Clinic Policies
The IU Northwest Dental Education Clinic is an educational institution that provides dental services at a reduced cost to the public. All treatment is provided by students supervised by licensed faculty members.
Appointments
We want to be able to treat as many people in the community as possible. Our appointments are available during the fall, spring, and early summer sessions (June 30th). Please contact our Clinical Care Coordinator to make an appointment at (219) 980-6772.
Appointment Times
Appointment times are longer than private practice and may require multiple visits. Our clinic appointments are four hours in length. Depending on the oral condition, the patient may need to return for additional visits to complete treatment. Payment is required at the initial appointment after the patient has been examined. A healthy patient may expect to be treated in 1-2 appointments. Patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease may require multiple visits.
Not all patients will be able to be seen at the IU Northwest Dental Education Clinic. Patients with rigid time constraints, complex medical conditions and extremely difficult dental care needs may not be accepted as patients, but will be referred to local dental offices for treatment.
For the safety and protection of our patients, students and faculty, the clinic will only permit PATIENTS SCHEDULED FOR TREATMENT into the clinic area. Minor children and other family members must be supervised by an adult in our waiting room.
Our program is accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). CODA requires the students to obtain a minimum amount of clinical treatment hours with a variety of patients. Each patient experience for a student is evaluated and graded by a faculty member.
Cancellation Policy
We require a 48 hour notice of cancellation for an appointment in our clinic. A patient who cancels or is not present for up to three scheduled appointments may be dismissed from the clinic.
We look forward to meeting your oral health care needs. Our students, faculty, and staff are dedicated to providing the best possible treatment to all of our patients.
Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)
We follow recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA) regarding dental radiographs. The IUN Dental Clinic requires all new patients to have a full mouth set of dental radiographs or a panoramic radiograph on file with our clinic. Patients are welcome to have a current survey of x-rays sent to our clinic from another dental office.
Minors
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult unless written permission has been given for the child to be transported and/or treated by the dental education student (written permission will remain in effect for one year).
Due to safety concerns, only the patient will be permitted in the clinic area unless the patient requires assistance (such as for a medical condition or the need of an interpreter).
