VCU students can now get basic dental care for next to nothing

Sanya Chandiramani, Contributing Writer

Uninsured students can now access preventative dental care for a small annual fee through “SmileWell,” a new program launched this month by the VCU School of Dentistry, according to University Student Health Services.

An annual $35 fee grants students access to services at the VCU Predoctoral Clinic, according to VCU Dentistry. The program provides 100% coverage for preventive care such as cleanings, checkups and x-rays, as well as significant discounts on additional services. 

“SmileWell is our way of extending access to quality oral healthcare to our own student body,” said Dr. Jeff Johnson, vice dean of VCU School of Dentistry and key figure in launching the initiative. “We saw a need on the Monroe Park Campus and wanted to meet students where they are.”

SmileWell is available to uninsured VCU students enrolled in at least 10 credit-hours per semester. Students at VCU taking fewer than 10 credit-hours or those from other colleges in Virginia, may be eligible for the “Student 2 Student Discount Plan,” which offers 80% off preventive services and 60% off fillings for full-time students, or smaller discounts under the basic plan.

SmileWell currently applies only to services offered at the predoctoral clinic, not graduate or specialty clinics. The VCU student health fee does not cover dental or emergency services, according to the Integrated Marketing Campaign for the SmileWell Student Health Insurance Plan offered by VCU Dentistry.

The program is funded internally through the VCU School of Dentistry, according to Johnson. The initiative is supported by existing clinic mechanisms and resources. 

“We wanted to create a sustainable solution that wouldn’t rely on outside funding, so we built SmileWell into our current clinical operations,” Johnson said.

The idea was first proposed by Dr. Lyndon Cooper, dean of the VCU School of Dentistry, but it was Johnson who acted as the “mover and shaker” behind the initiative, according to Marion Manski, director of the Division of Dental Hygiene. 

The program quickly gained traction with support from Dr. Shannon Green, medical director of VCU Student Health Services, according to Johnson. They worked together to create a referral network that ensures students in need are directly connected to dental care.

“This program is about access,” said Johnson. “If our team sees a student who needs dental care but lacks insurance, we now have a direct and affordable solution.”

James Parris, director of clinical operations, said that within two weeks of launching the program they treated one patient who will be returning for additional services.

The School of Dentistry is running a grassroots marketing campaign for the program that includes fliers and rack cards displayed across campus, particularly near essential services like the Ram Pantry, according to Patrice Gray, marketing director. 

VCU may expand similar services for other types of care in the future, according to Johnson. 

“When Dr. Green and her team see a need, they lean in,” Johnson said. “SmileWell is just the beginning.”