For Patients
Patient Information
We are pleased to welcome you as a prospective patient to our dental hygiene clinic. This website aims to provide you with all of the information you'll need to become a patient. Please review this page on how to start, what it takes to be accepted, policies for adults and children, what to expect during the appointment, and payment and fees.
As we are a teaching institution, you will be working with students. Please give yourself extra time as our appointments will take longer than what you might expect in a private dental office.
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How to Become a Patient
All patients require an initial assessment at which time the clinician reviews the patient's medical and dental health history. An oral health examination is performed and will determine if the patient will need X-rays, and if they are eligible for care in our clinic. Only patients whose care is suitable for teaching purposes are eligible for treatment in the Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic. Some patients may initially qualify for treatment and later may no longer be considered appropriate as teaching cases. If this circumstance occurs, services will be discontinued and the patient will be referred to their dentist.
Patient Acceptability
The following are conditions of patient acceptability for treatment in the Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic:
Full mouth X-rays taken within the last five (5) years and bite-wings taken within the last two (2) years. They can be taken in our clinic or a copy may be requested from your dentist.
Free from any medical or dental condition which would make treatment hazardous to patient or operator
Oral conditions which are considered acceptable for student learning
Patient interest in learning preventive oral hygiene techniques
Patient cooperation in keeping scheduled clinic appointments
Clinic faculty reserves the right to refuse or discontinue treatment when indicated.
General Policies
Our goal is to provide quality dental care in an environment that is safe for our patients, visitors, staff, and students. If inappropriate behavior occurs, action will be taken in order to ensure the safety of all concerned. Authorities may be contacted. We reserve the right to refuse treatment.
We cannot provide services outside of the dental hygienists' scope of practice or give second opinions. The Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic scope of dental hygiene care may include: assessment, oral health care instruction and preventive education, nutritional counseling/caries assessment, digital radiographs, prophylaxis, quadrant scaling and root planing, soft tissue curettage, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia, periodontal maintenance therapy, sealants, fluoride, oral chemotherapeutic agents and subgingival irrigation and interim therapeutic restorations (ITR).
Children's Policy
In order to create a safe and secure environment, all children under the age of 18 years old must be supervised at all times by an adult; i.e. a parent/guardian or assigned child-care giver over the age of 18. This policy affirms that the Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic cannot assume responsibility for unattended children.
Service Animal Policy
Please view Cabrillo College’s Animal Information page to understand service animal policies at the Clinic.
Appointment Procedures
Services provided include a thorough medical and dental history, blood pressure screening, oral examination, dental cleaning, and oral disease control instructions. Medical or dental conditions may require a physician's clearance before treatment can begin. Current X-rays are required. They can be taken in our clinic or a copy may be requested from your regular dentist. The initial assessment appointment will determine the number of appointments required to complete your treatment.
You may need pre-medication or a MD clearance for various conditions including, but not limited to the following:
Under current treatment for a medical condition or surgery
High blood pressure
Heart murmur
Prosthetic joint replacement, pins, prosthetic heart valves, etc
Recent heart attack or stroke
Cancer and/or steroid therapy
History of Phen Fen use
History of Bisphosphonate medication used for osteoporosis
Pregnancy
Payment and Fees
Exact fees will be determined upon completion of the assessment.
Assessment Fee: no charge/ free
Dental Cleaning starts at $30
X-rays start at $10
No insurance accepted; cash or check only
Payment is due at the time of service (during check-in).
All fees are subject to change without notice.
To make the best use of time, please email your forms to cabrillodental@cabrillo.edu prior to your appointment.
Our clinic offers your Patient Bill Of Rights - please take a moment to review.