This elective will serve to provide students a foundation of managing dental insurance as they enter private practice as either an associate dentist or practice owner. Accurate and ethical coding and billing will be emphasized. A working knowledge of dental insurance will also allow students to accurately evaluate the financial implications of plan participation. Objectives: 1. Understand the organization and utilization of CDT procedure codes and be able to determine proper coding and billing protocols for treatment commonly provided in general practice. 2. Compare and contrast the types of dental insurance plans, the various levels of provider status available and financial considerations of joining as a contracted provider. 3. Navigate the electronic life-cycle of a dental insurance claim from its creation in the practice management software to its payment by direct deposit. Method of Instruction: Seminar Evaluation: Project completion and attendance Pass/Fail

Students under Pediatric dentistry faculty supervision will perform appropriate dental treatment for the San Jose pediatric patients. San Jose is a non-profit community based dental clinic with 13 chairs located in downtown Houston. Students will provide their own transportation to the clinic. A case presentation of treatment rendered will be showed at a group meeting of all participants. The time and place will be announced. Student must attend two Saturday sessions per semester. Objectives: 1. Gain clinical experience in Pediatric dentistry. 2. Become familiar with non-profit, community-based dentistry. 3. Compare the difference between school-based and non-profit dental service delivery. Method of Instruction: Hands-on participation Evaluation: Case presentation Pass/Fail