What treatment by a dental student costs
Treatment at a faculty of dental medicine costs a fraction of private practice. The reason is not a compromise on materials — a teaching clinic is not a business. The student needs the case to complete their clinical programme, and you pay a nominal fee set by the faculty. Usually that is between 5 € and 30 € per procedure; the faculty sets the fee and you confirm it on site.
Price comparison
| Procedure | In private practice — prices typically start from | At the faculty |
|---|---|---|
| Examination and treatment plan | 15 € | free |
| Filling (one surface) | 40 € | Nominal prices |
| Filling (three surfaces) | 60 € | Nominal prices |
| Root canal treatment | 100 € | Nominal prices |
| Scaling and cleaning | 55 € | Nominal prices |
| Tooth extraction | 45 € | Nominal prices |
| Wisdom tooth (surgical) | 120 € | Nominal prices |
| Metal-ceramic crown | 150 € | Nominal prices |
The examination at the faculty is free. It is also the easiest way to start: you come in, your teeth are looked at, and only then do you decide whether to go on.
These are starting prices. Published Sofia price lists reach around 85 € for a filling, and specialist or aesthetic practices are appreciably higher.
This comparison is general and indicative. The figures are a guide to the lower end of the Bulgarian market as at July 2026 and do not describe any particular practice — prices vary considerably with the case, the materials and the city. Faculty fees, including the free examination, are set by the faculty itself, may change, and are not set by this platform. Confirm what is payable on site before treatment begins.
Why it costs less
A teaching clinic does not run for profit. There is no margin for the chair, the administration or the dentist’s time — there is a fee covering materials and organisation. The student gets the case they need in order to qualify; you get the treatment. It is an exchange, not a discount.
What you get besides the lower price
The work is checked by a teacher
Every stage is carried out under the supervision of a qualified dentist from the department, who observes and signs the work off. That is not a formality — without their approval the case does not count towards the student’s programme.
More time on your case
Appointments in a teaching clinic run longer than in private practice. The student works more slowly, because they are learning and because each step is checked. For a patient that means attention a busy schedule rarely allows.
Nobody is selling you anything
The student needs your particular case for their quota, not your money. There is no commercial reason to propose treatment you do not need — probably the most underrated difference of all.
What you give up in exchange
It takes longer
One course of treatment often needs several visits, and each visit is longer. If you are in a hurry, private practice will be faster.
You fit the student’s timetable
Students have a fixed weekly schedule at the faculty. You choose from their hours rather than any date you like.
It is not for emergencies
For severe pain, swelling or injury, go to the Faculty of Dental Medicine in your city and ask for a doctor there, or go to an emergency department. The faculty has no emergency surgery. If you have heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing or rapidly increasing swelling, call 112. Finding a student takes time.
Not every case is suitable
Some cases need a specialist and will not be accepted in a teaching clinic. The student or their teacher will tell you.
See which students are looking for patients
Pick a treatment and a faculty. If no suitable student is available right now, create a free account — students see the complaint and can contact you.
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