BY MARINA DUNDJERSKI
UCLA Today Staff
Thinking about getting that perfect smile,
but not sure you can afford it? The UCLA Orthodontic Clinic
could be the answer.
For more than two decades, the School of Dentistry
clinic has been treating patients of all ages — 35% are
over 21 currently — for an average 40% less than what
private orthodontic practices charge, although costs can vary,
depending on treatment and the provider.
The most common services provided at the UCLA
ortho clinic are braces — both the traditional and clear
types — and Invisalign (clear, removable aligners that
straighten teeth without wires or brackets). The clinic stays
abreast of the most up-to-date technologies available.
Karyn M. Marks, a transplant coordinator in
the Dumont-UCLA Transplant Center, has been bringing her son
Matthew, 14, to the clinic for three years.
“It’s been a really pleasant experience,”
the UCLA employee said. “The care that Matthew’s
received here has been impeccable. It’s also a lot less
expensive. He had a lot of reconstructive work; had that work
been done through a private physician, it would have cost a
fortune.”
Patients are seen by dental students and residents
under faculty supervision. The residents come from the top 3%
of their dental school classes, said Leroy Vego, a dentist who
directs the orthodontics postgraduate program.
Each year, about 6,700 apply to residency programs
in orthodontics in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico.
In all, only 290 are accepted, Vego said, “and we usually
get the top pick. It’s an exclusive club. People have
no idea how many want to get in and how few we can take because
the amount of training they get is so intense.”
Because of the level of supervision, visits
to the clinic may take longer than those in private practice.
However, for many, it’s worth the lower price, the convenience
of being on campus and the close interaction between doctor
and patient.
“What’s great about our program
is that we’re the doctors who treat the patient,”
said Janet Schrodi, Matthew’s doctor and a resident in
pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. “Sometimes in a
really fast-paced private practice, the orthodontist is overseeing
treatment and is not necessarily the person doing the work.”
With the resident there, Matthew’s mother
can ask questions directly. Matthew was born without two permanent
teeth, so his treatment includes closing that gap. “On
every visit we show Mrs. Marks how the progress is coming along,”
Schrodi said.
Added Karyn Marks, “It’s been really
nice to know exactly what’s going on.” Matthew concurred.
“I really like their attitude, they’re not pushy,”
he said. “The doctors let you understand what they’re
doing.”
Matthew said the experience has inspired him
to pursue orthodontics as a career. He’s already begun
taking Latin classes in preparation.
In July, the clinic will move to a new location
in the Center for Health Sciences that will triple the amount
of space it has to treat patients. The clinic, which accepts
dental insurance, also offers interest-free payment plans for
certain services.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment,
call (310) 825-5161.
