Teaching Practice

Teaching Practice

In our Teaching Practices, dental students and residents provide care under the guidance of Harvard faculty. This option offers high-quality treatment at a reduced cost. Appointments may take longer and often require multiple visits.

This practice is located at 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston MA.

Appointments: Monday–Friday,  8:00 AM– 5:00 PM

Call (617) 432-1434 to reschedule or cancel an appointment.

What to expect on your first visit Directions and parking Request an appointment
wayfinder sign to the Longwood clinic

What is a Teaching Practice?

A Teaching Practice is a clinic where dental students and residents provide care under the close supervision of Harvard faculty. You'll receive high-quality treatment at a lower cost, while helping train the next generation of dentists.

Care provider comparison

Provider Training level Cost Visit time
Student
In dental school (DMD years 3 and 4)
$
Longer
Resident
Licensed dentist in advanced training
$$
Medium
Faculty
Licensed and practicing dentist
$$$
Shorter

What to expect

  • Affordable care
  • Longer visits and more appointments
  • Care supervised by expert faculty
  • Students are not available every day, so scheduling may take longer

Your first visit starts with a screening

Every new patient begins with a required oral diagnosis (OD) screening. This 15-minute visit includes a brief exam and medical history review. No treatment or cleaning is done at this first visit. The screening helps us determine if the Teaching Practice is the right fit for your care.

Learn more about your first visit.
Dental student performing a oral diagnostic screening

What happens next

If the Teaching Practice is a good fit for you:

  • You’ll be scheduled for a full intake visit.
  • You’ll be assigned to a student or resident provider based on your needs.
  • If your case is complex, you may be referred to a specialist or faculty provider.

Care comparison chart

Student dentist Resident dentist Faculty dentist
Experience
In training
Licensed dentist in advanced specialty training
Licensed dentist
Cost
$
$$
$$$
Appointment time
Longer visits
Moderate time
Shorter visits
Supervision
Yes
Yes
No

Manage your care

Quick access to billing, insurance, and patient portal tools for your visit to the Teaching practice.

Payment options Insurances accepted Patient portal Questions? Call us at (617) 432-1434

Before you arrive

  • Submit your X-rays ahead of time by email, if available
  • Bring a photo ID and your insurance card
  • Arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork
  • Be prepared to pay any out-of-pocket costs at your visit

Payment and insurance

Payment is due at the time of your appointment.

We accept:

  • Cash
  • All major credit cards
  • Personal checks
  • Apple Pay

We are in-network with select dental insurance plans, including:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Commonwealth Care Alliance/Scion, Cambridge Health Alliance, Delta Dental Premier, MassHealth, MetLife, Ryan White,** and UnitedHealthcare.

If your plan is out-of-network, you’ll need to pay in full at your visit and can request reimbursement from your insurance company.

Understanding your coverage

Your patient services representative will:

  • Review your insurance and eligibility
  • Estimate your out-of-pocket costs
  • Outline the costs of your treatment plan

If your insurance is not listed, we can still treat you. However, you will be responsible for payment at the time of your visit. We can provide a claim form to help you request reimbursement.

What patients ask us