Many people use the terms dental office and dental clinic interchangeably. The confusion is understandable, but they are not exactly the same thing. Dental offices have to contain a dental clinic, but there are also dental clinics that exist in places other than dental offices.
Key Distinctions
A dental clinic is a place where a dentist performs oral health treatments and dental procedures. All the necessary dental tools and equipment are typically housed in a single room. A dental clinic is a component of a dental office, and it is one of the most important parts because otherwise no examinations or treatments can take place.
Because a dental office is also a business establishment, it is the facility where the dentist and staff handle financial matters and clerical tasks. There are special areas within the office where the administrative staff handles the following day-to-day operations:
- Insurance claims
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Patient records
Not all dental clinics are housed in dental offices. Larger health-related establishments, such as hospitals or government offices, sometimes host dental clinics to provide services on an emergency basis or to low-income individuals. Dental schools sometimes have clinics where students provide treatment to patients under the supervision of their instructors as part of their studies.
Expectations
While both dental offices and dental clinics can provide treatments, the experience each one offers may vary in significant ways.
Services
A dental clinic ordinarily provides basic dental services, such as checkups, fillings and root canals. Patients seeking cosmetic treatments may need to go to a dental office. A dental clinic may be more likely to provide emergency after-hours care, while dental offices may be more inclined to keep traditional hours.
Cost
Since dental offices are business establishments that invest in state-of-the-art technology, the cost for services may be higher than at a dental clinic. Pricing at a dental clinic may be more affordable. For example, a government health office may provide reduced-cost services at a dental clinic to people who can demonstrate financial hardship. Dental schools may charge lower costs to allow students to practice performing examinations and treatments on actual patients.
Waiting
Dental clinics typically do not have reception areas. These may not be necessary because the clinic tries to see patients as quickly as possible. Dental offices, on the other hand, try to keep patients comfortable while waiting to see the dentist. There are typically reception areas with chairs and entertainment in the form of televisions or reading materials. The reception area may also provide toys to amuse children, particularly those who are very young and prone to boredom and fussiness.
Administration
The person who owns the dental office, or at least is responsible for running it, is usually a dental professional. A dentist working in a dental clinic, however, is more likely an employee rather than the individual running it. That responsibility generally falls to the administrative body that runs the facility in which the clinic is located. That may be a government agency or the board of a hospital or dental school.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Conclusion
A dental clinic and a dental office may offer the same basic services. However, the latter may provide more advanced services in a more comfortable environment.
Request an appointment or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at 518-675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.
Recent Posts
Any dental restoration can be challenging to budget for. Discussing the particulars with your dentist can help you get a clear idea of the final amount. Understanding the specific elements of your dental procedure is important in setting your budget. Here is a comprehensive guide for determining the cost of your dental restoration.This dental restoration…
Choosing an extraction over a dental restoration can be easy for some people, especially if the pain is intense. For others, sacrificing a natural tooth would be devastating. Consulting a dentist about the final decision is important. Here are the details on whether the better option is dental restoration or extraction.The dentist can assess the…
Many people start their search for a local dentist by typing "find a dentist near me" into the search box of their internet browser. However, finding a local dentist who provides high-quality care, feels comfortable, and meets your or your family's dental needs starts with knowing what to look for. Understanding the key features of…