UCLA Dental Clinic on Lincoln Boulevard: Comprehensive Dental Services and Community Care

Introduction

The UCLA Dental Clinic on Lincoln Boulevard, formerly known as the Wilson-Jennings-Bloomfield UCLA Venice Dental Center, stands as a pillar of oral health care in the Venice community. Rooted in a history of volunteerism and community service, the clinic has evolved into a comprehensive dental center, offering a wide range of services delivered by student dentists, residents, and faculty members. This article explores the clinic's origins, its current services, and its commitment to providing affordable, high-quality dental care while training the next generation of dental professionals.

Historical Context: From Volunteerism to a Community Health Center

The story of the UCLA Dental Clinic on Lincoln Boulevard is intertwined with the history of Venice Family Clinic. In 1970, Philip Rossman, MD, and Mayer B. Davidson, MD, founded Venice Family Clinic. In the early days, volunteer physicians and other dedicated individuals provided basic medical care after normal business hours at the UCLA Dental Clinic on Lincoln Boulevard.

From these humble beginnings, Venice Family Clinic has grown into a leading community health center, serving people in need from the Santa Monica Mountains through the South Bay. It now operates an expanding network of clinic locations, Early Head Start centers, and multiple mobile clinics, in addition to an extensive street medicine program designed to reach individuals experiencing homelessness. Since its inception, the Clinic has continually expanded the scope and comprehensiveness of its services to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Comprehensive Dental Services

The UCLA Dental Clinic on Lincoln Boulevard offers a broad spectrum of dental services, catering to diverse oral health needs. These services are delivered by a team of student dentists, residents, and experienced faculty members, ensuring that patients receive quality care at an affordable cost.

General Dentistry

The clinic provides general dentistry services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. These services are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems.

Specialized Services

In addition to general dentistry, the clinic offers advanced and specialized services administered by residents - individuals who have successfully received a dental degree (DDS, DMD, or equivalent). These services may include:

Endodontics: Root canal therapy and related procedures to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp.
Periodontics: Treatment of gum disease and other periodontal conditions.
Prosthodontics: Restoration and replacement of missing teeth with dentures, bridges, and implants.
Oral Surgery: Surgical procedures such as tooth extractions, biopsies, and corrective jaw surgery.
Pediatric Dentistry: The Venice Pediatric Dental Clinic has caring providers that can best serve the oral health interests of infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs.

Patient Care and Affordability

The UCLA Dental Clinic on Lincoln Boulevard prioritizes patient-centered care, ensuring that individuals receive compassionate and educational treatment. The clinic's team of student dentists, residents, and faculty work together to provide high-quality care while also training future dental professionals.

Affordable Dental Care Options

One of the key benefits of receiving care at the UCLA Dental Clinic is the reduced cost compared to private practice. The clinic offers different fee structures based on the provider level:

Student Dentists: Fees are significantly lower than those of private practices, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious patients.
Residents: Fees are lower than those in the private sector, providing a cost-effective option for specialized dental services.
Faculty: Fees are comparable to those of private practices in the area.

Patient care is always the foremost concern, as UCLA educates and trains talented students and other trainees, while fully supervised by experienced faculty.

The Role of Education and Training

As part of the UCLA School of Dentistry, the clinic plays a vital role in training the next generation of dental professionals. The UCLA School of Dentistry has consistently ranked as one of the best dental schools in the nation for over 50 years. The DDS curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the modern dental practitioner.

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Student Dentists and Residents

Student dentists and residents gain valuable clinical experience by providing care to patients under the supervision of experienced faculty members. This hands-on training allows them to develop their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting. Residency clinics offer advanced and specialized services administered by residents - individuals who have successfully received a dental degree: DDS, DMD or equivalent. As super-specialists and innovators, they welcome the most advanced challenges.

Faculty Supervision

Experienced faculty members oversee all aspects of patient care, ensuring that students and residents provide safe and effective treatment. Faculty members also serve as mentors, guiding students and residents in their professional development.

Accessing Care at the UCLA Dental Clinic

New Patients

If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call (310) 392-4103 and follow the initial patient registration recording. After completing the pre-registration process with a staff member, you will be given access to complete a medical history form electronically and other information related to dental care at UCLA.

Locations

UCLA Dental Clinics, Westwood: 714 Tiverton Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095 (310) 206-3904. Providers: Student Dentists, Residents, Faculty.

Faculty Group Dental Practice: 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 350 Los Angeles, CA 90095-6999 (310) 794-5750. Providers: Faculty.

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Wilson-Jennings-Bloomfield UCLA Venice Dental Center: 323 S.

Commitment to Community Health

The UCLA Dental Clinic on Lincoln Boulevard is deeply committed to improving the oral health of the Venice community. By providing affordable, high-quality dental care and educating future dental professionals, the clinic plays a vital role in promoting community well-being.

Serving the Underserved

The clinic serves a diverse patient population, including individuals and families with limited financial resources. By offering reduced fees and accepting various forms of payment, the clinic ensures that dental care is accessible to all members of the community.

Preventive Oral Health Practices

The establishment of a dental home provides an opportunity to implement individualized preventive oral health practices and reduces the child’s risk of dental/oral disease.

Mario B Antonioni, DDS

Mario B Antonioni, DDS, operates within the UCLA Dental Center at Venice, offering a range of dental services in a compassionate and educational setting.

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