The Coastal Carolina Community College Dental Clinic is first and foremost a teaching facility.  The primary goals of our Dental Clinic are twofold.  First, we must provide the best possible education for our students. And second, we strive to provide the highest quality care possible for patients.

Our students and faculty provide dental hygiene care only.  We do not diagnose or treat dental diseases.  Any additional care you may require must be secured through a private dental office.  We strongly urge you to maintain a regular schedule for checkups with your dentist.

Due to added paperwork and the process of checking our students’ treatment, your appointments will take longer than those in a private dental office.  It may also be necessary for you to return for additional appointments in order to complete your treatment.  Before scheduling an appointment, please make sure you have the time to commit to following through with all appointments.  Students only receive credit for completed patients; therefore, if a patient fails to return for follow-up treatment, it can affect the student’s success in the program.

Students schedule patients based on their quota for the semester.  If you do not have dental needs that match the requirements set for students in a particular semester, you may not be called for an appointment for several months.  When you are accepted as a patient in our clinic, we cannot promise that you will be treated on a regular basis.  It is wise to supplement visits to our dental clinic with visits to your regular dental professional.

If you have children, make sure you can find alternate care for them on the day(s) of your appointment.  College policy prohibits children from being in the Clinic, or in the reception area unattended.

For more information on the Dental Clinic, refer to the FAQs for Dental Clinic Patients section, or call the Dental Department at 910.938.6270.

FAQs for Dental Clinic Patients

If I want to become a patient, how do I contact the Dental Clinic to set up an appointment?
Your first step will be set up a dental screening appointment so your dental health needs can be evaluated. To set up a screening appointment, call the Dental Department at 910.938.6270.
What dental services do you offer to patients at Coastal Carolina Community College?
Items included within the scope of comprehensive dental hygiene care that may be provided here at the Dental Clinic include the following:

  • Complete oral prophylaxis including prevention home care instructions.
  • Application of preventive agents to oral surfaces.
  • Exposure and processing of radiographs.
  • Administration of medicaments prescribed by a licensed dentist.
  • Written records of oral conditions for interpretation by a dentist.
  • Sealant application.
  • Application of desensitizing solutions.
  • Performance of periodontal screening and probing.
  • Subgingival removal of hard and soft deposits.
  • Sulcular irrigation.
  • Application of resorbable sulcular antimicrobial or antibiotic agents.
Can I be guaranteed of getting an appointment when I want one?
That may not always be possible. Our goal at Coastal Carolina Community College is to offer the best possible education for our students while providing the highest quality care for our patients. Students schedule their own patients based on semester quotas. Patients are classified according to difficulty level. As the student proceeds through the program, they need harder and harder patients. If you are a classification that students do not need for quota, you may have to wait several months for an appointment. If you need an appointment on a specific day or time, we suggest you visit your regular dentist.
Can my visits in the dental hygiene clinic replace the need for seeing my dentist?
No, absolutely not. Students and faculty are here to provide dental hygiene care ONLY. We do NOT diagnose or treat dental diseases. Any additional care you may require must be secured through a private dental practice. We urge you to maintain a regular schedule for check-ups with your dentist.
How long will it take me to have my teeth cleaned in the dental clinic?
The time varies by patient classification and the experience level of the student. Due to added paperwork and the process of checking our students’ treatment, your appointment will take longer than in a private dental office. Also, it may be necessary for you to return for additional appointments in order to complete your treatment.
Cleaning appointments take a minimum of two hours. Usually more time is needed to complete treatment. If you do not have time to allow the student to complete your cleaning, please do not begin treatment. Students receive credit ONLY for those patients whose treatment they complete. If time is a problem, we suggest you seek treatment at a private dental office.
Can my children have their teeth cleaned in the clinic?
Our students do treat children on a limited basis. However, sometimes the waiting list is quite long for children.
Can I bring my child with me to wait in the reception area while I have my teeth cleaned?
No, that is against Coastal Carolina Community College policy. Children may not be left unattended in any area on campus. You need to make sure you have alternate care for your child on the day(s) of your appointment.
I need other dental care like fillings and extractions. Can I have that done in the dental clinic?
No, we only provide dental hygiene services in the dental clinic.
Can you recommend a good dentist for me to see?
We do not recommend specific dentists. Jacksonville has many well-qualified dentists. You can find them listed in the telephone book. We suggest you talk to friends and neighbors for recommendations.
How much does it cost to be seen in the dental clinic?
The cost for a dental cleaning is $5 regardless of the number of visits you need. There is no charge for dental x-rays. Sealants are charged at $5 per tooth.
I have dental insurance. Will you file it for me?
No, we do not file insurance.
Do you take Medicaid?
No, we do not accept any third party payments.
I have never been seen in the clinic before. How do I get an appointment?
Call the dental department secretary at 910-938-6270 to make an appointment for screening.
Where do I park when I arrive for my scheduled appointment in the dental clinic?
Turn into the campus off of Western Boulevard at the circular drive in front of the Administration Building – you will see the main campus sign and flags flying. On your right you will see a small parking lot. An entire row of spaces, closest to the Health Occupation/Science Building, has been reserved for visitors to our campus. You may park in any of those spots.
What happens at the screening appointment and how long will it take?
Your screening will take about ½ hour. A student will review your medical and dental history, monitor and record your vital signs, and determine the complexity of your dental hygiene needs. You teeth will NOT be cleaned at this time.
Do all patients have to be screened?
All new patients and patients who have not been seen in our clinic within three years must have a screening appointment prior to being scheduled.
After my screening, how do I get an appointment to have my teeth cleaned?
Following your screening, your name will be placed on a patient list. The students rely on this list when choosing patients to meet semester requirements. If you are selected as a patient, it will take one to five appointments depending upon your classification. If a student contacts you to make an appointment, be sure to write down the students name and telephone number in case you need to contact the student.
I had x-rays taken in the dental clinic. Is there any way to get a copy for my dentist?
All x-rays that are diagnostically acceptable will be sent to the dentist you noted on your radiography consent form. Please allow two weeks from the day the x-rays are taken to have them sent to your dentist.
Will you be able to tell me if I have a cavity after my teeth are cleaned and I have x-rays?
It is not legal for dental hygienists to diagnose disease. If we see areas that are suspicious, we will refer you to your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
My schedule often changes. Is it a problem if I cancel an appointment?
It is extremely important for you to be present and on time for each appointment. Our students must complete a certain number of patients each semester. Your failure to keep a scheduled appointment could result in the student not graduating. All cancellations and failures will be noted on your patient record. Any patient who fails to keep two appointments without giving adequate notice will not be scheduled for further treatment in our clinic. You are expected to give at least 24 hours notice if you must cancel or reschedule an appointment.
What do you do at Coastal to prevent disease transmission?
The Coastal Carolina Community College Dental Clinic meets or exceeds all standards of sterilization and infection control procedures. All instruments and supplies used in patients’ mouths are either heat sterilized or are disposable. Each student must successfully complete a 32 hour course in Infection and Hazard Control before treating patients in the dental clinic.
If I know a dental hygiene student, can I make an appointment specifically with him/her?
Patients of record in the dental clinic are divided among the students. If your name is on a different student’s list, the students can meet to discuss transferring you to the one you would like to see. This can usually be accomplished, but is not guaranteed.
My teeth are sensitive. What causes that and what can I do?
There are several things that can cause sensitivity. If you are experiencing this problem, be sure to mention it to the student who cleans your teeth. After your examination, the student may be able to explain why your teeth are sensitive and provide you with methods for reducing sensitivity.
My dentist has given me local anesthesia because my teeth are so sensitive. Can you do that?
It is not legal in North Carolina for a dental hygienist to give local anesthesia. However, a licensed dentist is scheduled in most dental clinical sessions. The dentist will provide anesthesia services, when needed.
I have been told I have periodontal disease. Can I still get my teeth cleaned at Coastal?
Yes, you can. In fact, our students need patients who require deep scaling so that they gain proficiency before graduation. As the student progresses in the curriculum, they need to treat more and more difficult dental problems. Patients with periodontal disease are most often treated by students in their second year.
My teeth are discolored. Do you provide any whitening procedures?
No, we do not do whitening procedures, or sell any whitening products.

Statement of Patient’s Rights

As a patient in the Coastal Carolina Community College Dental Clinic you have the right, consistent with law, to:

  1. Be treated with adequate, appropriate, compassionate care at all times and under all circumstances.
  2. Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
  3. Request accommodation for a disability by completing the “Request for Accommodation” form in advance, so as to provide the college sufficient and adequate time to meet your needs. You may obtain this form from the Admissions office. We can not guarantee the availability of a reasonable accommodation unless advance notice is given.
  4. Be informed of all aspects of treatment, including costs.
  5. Know the names, positions, and functions of any dental instructors, staff, and students in the Dental Department Clinic who are involved in your care.
  6. Receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.
  7. Obtain a thorough evaluation of your dental needs.
  8. Be treated as a partner in case and decision making related to treatment planning.
  9. Receive current information and be assured of quality treatment.
  10. Be taught how to maintain good oral health for a lifetime.
  11. Be able to refuse treatment to the extent provided by law and to be informed of the medical/dental consequences of that refusal.
  12. Receive complete information about your further treatment needs and any referral that is advised.
  13. Have confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care.
  14. Review your record and obtain a copy of your record if you request it.
  15. Receive dental treatment that meets the standard of care in the profession.
  16. Complain without fear of reprisals about the care and service you are receiving and have the clinic supervisor respond to you, and if requested, respond in writing.
  17. Receive assurance of continuity and completion of treatment within the scope of comprehensive dental hygiene care.

Statement of Patient’s Responsibilities

As a patient in the Coastal Carolina Dental Clinic, you have responsibilities as well as rights. You have the responsibility to:

  1. Share honestly and completely your medical and dental history, previous illnesses, hospitalizations, exposure to communicable diseases, information about medications you are taking, allergies, and your current medical care.
  2. Follow your treatment plan and ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
  3. Keep scheduled appointments and give at least 24 hours advance notice, if unable to do so.
  4. Be prompt for your appointments. It is important that you receive complete care and that students have adequate time to provide the services.
  5. Be an active participant in the dental care of yourself and your family. Ask questions so that you can better understand the nature of your dental condition and the treatment provided.
  6. Contact your personal dentist for regular dental care and for dental hygiene care if you are not selected as a patient or have not been contacted by the time your regular check up is due. The Dental Department clinic cannot guarantee regular, periodic cleaning appointments for anyone.
  7. If you have children, make sure you have alternate care for them on the day(s) of your appointment. College policy prohibits children from being in the clinic, or in the reception area unattended.

Screening & Appointments

Prior to being treated by a student in the Dental Hygiene Clinic, all new patients and patients who have not been seen in the clinic within three years must be screened. There is no charge for the screening appointment which takes approximately one-half hour to complete. At the screening appointment, a student will review your medical/dental history, monitor and record your vital signs and determine the complexity of your dental hygiene needs. Your teeth will not be cleaned at this appointment.

After the screening appointment, your name will be placed on a list of prospective patients. The students rely on this list when choosing patients to meet the semester’s requirements.

When students first begin the clinical component of the dental hygiene curriculum, they treat patients who do not have complicated dental hygiene conditions. As they progress through the program, their clinical skills increase and they need to treat more difficult patients. By the second year, students are treating patients with periodontal disease and other complex problems. When a student needs a patient with your classification you will be called and scheduled for treatment. Depending upon the semester and your individual needs, you may be called within a few days of the screening or you may have to wait several months. If you need to have your teeth cleaned more quickly than our students can accommodate you, we suggest that you schedule an appointment with your private dental office.

It will take anywhere from two hours to several appointments to complete your dental cleaning depending upon the complexity of your required treatment and the speed of the student clinician. If you do not have time to allow the student to complete your cleaning, please do not begin treatment. Students must meet strict quotas each semester and they do not receive credit for incomplete treatment. Your failure to return to complete treatment could put the student in jeopardy of not completing quota. This will greatly affect the student’s ability to succeed in the program.

Being accepted as a patient in our clinic does not mean that you will be seen on a regular basis. Again, students schedule patients based upon their clinical quotas. If you have conditions that do not meet the needs of the students, you will not be called. We do our best to provide ongoing care for our patients; however, this is first and foremost a teaching institution and the educational needs of the students must take priority.

When you are contacted to schedule an appointment, be sure to write down the student’s name and telephone number in case you need to contact the student regarding the appointment.

For more information on the dental clinic, refer to the FAQs in the Patient Services section or contact the Dental Department at 910.938.6270.