Ann Arbor, MI — November 10, 2009 — The University of Michigan School of Dentistry has created a Checkup Clinic for U-M students who have been unable to see their dentist during the past year to receive routine oral health care. 

Launched in late October, the Clinic is open on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon.  It’s located on the third floor of the School of Dentistry building at 1011 N. University Avenue.  The Clinic, however, is closed on University-approved holidays and seasonal days.

Students go online to the Checkup Clinic Web site (http://healthyteeth.umich.edu) to request an appointment.  When the appointment is confirmed, they are asked to download PDF forms, complete a health questionnaire and registration form, and bring the items with them to their appointment.

Students are advised their single-visit oral health exam and visit will last approximately three hours and that dental insurance is accepted.  However, for students who do not have dental insurance, an $80 fee is assessed to cover the costs of the exam, teeth cleaning, and up to four X-rays of their back teeth.  Dental hygiene students take the radiographs and complete the cleaning (oral prophylaxis).  The examination is completed by Dr. Nejay Ananaba, clinic director, or by another supervising faculty member.

“Given how busy U-M students are and the importance of oral health care, there is a need for this type of service on the campus,” said Dr. Stephen Stefanac, associate dean for patient services.  “The Checkup Clinic is a student’s dentist on campus, but it’s only for non-emergency care,” he added.  If a student is in pain, has other treatment needs, or has more complex oral health concerns that must be addressed, they need to call the School’s general patient telephone number (734) 763-6933 to make an appointment.

Contact: Sharon Grayden, Communications Director (734) 615-2600, dentistry.communications@umich.edu, or Jerry Mastey, Editor, School of Dentistry (734) 615-1971, jmastey@umich.edu.