Arizona dental school clinics: low-cost care from supervised students
Arizona has three dental school and training clinics where licensed faculty supervise students and residents. Learn how to access affordable dental care, what to expect, and whether a teaching clinic fits your needs.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jose, DDS — July 8, 2026
How Dental School Clinics Work
Dental school clinics are training environments where dental students and residents learn under the watchful eye of licensed faculty. The key principle is patient safety through supervision: every treatment plan is reviewed by a licensed dentist, every procedure is observed, and every step is approved before you leave.
Because students are learning, appointments take longer than at a private practice. You may spend 2 to 3 hours in the clinic for a procedure a private dentist might complete in 1 hour. This slower pace reflects the educational mission—students are building skills, asking questions, and making sure they get it right.
The trade-off is significantly reduced fees compared to private practices. You’re paying less because the clinic’s primary goal is teaching, not generating revenue.
Arizona’s Three Dental School and Teaching Clinics
A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (Mesa)
ASSOH offers general dentistry services including cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures, and other restorative work. Visit their website or call for information about accepting new patients and how to schedule an initial appointment.
Midwestern University Dental Institute (Glendale)
Midwestern’s Glendale clinic provides comprehensive dental care including preventive, restorative, and surgical services. Contact the clinic directly to learn about availability and the application process for new patients.
Northern Arizona University Dental Hygiene Clinic (Flagstaff)
NAU’s clinic focuses on preventive care and dental hygiene services—cleanings, fluoride treatments, education, and related preventive work. This clinic does not offer restorative or surgical dentistry. If you need a filling or extraction, you’ll need to see a general dentistry clinic. NAU is ideal if you’re looking for low-cost professional cleanings and preventive care.
Who Is a Good Fit for a Dental School Clinic?
Teaching clinics are excellent if you:
- Don’t have dental insurance and need affordable care
- Have a flexible schedule and can spend longer in the appointment chair
- Have non-urgent needs (routine cleanings, fillings, preventive care)
- Are comfortable being part of a learning environment
- Live near Mesa, Glendale, or Flagstaff
Teaching clinics may not be the best fit if you:
- Need an appointment with a quick turnaround
- Prefer shorter visits
- Have a complex or urgent dental problem (though clinics can triage and refer you to an emergency provider if needed)
- Live far from the clinic location
How to Become a Patient
- Contact the clinic via phone or their website to ask about new-patient availability.
- Ask about fees and any financial assistance programs; request an itemized estimate for your specific treatment.
- Complete any required forms and provide your medical and dental history.
- Schedule your first appointment, which is often an exam and initial consultation.
- Prepare for a longer visit and bring a photo ID and insurance card (if you have one).
Each clinic has its own intake process, so start by calling or visiting their website directly.
How MediMouth Helps
If you’re uninsured or on a tight budget, dental school clinics are one valuable option in Arizona’s affordable-care landscape. MediMouth helps you compare your options—from school clinics to community health centers to reduced-fee private practices—and find the right care for your situation. Browse our guides on free and low-cost dental clinics in Arizona and affordable dental care without insurance to see all your choices.
Whatever path you choose, the goal is simple: get the dental care you need, understand your options, and feel confident in your decision.
Frequently asked questions
Who supervises the students in a dental school clinic?
Licensed dentists and faculty members oversee all student work. Students do not work alone. A supervising dentist reviews the treatment plan, observes procedures, and approves the work before you leave.
How long does a visit usually take?
Visits often take longer than at a private practice—sometimes 2 to 3 hours or more. Students work carefully and methodically, and your dentist must review each step. If you have a flexible schedule, this is manageable; if you need quick appointments, a teaching clinic may not be the best fit.
What types of care do these clinics offer?
A.T. Still and Midwestern offer general dentistry (cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures, and more). NAU's clinic focuses on preventive care and dental hygiene services. Call or visit each clinic's website to confirm what services they currently accept new patients for.