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How to become a patient

Important Note: To make an appointment in a UF Periodontics Dental Center you need a referral from a dentist indicating that you need periodontal care.

The UF Department of Periodontology provides care in two clinics.

In our faculty practice, dental care is provided by UF faculty periodontologists and fees are the same as private practice fees. Please call 352-273-7960 for more information.

In our residency program clinic, dentists who are pursuing a residency in periodontology provide care under faculty supervision. Fees in the residency clinic are generally 80% of standard practice fees. Please call 352-273-7846 for more information.

Frequently asked questions

What is periodontology?

Periodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the supporting structures of the teeth, such as the bone and gum tissues. This involves diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting structures of teeth (periodontium), regeneration of lost supporting structures and placement of dental implants.

What is a periodontist?

Periodontists are dentists that specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the diseases that affect the tissues supporting teeth. After completing a four-year education in dentistry, periodontists complete a three-year periodontal residency. The periodontics residency program concentrates, they concentrate their studies on disease prevention, periodontal treatment, periodontal regeneration procedures, as well as dental implants.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease involves loss of supporting structures of the teeth. In this disease, bone is lost around teeth, which compromises the support of the teeth. Periodontal disease can eventually cause tooth loss. Therefore, periodontal treatment aims to prevent tooth loss and disease progression.

What types of procedures do periodontists perform?

Periodontists perform non-surgical and surgical procedures. Deep cleaning (scaling and root cleaning) is non-surgical and is a common procedure for patients with periodontal disease. Under local anesthesia, a periodontist cleans and smooths the roots of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus.

Surgical treatment includes periodontal surgery to reduce pockets, esthetic gum surgery, bone grafts to replace lost tissue or to support dental implants, placement of dental implants, crown lengthening, and sinus lifts to allow for placement of implants. Sedation can be used to ensure patients� comfort.

Why is oral hygiene (tooth brushing and flossing) so important?

Good oral hygiene is extremely important to remove bacterial colonies that naturally attach to your teeth and gum tissues. There are natural bacteria found in the mouth, however, if they are not removed successfully, the "bad" bacteria will start to populate and cause destruction to your teeth, gums and bone that supports teeth. Tooth brushing removes the bacteria and flossing removes bacteria in spaces where the toothbrush has difficulty reaching.

Is dental work free at the UF College of Dentistry?

We do not provide free care for patients.

How do I get assigned to a student?

Follow these instructions on how to become a patient in our DMD clinics where students earning a dental degree provide care under faculty supervision.

Do you accept insurance?

While we don’t file for insurance reimbursement, patients are encourage to do so.

Reduced-fee dental care

UF College of Dentistry students and faculty participate in programs such as the We Care Physicians Network 352-334-7926. Such programs provide limited services for qualified individuals that may be reduced in fees.