Patients receive dental services through the University of Pennsylvania's Programs for Medically Complex Patients. This program provides a full range of dental services, as well as treatment of oral medicine–associated conditions including:
- Oral examinations
- Radiographic evaluations (X-rays)
- Oral hygiene therapy and instruction
- Restorative therapy (dental fillings)
- Prosthodontic therapy (crowns, bridges, dentures)
- Periodontal therapy
- Endodontic therapy (root canals)
- Oral surgery, including exodontia and biopsies
- Treatment for pediatric patients
The clinic sees patients with appointments 5 days per week, and provides emergency coverage 7 days per week.
At the initial appointment a new patient is asked to fill out a preprinted medical questionnaire. This provides the treating dentist with information that will help determine the best course of treatment. An oral examination is performed and the general type of dental care needed is determined. Usually the patient will have a series of X-rays, which are necessary for the establishment of a treatment plan. A treatment plan is formed based on the patient's medical status and oral findings, which are discussed with the patient.
No general or conscious sedation is available at the clinic, but such services can be provided for patients at other locations within the dental school. Dental school faculty members, other than usually present in the clinic, from various specialties are involved in patients' care when indicated. This includes specialists from the Departments of Oral Surgery, Periodontics, and Endodontics.
All treatment decisions are based on the patient's medical condition. In order to properly assess the medical status of a patient, pertinent medical information is accessed from the patient's primary care physician.