Practice Types
UofL offers several types of dental practices to meet a wide range of needs.
Most of our patients choose based on potential cost savings and insurance — but there are other factors to consider such as the length of appointments and the time it takes to complete care.
Here's an overview of key things to consider with each of our types of practices. However, keep in mind the complexity of your medical and dental needs, as well as your budget and insurance, may determine whether a certain type of practice will work for you.
Keep in mind that your overall health may have an impact on how quickly you can start and complete dental treatment regardless of which type of practice you go to.
| Student Clinics | Community Practices | General Practice Residency | Specialty Practices | Faculty Practice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who's providing care? | Care is provided by UofL School of Dentistry students working under the supervision of our experienced faculty members | Care is provided by UofL School of Dentistry faculty members or students working under their supervision | Care is provided by licensed dentists who are completing advanced training in general dentistry at UofL | Care is provided by licensed dentists who are completing specialized training in our advanced education programs | Care is provided by licensed dentists who teach at the UofL School of Dentistry and also treat patients directly |
| What do services typically cost?* | Up to 50% less than at a private practice See examples | Up to 50% less than at a private practice | Up to 30% less than at a private practice | Up to 30% less than at a private practice | About the same as at a private practice |
| What insurance is accepted? | Kentucky Medicaid, commercial insurance and Medicare (medical only) | Kentucky Medicaid, commercial insurance and Medicare (medical only) | Kentucky Medicaid, commercial insurance and Medicare (medical only) | Varies by practice and service | Commercial insurance (with some exceptions) |
| How long are the appointments? | Up to 3 hours | Generally 1-2 hours (varies based on services provided) | Generally 1-2 hours (varies based on services provided) | Generally 1-2 hours (varies based on services provided) | Generally 1 hour (varies based on services provided) |
| Where are they located? | Downtown Louisville | Various locations in Kentucky | Downtown Louisville | Downtown Louisville and other Louisville locations | Downtown Louisville and other Louisville locations |
| Where can I find out more? | More about Student Clinics | More about Community Practices | More about General Practice Residency | More about Specialty Practices | More about Faculty Practice |
Price comparison: Student Clinic costs for common services
| Student Clinics | Area Private Practice | |
|---|---|---|
| One Surface Filling** (D2391) | $98 | $240 |
| Root Canal** (D3320) | $345 | $1,130 |
| Crown** (D2752) | $530 | $1,396 |
| Complete Upper and Lower Dentures** (D5110 and D5120) | $1,275 | $4,600 |
| Removable Partial Denture** (D5214) | $757 | $2,370 |
*Each patient's total cost of care will vary, and your provider will advise you on the best procedures for your need.
**Area private practice market data is gathered from the 2024 National Dental Advisory Service at the 50th Percentile for zip code 40202. Student Clinic data based on the following:
- One Surface Filling: Price listed is for 1-Surface White Filling on a Back Tooth (Procedure Code D2391) only, and does not include any other treatments that may be necessary. Filling prices vary based on tooth, complexity and material.
- Root Canal: Price listed is for a Bicuspid Root Canal (Procedure Code D3320) only, and does not include any other necessary treatments that may be necessary. Root Canal prices vary depending on the tooth and complexity. Depending on the complexity of treatment, you may need to be seen by our specialty Endodontic Clinic, which has different fees.
- Crown: Price listed is for a Crown – Porcelain Fused to Noble Metal (Procedure Code D2752) only, and does not include any other treatments that may be necessary. Crown prices vary depending on tooth and material used.
- Complete Upper and Lower Dentures: Price listed is for Complete Dentures on the Upper Arch (Procedure Code D5110) and Lower Arch (Procedure Code D5120) only, and does not include any other treatments that may be necessary. Denture prices vary based on arch, complexity and material used.
- Removable Partial Denture: Price listed is for a Removable Partial Denture on the Lower Arch (Procedure Code D5214) only, and does not include any other treatments that may be necessary. Denture prices vary based on arch, complexity and material used.