Dental Insurance Information for Graduate Students

Dental Coverage for RAs and TAs through the Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (GSHIP)

Beginning in the 2024-25 policy year, graduate students enrolled in GSHIP will have dental insurance coverage. GSHIP's (UNC RA/TA) dental coverage is a pediatric dental benefit with no age limit. Pediatric dental benefits are included in medical coverage, so there is not a separate dental ID card. Providers with questions should reach out to the Blue Cross NC Provider Line (1-800-214-4844). GSHIP dental coverage is not through Dental Blue, so providers should only reach out to the Blue Cross NC Provider Line for benefit information. Students can find in network dental providers by searching for them on their Blue Connect account or by selecting "Look Up a Doctor or Drug" on the Student Blue NC website.

Campus Smiles on UNC Chapel Hill's campus is currently out of network with the GSHIP plan Please refer to Student Blue coverage detailspdf icon.

If you are not enrolled in GSHIP, you may seek dental insurance from another provider.

Campus-Smiles dental clinic

The Campus-Smiles dental clinic inside of Campus Health. Campus Smiles on UNC Chapel Hill's campus is currently out of network with the GSHIP plan. Additional discounts beyond the dental insurance are provided exclusively to the UNC community. If you don't have insurance, a custom membership plan is available. Once enrolled, you are covered for diagnostic and preventive care with $0.00 out of pocket and receive deep discounts on over 200+ dental procedures at the Campus-Smiles dental clinic on campus. Learn more about the Campus-Smiles membership plan.

Dental Insurance Coverage

Dental insurance generally covers two cleanings per year and then a percentage of the cost of fillings, crowns, x-rays, extractions, and other dental procedures based on the policy benefits. Most dental insurance policies have a waiting period before you can receive any extensive care such as an extraction or crown.

Once you have dental insurance and before you visit the dentist:

Ask your dentist the following questions before making an appointment:

Be clear on your financial responsibility before you have a procedure done. Ask the dentist to provide you with a quote based on your insurance benefits.

If you don’t have dental insurance, but want to have it:

Consider your needs. When shopping for dental insurance, be sure to look carefully at each plan for waiting periods, exclusions, and maximum payouts. Also, verify that there are providers in the area that participate in the plan you are considering purchasing.

Other major dental insurance vendors:

These websites offer you the ability to compare plans:

If you need dental care/treatment (with or without insurance):

There are also many options for dental care in the UNC area. These dentists work with students on a regular basis and may be able to set up payment plans:

Do you have a dental emergency?

If so, you may have to: pay out-of-pocket for your care depending on whether or not you have dental insurance, meet your waiting period limit, or have coverage for the type of complaint you are experiencing.

These are clinics that accept reduced payments or perform free care if you qualify: