Thanks to the opening of the University Center Dental Clinic, University of Michigan students now have access to dental services without leaving campus.
The new clinic offers routine exams, cleanings, diagnostic X-rays, and personalized treatment plans to students, faculty, staff, and the broader university community. Located in Room 118 of the University Center, appointments are now being accepted, with services officially opening on September 8th.
“This clinic will operate just like any private off-campus dental office. We accept all forms of insurance and are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,” said Dr. Nagra, who directs the clinic.
This reopening fills a gap in campus services that has existed since 2020, when the previous dental clinic at the University Center was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt.
A University alumnus who first worked at the campus clinic in 2011, Dr. Nagra maintained close contact with university administration, ultimately securing space for the new clinic.
“I’ve always believed there was a strong need for dental care on campus,” Nagra explained, emphasizing his desire to bring these services back to students.
The clinic is fully equipped with operating rooms, treatment rooms, and X-ray equipment to meet a variety of dental needs. Services provided by the clinic are equivalent to those offered at off-campus private clinics, and for many students, they are already covered by tuition. This convenience ensures students can prioritize their oral health without leaving campus.
For Nagra, this project is profoundly meaningful. “I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and have spent my entire academic career at the University of Michigan. My connection to this community, and specifically to the University Centre, inspired me to bring dental care back here,” he says.
This initiative also highlights a broader issue: access to healthcare on university campuses. Many universities lack comprehensive medical or dental services, forcing students to seek treatment off-campus despite their busy academic schedules.
By reopening the dental clinic at the University Centre, the University of Michigan aims to make preventive and routine dental care more accessible to the community.
Dr. Nagra emphasized the collaborative effort behind this project. He thanked the many contributors, including Amanda Johnson of the University of Michigan Student Union, for their support in making the clinic possible.
He also encouraged community members to visit for consultations, ask questions, or schedule an appointment. “We are always here for you,” Dr. Nagra said. “Our doors are open and we are ready to serve all your dental needs.”
University Center Dental Clinic will officially reopen this fall, resuming a vital service that reinforces the University’s commitment to student health and sets a new standard for campus care.