Free Dental Implants by Students
When faced with the sky-high cost of dental implants, many Americans are driven to search for “free dental implants by students.” It’s a hopeful phrase—but is it grounded in reality?
🔑 Key Takeaways at a Glance
| ❓ Question | ✅ Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Are dental implants by students ever really free? | Rarely. Most programs offer reduced-cost, not zero-cost. |
| How much can I actually save? | Up to 60% compared to private practice. |
| Is care safe if done by students? | Yes. All procedures are closely supervised by licensed faculty. |
| Where should I start? | Accredited dental schools with implant training programs. |
| What are the trade-offs? | Longer appointments, multiple visits, strict eligibility. |
| Can I get implants in the front teeth? | Often no. Most student programs limit implants to molars/premolars. |
| Do I need to qualify? | Yes. Most schools require a healthy mouth, stable bite, and screening exam. |
🦷 Is “Free” Dental Implant Care by Students Really Free? Here’s the Unvarnished Truth
Despite what you may read online, dental schools don’t give away implants. The truth is more nuanced: they provide significantly reduced-cost care, not free procedures. Why? Because even in an academic setting, material costs, lab fees, and facility overhead must be covered.
Here’s what you’ll actually pay:
- Student Clinics: $1,800–$2,500 per implant
- Resident Clinics: $2,500–$3,500 (for more complex cases)
- Private Practices: $4,000–$6,000 per tooth
💬 Quote from University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine:
“Our fees are up to 50% less than private practices—but treatment is not free.”
| 💸 Type of Clinic | 🧾 Typical Implant Cost (Per Tooth) | ⚖️ What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Student Clinic | ~$2,000 | Supervised care, slower pace, limited availability |
| Resident Clinic | ~$3,000 | More advanced cases, faster timeline |
| Private Dentist | $4,000–$6,000 | Fast, flexible—but costly |
🏫 Is Student-Performed Dental Work Safe and Reliable? (Yes—Here’s Why)
The biggest fear people have about student clinics is obvious: “Are they safe?”
The answer? Absolutely.
All dental work performed in these settings is:
- Reviewed and approved by licensed faculty
- Conducted in CODA-accredited institutions
- Governed by strict clinical protocols for safety and ethics
🛡️ Faculty oversight is constant. Think of it like flying with a student pilot—with the captain in the seat next to them the entire time.
| 🧠 Concern | ✅ Reality |
|---|---|
| Students are inexperienced | Yes—but closely supervised |
| Treatment is slower | True—but more thorough |
| Safety standards are lower | False. They meet or exceed state guidelines |
| You’re a “guinea pig” | Not true—you’re a teaching partner under full clinical review |
📍 Which Schools Offer the Best Implant Programs—and What Makes Them Stand Out?
Not all dental schools offer implant procedures in their student clinics. Those that do typically limit procedures to less complex cases (e.g., molars only), and reserve cosmetic or complex work (like front teeth) for resident or faculty clinics.
Top Student Programs with Implant Care:
| 🏫 School | 📍 Location | 💲 Cost Reduction | 🩺 Eligibility Highlights | ☎️ Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCSF | San Francisco, CA | “Affordable” | No front teeth; molars/premolars only | 415-476-6634 |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | ~$2,200 (student) | General eligibility | 734-763-6933 |
| UT Health San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | ~60% less | Must pass screening exam | 210-450-3700 |
| Columbia University | New York, NY | Reduced cost | Requires referral or screening | 212-305-6100 |
| UCLA | Los Angeles, CA | “Lower than private practice” | General care; longer process | 310-825-6325 |
🌍 Tip: If your state doesn’t have a dental school, consider nearby states or ask about virtual intake screenings.
📝 What’s the Application Process—and Why Is It So Involved?
Don’t expect to walk in and get an implant the same week. Getting into a student clinic involves a multi-step triage and assessment process.
Here’s what most schools require:
| 📄 Step | 🛠️ What You’ll Need | ⏱️ Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Screening appointment | Medical & dental history, current X-rays | Determines if you’re a teaching fit |
| Comprehensive exam | Full oral health work-up | Ensures safe procedure & clear case |
| Documentation | ID, insurance info, proof of income | Verifies eligibility & case complexity |
| Treatment plan | Faculty-approved roadmap | Assigns student or refers to resident |
🕐 Time Investment: Expect 3–5 appointments over several months before the actual procedure begins.
Pro Tip: Some schools require screening fees (e.g., $50–$314). These are usually non-refundable but may be credited toward future treatment.
📍 What Are the Hidden Limits Patients Should Know About?
While the cost savings are real, there are strict limitations to what student programs can offer. Many applicants are turned away because their cases are too advanced, aesthetic, or medically complex.
🚫 Common Disqualifiers:
- Missing front teeth (aesthetic complexity)
- Active gum disease
- Existing implants from another office
- Need for sedation or anesthesia
- Compromised bite or jaw alignment
| ❗ Disqualifier | 🙅 Why You’re Not Eligible |
|---|---|
| Front tooth implant | Too visible; riskier for learners |
| Multiple implant sites | May exceed student skill level |
| Denture-supported implants | Often not included in student training |
| Heavy smoking / uncontrolled diabetes | Higher risk of failure or infection |
🎯 What Are My Other Options If I Don’t Qualify?
Didn’t pass the screening? All is not lost.
Many dental schools have resident clinics, where licensed graduates perform care under faculty guidance. These programs handle more complex cases at a higher—but still reduced—cost.
🧩 Alternatives to Student Clinics:
| 🧭 Option | 🩺 Who It’s For | 💰 Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Resident clinics | Complex or aesthetic cases | $2,500–$3,500 per implant |
| Clinical trials | Healthy individuals; specific conditions | Free to minimal cost |
| Non-profits (e.g., Smiles for Everyone) | Low-income/uninsured | Free if selected |
| Government programs (Medicaid, VA) | Varies by state/veteran status | Varies widely |
💡 Tip: Use ClinicalTrials.gov to find research-based care in your region. You may even be paid to participate.
📌 Key Considerations Before You Begin Your Search
| 📌 Consideration | 💡 What to Do |
|---|---|
| Time Commitment | Clear your schedule—appointments take longer in student clinics |
| Eligibility Gaps | Prepare for the possibility of being referred to resident/faculty programs |
| Documentation | Gather ID, medical history, income verification, and dental records early |
| Persistence Pays | Call clinics regularly—cancellations can open slots |
| Apply Broadly | Don’t wait on just one school—submit to multiple programs and nonprofits |
FAQs 🦷
❓ “Why do dental schools limit implants to molars or premolars? I need one in my front tooth.”
Aesthetic and functional complexity. Front teeth (anterior implants) require a high degree of precision not just in placement, but also in soft tissue management and prosthetic alignment. Any small misstep can result in glaring cosmetic flaws, especially in smile zones.
Student clinics prioritize low-risk cases to build foundational skills. Since anterior implants demand extensive training in gingival contouring, facial symmetry, and implant angulation, they’re usually reserved for resident or faculty clinics—or denied altogether in academic settings.
| 🦷 Implant Type | ⚙️ Why It’s Limited | 🎯 Where to Seek It |
|---|---|---|
| Front (Incisors/Canines) | Demands high esthetic accuracy, soft tissue sculpting | Resident clinics or private prosthodontists |
| Premolars/Molars | Lower esthetic risk, more forgiving zones | Student clinics (preferred training cases) |
💡Clinical Insight: Even in resident clinics, anterior cases may involve multidisciplinary planning (prosthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery)—which adds complexity and cost.
❓ “What should I expect during the screening appointment at a dental school?”
Expect a thorough and structured evaluation. The screening is designed to determine if your dental needs align with students’ curriculum goals and if you’re a safe, stable candidate for educational care.
You’ll likely undergo:
- Comprehensive health history intake
- Full-mouth X-rays and digital imaging
- Occlusal (bite) assessment
- Periodontal screening to check for gum disease
- Diagnostic impressions or 3D scans
- Faculty-led review of risk factors
If your case is too advanced or doesn’t match the training level, you may be referred to resident clinics for complex care or placed on a waitlist.
| 📝 Screening Element | 🔍 Purpose | 🚫 Red Flag Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Medical history | Ensures you’re a low-risk surgical candidate | Uncontrolled diabetes, immune conditions |
| Gum evaluation | Confirms tissue health for implant healing | Active periodontitis |
| Bite check | Assesses implant feasibility and alignment | Severe malocclusion or TMJ dysfunction |
| Imaging | Visualizes bone quality and nerve proximity | Insufficient bone or anatomical risk |
💡Tip: Bring any existing X-rays, surgical notes, or implant specs from prior care. This streamlines the evaluation and may help you qualify faster.
❓ “I was declined by one dental school—should I bother trying another?”
Yes, absolutely. Each dental school evaluates differently. Student caseload needs, case complexity thresholds, faculty discretion, and even appointment volume vary widely between institutions.
For instance:
- UCSF avoids anterior implants entirely.
- UT Health San Antonio accepts more molar cases with minimal comorbidities.
- Columbia allows direct dentist referrals, opening different entry paths.
| 🔄 Why Second Attempts Can Succeed | 🧠 Strategic Advantage |
|---|---|
| Clinic case priorities vary seasonally | Your case might now align with student goals |
| Geographic demand differs | A nearby school may have shorter waitlists |
| Different faculty interpretations | Some instructors are more open to moderate-risk cases |
| Broader referral networks | Schools with faculty specialists may offer tiered care options |
💡Insider Advice: Ask if the school has multiple tracks—e.g., student vs. resident care. You might not qualify for one, but be a perfect fit for the other.
❓ “How long does the full dental implant process take in a student clinic?”
Expect 6 to 12 months or more, depending on healing time, case type, and school scheduling.
Here’s a typical timeline:
| 📅 Phase | ⏱️ Estimated Duration | 🧪 Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Screening | 1–2 weeks (or longer for waitlists) | Faculty approval, X-rays, assessment |
| Surgical Phase | ~1 day, then 4–6 months of healing | Titanium post integrates into bone |
| Abutment Placement | 1 appointment (after healing) | Connects implant to crown |
| Crown Fabrication & Placement | 2–3 appointments | Lab-made prosthetic tooth seated & adjusted |
Total Time: 6–12 months, assuming no complications or bone grafting. Add 2–3 extra months if you need grafting or sinus lifts.
💡Planning Tip: Ask schools about semester breaks and limited summer hours—they can pause case progress unless the program operates year-round.
❓ “I qualify financially, but my medical history is complicated. Will that disqualify me?”
Possibly—but not always. Schools assess individual risk based on health stability, not just diagnosis labels.
Conditions that may trigger extra screening:
- Cardiovascular disease (especially with anticoagulant therapy)
- Autoimmune conditions
- Osteoporosis (especially if on bisphosphonates)
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Recent cancer treatment
- Smoking (current or heavy history)
| 🩺 Condition | ✅ May Proceed | 🚫 Often Disqualified |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled diabetes (A1C <7%) | Yes, with medical clearance | Uncontrolled glucose levels |
| Osteoporosis (no jaw involvement) | Yes, with monitoring | Bisphosphonate jaw necrosis risk |
| Heart disease (well-managed) | Likely | Recent cardiac events, unmanaged hypertension |
| Autoimmune (remission) | Case-by-case | Severe immune suppression, active flares |
💡Pro Move: Bring a clearance letter from your physician or specialist. It builds confidence and can improve your eligibility odds.
❓ “Can I get dental implants if I’m on Medicaid or uninsured?”
Dental schools generally accept uninsured patients and do not require private dental insurance. In fact, lack of coverage is often one of the reasons people seek student clinics.
If you have Medicaid, coverage varies by state:
- Some states (e.g., NY, CA, NC) may cover medically necessary implants through Medicaid.
- Others offer very limited adult dental services or exclude implants entirely.
| 💳 Insurance Status | 💬 How It Affects Access |
|---|---|
| Medicaid (implant-covered state) | May reduce cost or cover diagnostics |
| Medicaid (non-coverage state) | Full out-of-pocket, despite enrollment |
| Uninsured | Eligible for student clinics at discounted rates |
| Medicare | Does not cover implants unless through special Advantage plans |
💡Eligibility Tip: Some schools like University of Colorado accept Health First Colorado (Medicaid), while others operate on a fee-for-service basis only.
❓ “Can I choose to pay extra and go through a resident or faculty clinic instead?”
Yes, and for many patients—it’s the smartest option.
If:
- You need multiple implants
- You’re concerned about aesthetics
- Your case involves complex medical or structural factors
…then resident or faculty clinics offer a balance of affordability and experience.
| 🧠 Clinic Type | 👨🎓 Who Performs the Work | 💰 Typical Cost | 🕐 Appointment Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Clinic | Final-year dental students | $1,800–$2,200 | Slower (more follow-ups) |
| Resident Clinic | Postdoctoral residents (licensed) | $2,500–$3,500 | Moderate pace |
| Faculty Clinic | Experienced specialists | $3,500–$4,500 | Faster, near-private practice level |
💡Expert Advice: Always ask whether cases can be escalated to resident or faculty clinics if not accepted in the student track.
❓ “How do I know if my jawbone is strong enough for an implant at a student clinic?”
Bone density and volume are non-negotiable prerequisites for any dental implant—especially in a teaching environment, where instructors aim to reduce procedural risks for student clinicians. During your initial screening, schools will perform panoramic X-rays and sometimes 3D CBCT scans (cone beam computed tomography) to assess the thickness, height, and quality of your alveolar ridge.
If bone loss is detected, you might:
- Be referred to a resident clinic for bone grafting or sinus lift
- Be disqualified from student care temporarily
- Undergo staged treatment (graft first, implant after healing)
| 🦴 Bone Assessment Factor | 🔍 What It Measures | 📉 Impact on Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Ridge Width | Minimum of ~6mm usually required | Narrow ridges may need augmentation |
| Bone Height | ~10mm or more ideal in molar areas | Low vertical height = limited anchorage |
| Bone Density | Quality for osseointegration | Soft bone can cause failure |
| Location (Maxilla vs. Mandible) | Maxilla has softer bone | May require longer healing or wider implants |
💡Clinical Fact: Some schools use “guided implant surgery systems” to improve precision in borderline bone cases, but availability varies.
❓ “Why does the implant process cost more if I go through a resident clinic or postgraduate program?”
Costs increase in resident clinics due to case complexity, procedural layers, and material quality. While still substantially more affordable than private clinics, these programs involve more specialized treatment planning, use premium-grade implants, and often integrate multi-specialty collaboration (oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists).
Here’s where your money goes:
| 🧾 Cost Factor | ⚙️ Why It’s Higher in Resident Clinics |
|---|---|
| Advanced planning | Includes digital scans, surgical stents, study models |
| Time efficiency | Fewer appointments; advanced provider skills |
| Complex case acceptance | Bone grafts, anterior implants, full arch restorations |
| Faculty involvement | High-level supervision from board-certified specialists |
| Technology | May involve CAD/CAM crowns or CT-guided surgery |
💡Tip: Ask about bundled pricing—some resident clinics offer packages for implant, abutment, and crown that are still lower than piecemeal private fees.
❓ “Can I bring my own X-rays or dental CT scan from another clinic to avoid extra charges?”
Yes—and it’s encouraged. However, schools will require that your diagnostic materials meet clinical and technical standards.
Criteria they typically look for:
- Digital format (.DICOM or .JPEG)
- Taken within the last 6–12 months
- Clear imaging of nerve canals and sinus floor
- Proper angulation for implant planning
Some schools may still insist on retaking images if your files:
- Are incomplete (missing periapical views or bitewings)
- Lack diagnostic clarity (due to poor exposure or resolution)
- Were not taken under standardized protocol
| 📂 X-Ray Type | 📅 Acceptable Timeframe | ⚠️ Reasons for Rejection |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic (OPG) | Within 6 months | Distortion, outdated |
| Periapical | 6–12 months | Incomplete root view |
| CBCT (3D scan) | Within 1 year | Unclear nerve mapping |
| Bitewings | 1 year | Not useful for implants but helpful for overall health screening |
💡Document Tip: Bring images on a USB drive or email link. Also carry a signed release form from your previous provider for legal compliance.
❓ “If I qualify for student care, can I request a specific implant brand or material?”
Not usually. Dental schools maintain contracts with approved vendors for standardization, training compatibility, and cost control.
These implant systems are:
- Clinically validated and FDA-approved
- Designed for educational versatility and consistency
- Chosen to balance quality and affordability
Commonly used systems in U.S. dental schools:
- Nobel Biocare
- Straumann
- BioHorizons
- Zimmer Biomet
- Implant Direct
| 🏷️ Customization Option | ✅ Permissible? | 📌 Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of implant brand | ❌ Rarely allowed | Pre-selected by school contracts |
| Zirconia vs. titanium implants | ⚠️ Rarely offered | Limited to aesthetic resident clinics |
| Abutment/crown design | ✅ Some flexibility | Material may vary by clinic |
| Same-day crown (“immediate load”) | ❌ Uncommon in student care | Typically requires staged protocol |
💡Pro Insight: Faculty clinics may offer more material choices, but will cost more and may have longer waitlists.
❓ “What happens if an implant placed by a student fails?”
Failures are rare but can occur due to:
- Poor osseointegration (bone doesn’t fuse)
- Infection or peri-implantitis
- Patient non-compliance (e.g., smoking, poor hygiene)
- Bite-related stress or placement error
Dental schools have safeguards and accountability:
- Cases are tracked continuously
- Follow-up appointments are mandatory
- Faculty reassess the site and determine retreatment at no added cost in most cases
| 🚨 If Failure Occurs | 🛠️ Remediation Offered |
|---|---|
| Early-stage failure (before crown) | Removal + possible re-placement |
| Infection at site | Antibiotics, surgical cleaning |
| Crown complication | Remake or adjust at no cost |
| Functional issues (biting/pain) | Occlusal adjustment, splinting, or replacement |
💡Guarantee Note: Most schools offer limited warranties (6 months–1 year) on prosthetics but not lifetime coverage like private practices.
❓ “What makes student programs safer than going abroad for cheap implants?”
Regulated quality and transparency. U.S. dental school clinics are held to state licensure standards, institutional ethics, and federal compliance rules.
Key differences vs. overseas dental tourism:
- Full transparency in treatment plans and costs
- Ongoing aftercare and complications management
- Faculty supervision at every step
- Use of FDA-approved materials
- No language or regulatory barriers
| 🌍 Consideration | 🇺🇸 U.S. Student Clinics | ✈️ Overseas (Tourism) |
|---|---|---|
| Material standards | FDA-certified | Varies by country |
| Follow-up care | Local & ongoing | Rare or inaccessible |
| Supervision | Licensed faculty present | Unknown oversight |
| Cost savings | 50–60% | May appear cheaper, but adds travel/lodging risks |
| Legal recourse | Yes | Limited in foreign jurisdictions |
💡Health Tip: Infections, failed implants, or misaligned prosthetics often cost more to correct in the U.S. than if done right the first time—even in a student setting.
❓ “Can dental students do full-mouth implant restorations or All-on-4 cases?”
No—those complex rehabilitations fall outside the scope of predoctoral student capabilities. Full-arch restorations, such as All-on-4, All-on-6, or implant-retained overdentures, demand expertise in prosthetic planning, occlusal dynamics, bone grafting, and surgical placement—all of which require years of postdoctoral training.
If you’re seeking this level of care, you’ll be evaluated for eligibility in a prosthodontic or oral surgery residency program, or referred to a faculty-staffed specialty clinic within the same institution.
| 🏗️ Treatment Type | 👨🎓 Student Eligible? | 🧠 Why It’s Restricted |
|---|---|---|
| Single-tooth molar implant | ✅ Yes | Lower esthetic risk; controlled anatomy |
| All-on-4 fixed bridge | ❌ No | Complex angulation, immediate loading risks |
| Full upper/lower overdenture | ❌ No | Requires multi-disciplinary planning |
| Hybrid implant dentures | ❌ No | Often needs lab coordination + surgical precision |
💡Prosthodontic Tip: Postgraduate prosthodontics clinics are your best option for these advanced treatments at reduced cost. They typically offer board-certified oversight with patient outcomes equivalent to private implant centers.
❓ “What happens if I move out of state during implant treatment at a student clinic?”
Continuity of care can become a serious challenge. Implant therapy isn’t a single-step procedure—it unfolds over several stages (planning, surgery, healing, restoration), often spanning 8–14 months.
If you relocate:
- You may need to restart evaluation and screening at a new dental school.
- Transferring mid-treatment is difficult due to variation in systems, implant brands, and student case logs.
- Warranty coverage doesn’t transfer between schools.
| 📦 Treatment Stage at Time of Move | 🚚 Transfer Possibility | 📌 Complications to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-surgical (screening only) | ✅ Easy to reapply elsewhere | Normal intake process |
| Post-placement, pre-restoration | ⚠️ Challenging | Hard to match implant system at new school |
| Crown phase in progress | ❌ Rarely accepted | Incompatibility with lab, files, parts |
| Completed treatment | ✅ Follow-ups optional | Can seek general maintenance locally |
💡Continuity Tip: If relocation is likely, ask if your implant system is globally supported (e.g., Straumann, Nobel Biocare), so it’s easier to get help from other providers later.
❓ “Do student clinics accommodate patients with disabilities or mobility issues?”
Yes, but accessibility varies. Most U.S. dental schools meet ADA standards, but the level of clinical and logistical support for patients with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities can differ depending on institutional infrastructure and staff training.
You should inquire about:
- Elevator or ramp access
- Transfer assistance for wheelchairs
- Specialized operatories with wider chairs and adjustable lighting
- Longer appointment times for those with neurodivergent needs
- Sedation options (though limited in student clinics)
| ♿ Disability Accommodation | 🏥 Typically Available? | ⚠️ Notes to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair-accessible operatories | ✅ Yes | Call ahead to reserve |
| Cognitive disability sensitivity | ⚠️ Varies | Best served in “special care dentistry” clinics |
| In-clinic caregivers allowed | ✅ Yes | May need to sign consent forms |
| On-site sedation | ❌ Rare | Usually only in graduate surgical programs |
💡Accessibility Tip: Some schools, like the University of Washington and Tufts, operate dedicated special needs programs with modified protocols and more flexible visit structures.
❓ “Are the crowns or final teeth made by students too? What’s the quality like?”
Yes—but not in isolation. While students may take impressions or digital scans, the final prosthetic is fabricated by on-site licensed dental lab technicians, often using CAD/CAM technology under faculty direction.
Crowns made in these settings are:
- Constructed from high-grade materials (zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or lithium disilicate)
- Fabricated with industry-standard milling machines
- Reviewed for marginal fit, color match, and occlusion by supervising doctors before placement
| 👑 Crown Feature | 🔍 Student Clinic Standard | 🎯 Comparable to Private Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Material strength | ✅ Yes – High-quality ceramics | Yes |
| Esthetic shade matching | ⚠️ Moderate | May need tweaking for front teeth |
| Fit and seal | ✅ Excellent with oversight | On par with mid-range private labs |
| Turnaround time | ❌ Longer | 2–3 weeks minimum due to review stages |
💡Lab Tip: Some schools offer upgrade options for premium esthetics (multi-layer zirconia, custom staining) for a small fee. This is useful for patients concerned about front-tooth visibility.
❓ “Is it true that some dental schools offer free implant days or community outreach programs?”
Rare, but it happens. A few institutions host annual outreach initiatives funded by corporate partners, alumni, or dental manufacturers. These are heavily publicized, highly selective, and usually:
- Serve veterans, low-income families, or the homeless
- Target single-tooth implants or extractions
- Require proof of need, documentation, and early application
| 🎁 Program Type | 🗓️ Frequency | 🎯 Eligibility Emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| Give Kids a Smile (ADA) | Annually | Pediatric care, not implants |
| Veteran Smile Day (local chapters) | 1x/year | Service-related hardship |
| Mission of Mercy | State-dependent | One-time services (exams, extractions) |
| Smiles for Heroes (select schools) | Annual/bi-annual | Veterans only, often implants included |
💡Opportunity Tip: Follow your nearest dental school’s Facebook page or local dental association newsletter to stay informed—spots fill quickly.
❓ “If I already have a failed implant from another dentist, can a dental school fix it?”
Maybe—but it’s complicated. Most student clinics do not restore or revise implants placed externally, especially if the brand is unknown, improperly positioned, or shows severe bone loss.
If the implant:
- Lacks a documented brand or system
- Was placed outside the U.S.
- Shows signs of perimplantitis or bone recession
…you’ll likely be referred to a specialist or advanced prosthodontic program.
| 🔄 Scenario | ❗ Student Clinic Policy | 🔧 Alternative Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Crown fell off an old implant | ⚠️ Sometimes accepted | Bring original treatment records |
| Peri-implant infection | ❌ Not accepted | Refer to periodontics dept. or oral surgeon |
| Bone loss around post | ❌ Requires surgical correction | Resident-level care or private referral |
| Unknown implant system | ❌ Not restorable | May need full replacement |
💡Documentation Tip: If you still have the implant passport or placement report from your original provider, bring it—it can be a game-changer in determining restorability.
