Frequently Asked Questions
PCC Dental Clinic
Q: What should I expect during my New Patient
Screening?
A: This is a one hour FREE appointment where a
student, instructor and a dentist will do a quick
evaluation to determine how much build up is on your
teeth, if there is any noticeable decay, and if any gum
treatment is needed as well. If extensive or emergency
treatment is needed, or if medical conditions are such
that a physician consultation is necessary, you would
have to have these areas addressed before we could
continue treatment in our clinic.
Q: Will I have my screening and teeth cleaned in the
same appointment?
A: No. Following the New Patient screening
appointment, you will be assigned to a student who is
at the appropriate skill level to begin your dental
cleaning. The student will schedule the cleaning
appointments with you on their schedule. Expect to
schedule anywhere from 2-4 appointments to complete
cleanings. During your screening, The Dentist Dental
Hygiene Instructor will typically prescribe x-rays to be
taken. Occasionally, these can be done at the time of
the screening if there is available space. If this is a
possibility, be prepared for up to a $25 charge.
Otherwise, you will be scheduled for a separate x-ray
appointment either before or during your cleaning
appointment.
Q: What if I just want fillings done and no cleaning?
A: All patients are required to go through a new patient
screening process to evaluate their specific needs. This
needs to be done before any work can be completed on
the patient. It is very important for patients to receive
preventative dental cleanings and as such, all patients
are assigned to a student for a dental cleaning.
Anything different from this protocol, would have to be
discussed by the patient with the dentist.
Q: Why do the cleanings take so long?
A: We are a Dental Hygiene School, our students are
learning while cleaning your teeth. They work in
quadrants (four sections of your mouth) to provide a
thorough and deep cleaning. It is necessary for the
Dentist or Instructor to provide instruction while they
are working and also check all of their work at the end.
You can be assured that you will receive an excellent
dental cleaning at a fraction of the cost of an office.
Q: I have dental/medical insurance; will you contact
them for payment?
A: We do not work with insurances for payment. All fees
are due at the time of treatment. We will give you a
receipt/invoice that you are more than welcome to
send in to your insurance to see if they will reimburse
you.
Q: What methods of payment do you accept?
A: Cash, Check, and Card (Visa and MasterCard).
Q: What if I had X-rays taken at a previous dentist, can
I send those to you?
A: We only accept x-rays dating back one year, which is
what our dentist considers as current. Our dentist will
not accept anything older than a year. If older than a
year, the dentist would request new x-rays be taken. To
request your x-rays that are less than one year old, you
will need to contact the Dentist’s office/clinic where
you had the x-rays taken. The office will probably have
you fill out a “Consent to Release Records” form and a
fee may be associated with the office sending us your
records. Please contact your past office to inquire
about this. Please have your X-rays sent to:
Q: Why do I need x-rays?
A: So that we can assess the health of your teeth and
bone structure that supports your teeth. Many
conditions occur that cannot be seen visually during an
exam and can only be seen on x-rays. Professionally,
we cannot treat a patient without current X-rays.
Q: Do you do electronic or film x-rays?
A: We currently take digital x-rays. The images that we
take can be transferred to any office/clinic you go to in
the future. You will be asked to sign our “Consent to
Release Records” form and pay $5.00 to transfer your
records. Please allow 48 hours to process your request.
Q: What type of discounts can I apply for?
A: Our prices are already reduced from current private
clinic prices. We do provide discounts to seniors (62+)
and children (12 and under). Additionally, veterans and
ESOL students enrolled in PCC courses receive free care.
Veterans and ESOL students enrolled in PCC courses can
apply for free dental care through the PCC Veteran’s
services and ESOL Department.
Q: What are the prices for care?
A:
Cleanings: Adult $20 - 25 Child $15 Senior $10
Dental X-rays = $5 - 25
Senior Citizens pay $10 for x-rays (Age 62+)
Sealants: Free
Fillings: $10 per visit
Comprehensive Oral Exam: Free
Q: Can you help me with an emergency problem?
A: Unfortunately, We are not a full service clinic. We are
only able to provide treatment for services that we are
teaching to our students (cleanings and simple fillings).
We run on class schedules and clinic hours, which
unfortunately limits the hours available to have our
clinic staffed. If you have an emergency or walk-in
need, please contact OHSU dental school, or any urgent
care available in your area.
OHSU Dental School 503-494-8867
611 SW Campus Dr., Portland 97239
*Be sure to indicate if need is emergency/urgent
Dental Access Program (uninsured & urgent dental
need/M-F 8-5 $25 down payment) 503-988-6942
Q: How do I find you?
A: We are located in the new Vanport Bldg (third floor)
in Downtown Portland. Address: 1810 SW 5th Ave.
Portland, OR 97201
GET HERE VIA TRANSIT
Using public transit is the easiest way to arrive at the
Portland Community College Dental Clinic. We are easily
accessible by bus, light rail, and streetcar lines that can
get you here from any part of the city.
Visit the TriMet trip planner to plan your trip ahead of
time. Simply enter our address (1810 SW 5th Avenue,
Portland, OR) as your destination. Visit
trimet.org/#/planner for more information.
Q: Where do I park?
A: The Portland Community College Dental Clinic is
located on the main campus of Portland State
University, which offers several visitor parking options
on campus. Hourly pay-by-plate parking is available to
the public.
Payment is required all hours, all days, except for
official university holidays. Self-service pay stations do
not provide change.
Q: I’m here. What now?
A: Once you arrive at the Vanport Building on the corner
of SW 5th Avenue and Montgomery you will be greeted
3o minutes prior to your appointment and accompanied
to the 3rd floor. We will make sure you have all
necessary paperwork. If you need any assistance give
our front desk a call at 971-722-4909.
