you put me to sleep? When necessary, nitrous oxide sedation can be used for almost any procedure. While it does not put you to sleep, it does provide you with a relaxing, positive dental experience. Our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department is equipped to use intravenous general anesthesia for tooth extractions, implant surgery and other oral surgical procedures. Q. Are you open in the evenings? Our Eastman dental site on Elmwood Avenue offers evening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Q. What are your hours? Our hours vary according to location. Q. Are there any research studies I can participate in? A list of our current studies in which we are recruiting patients is available. Q. Do you provide dental services for the elderly? Geriatric dental services are offered at Eastman Dental Specialty Care Clinic, and the Jewish Home. Braces Q. How much do braces cost for children with no insurance? The fee for orthodontic treatment varies per patient, due to his or her individual needs. Fees are much lower comparatively. Q. How much do braces cost for adults? The fee for adult orthodontics varies per patient, due to his or her individual needs. Fees are much lower comparatively. Q. Is there a program that offers reduced costs on braces for those that are uninsured and in a lower income bracket? Unfortunately, no. The rates are already greatly reduced. Medicaid provides coverage for braces if the case qualifies as a “handicapping malocclusion.” Q. My child needs braces. Can I make an appointment to see what is needed and what the cost would be? We offer free orthodontic screening appointments. Call (585) 275-5018.
