Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the GO Health Clinic different from the student clinics?

   Treatment provided in the GO Health Clinic is based primarily on current research studies. Depending on the study, participants receive different types of dental treatment or care. Treatment provided as part of a research study is usually free of charge, and participants are even often compensated for their time.

2. How is the GO Health Clinic different from private practice?

   The UNC Adams School of Dentistry is an educational facility. Participants accepted for a particular study will receive high-quality care for free or at reduced fees relative to those found in private practice. The GO Health Clinic may not be able to provide all of your dental needs through the study in which you participate. However, our dental professionals are willing and able to refer you to another department in the Adams School of Dentistry or even to another provider outside of the school system.

3. What types of research are done in the GO Health Clinic?

   The GO Health Clinic is the clinical arm of the Center for Oral and Systemic Diseases. Our research often relates dentistry to systemic conditions, such as diabetes, gum disease, osteoporosis, etc. See a list of our current studies.

4. Are dental research studies safe?

   Yes. The GO Health Center protects each research subject’s health, rights and privacy. All human subjects research must be reviewed by the University of North Carolina’s Institutional Review Board, which is compiled of dental professionals, human subject advocates, and other scientists who review the ethics of each study. For each study, participants are required to read, understand, and sign a consent form that outlines all study procedures. Participants can decide not to sign the consent at their own discretion, but they will not be able to participate in the study unless they sign the consent.

5. What are the risks?

   All of our research studies must meet federal and university safety standards. The possible risks of each study will be presented to the participants in the study’s consent form. Participants are always able to ask our staff any additional questions or concerns they may have about participation in the research study.

6. How long do studies generally last?

   Each study is unique. Some studies require more visits than others and the length of each visit depends on the nature of the treatment provided. Our staff will be able to answer this question if you would like to know about a particular research study.

7. Who funds these studies?

   Studies are funded from a variety of sources: our institution, private sponsors and companies, and federal agencies.

8. How do I become a participant at the GO Health Clinic?

   To become a participant at our clinic, you will need to be matched to a current research study. If you are not interested in any of the current studies but would still like to be able to participate in future studies, you are welcome to visit our clinic for a free prescreen examination. Our dental professionals will record clinical notes and offer recommendations, so we can match you to a study in the future. If you have any additional questions, please call us at 919-537-3424 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

9. Who will provide my treatment?

   Care is delivered by experienced dental professionals. Depending on the nature of the visit, you could be seen by a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant.

10. When is the clinic open?

    The clinic operates from 8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday. We are closed for lunch from 12:00-1:00pm daily. The Adams School of Dentistry is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Emergency care can be obtained at times other than when the regularly scheduled clinics operate.

11. How much will my treatment cost?

    If you are matched with a current research study, treatment provided as part of the study is often free of charge, and many studies offer monetary reimbursements to participants after completing the study. Should you need additional dental care after the study is completed, our dental professionals may be able to provide treatment in our clinic or refer you to another dental care provider within or outside of the school system. If referred out of the GO Health Clinic, treatment costs will vary depending on the amount of treatment needed.

12. How long are the appointments?

    The length of appointments depends on the study. Each study is different and may require multiple visits to our clinic. The consent forms for each study will outline the number and duration of appointments.

13. Where will I park?

    Parking is located across the street from the hospital in the Dogwood Parking Deck. Please look for signs and directions located within the parking deck to the dental school bridge. Once you enter into Tarrson Hall take the elevator the 2nd floor. Take a left off of the elevator, go around a small hallway and look for signs that say Old Dental Building. We are located on the left side at 2040 Old Dental Building. Study participants will receive parking vouchers after their appointments to cover parking fees for the duration of their appointments.