Getting Started with Dental Care

The initial screening appointment includes a brief exam and all X-rays needed. The non-refundable cost for this appointment is $99. During this appointment, a dental faculty member or a student under the supervision of a faculty member will evaluate your needs and their complexity and suitability for student or resident care. If the screening indicates your case does not fit the requirements for student or resident care, you will receive a referral to our Dental Faculty Practice or to a community practitioner. To schedule an initial screening appointment, call 843-876-SMIL(E) or 843-876-7645.

Patients who are accepted in the student program after the initial screening appointment will be scheduled for:

• A teeth and gums cleaning appointment. The cost is $46.
• An additional treatment planning appointment. The cost is $46.

To learn more about care for patients 18 years old and above with special health care needs who have physical, medical, developmental, or cognitive conditions that limit their ability to receive routine dental care, please visit our Special Health Care Needs page.

To schedule a screening, call 843-876-SMIL(E) or 843-876-7645 and share your individual needs.

For orthodontic treatment (teeth straightening), the screening process is as follows.

• At your first visit, you or your child will receive a no-charge screening initial consultation, which typically lasts 30 minutes. Your orthodontist will answer your questions and discuss possible treatment plans that may involve traditional braces or Invisalign.
• The second appointment will consist of taking records. This may involve photographic documentation, digital scans or impressions of your mouth, X-rays, etc. Please note that you should expect a record fee that is not part of the overall treatment fee. This fee may be periodically updated, so please ask the front desk to determine your record fee prior to the appointment.
• A final treatment consultation will follow the records appointment. Your orthodontist will help you understand treatment options and provide the information that will assist you in making the right decision for you or your child. You will also be presented with the final treatment fee, which is based on the treatment option you chose, its complexity and length of time.

To schedule an orthodontic screening, please call 843-792-3366.

This section pertains to people under 18 years of age, including children with special health care needs.

The initial visit includes an exam, cleaning and x-rays as needed. At this visit we can discuss any special treatment options needed, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation or treatment under general anesthesia.

To schedule an appointment for your child, please call 843-876-SMIL(E) or 843-876-7645.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child’s first visit at 12 months of age. For more information about our services, please visit Dentistry & Orthodontics at MUSC Children's Health.