You’ve probably seen the signs around Huntington or heard someone mention they’re headed to the university for a tooth extraction. Most people think Marshall Dentistry & Oral Surgery is just a place for students to practice or a tiny clinic tucked away in a hospital basement. Honestly, it's a lot more intense than that.
It’s actually a high-level surgical hub.
We’re talking about a department within the Marshall Health Network that handles everything from basic cleanings to complex facial reconstruction. Because they are tied to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, the tech they use is usually about three steps ahead of your average neighborhood dentist. That matters when you’re the one in the chair.
Why the "University" Label Changes Everything
A lot of folks get nervous when they hear "residency program." They picture a nervous student hovering over them with a drill. It’s a common misconception. In reality, being an academic medical center means you have board-certified experts like Dr. Raj Khanna—who literally leads the department—overseeing every single move.
These guys aren't just doing "dentistry."
✨ Don't miss: Egg Supplement Facts: Why Powdered Yolks Are Actually Taking Over
They are managing maxillofacial trauma and oral pathology. If you get your jaw broken in a car accident or need a tumor removed from your mouth, this is where the ER sends you. The partnership with Cabell Huntington Hospital means they provide 24/7 emergency trauma care. Your local dentist probably isn't on call at 3 AM for a facial fracture, but these guys are.
It’s Not Just for "Big" Emergencies
People often wait until they're in screaming pain to look up Marshall Dentistry & Oral Surgery. Big mistake. They actually do the boring stuff too.
- Routine cleanings and exams.
- Wisdom tooth removal (the rite of passage).
- Dental implants that actually look like real teeth.
- Specialized care for people with "dental phobia" or special needs.
The "special needs" part is actually a huge deal. A lot of private practices aren't equipped to handle patients who need heavy sedation or specialized monitoring. Marshall is. They have the IV sedation setups and the hospital-grade monitoring that makes the whole process way safer for kids or adults with high anxiety.
The Periodontics Shift
Recently, they’ve been expanding. Dr. Gregory Craft, a periodontist with over twenty years of experience, moved his entire practice from Kentucky to the Huntington office on 13th Avenue. This is a game changer for anyone dealing with advanced gum disease. Periodontics is one of those things you don't think about until your teeth start feeling loose.
🔗 Read more: Is Tap Water Okay to Drink? The Messy Truth About Your Kitchen Faucet
Having a specialist like Craft in-house means you aren’t being farmed out to three different offices to get an implant or a gum graft. It's all under one roof. Basically, it's one-stop shopping for your mouth, which is a relief when you’re already stressed about surgery.
What Happens if You Don't Have Insurance?
This is where it gets real. West Virginia has some tough statistics when it comes to oral health. Marshall doesn't just sit in their fancy offices; they have this Community Oral Health Team.
They partner with places like Ebenezer Medical Outreach and Recovery Point. They actually take portable dental equipment into recovery centers to help guys getting their lives back on track. If you've ever seen someone regain their confidence because they finally have a smile that isn't broken, you know how much that matters. It’s not just about vanity. It’s about being able to pass a job interview without feeling ashamed.
The Walk-In Reality
Need a tooth pulled today?
💡 You might also like: The Stanford Prison Experiment Unlocking the Truth: What Most People Get Wrong
Most people don't know that Marshall Dentistry & Oral Surgery actually has emergency walk-in services. It’s usually Monday through Thursday, specifically in the mornings (8 a.m. to noon). You can’t just show up at 4 p.m. and expect a miracle, but if you're there early, they can often handle acute pain or infections on the spot.
Real Talk on the Wait Times
Let's be honest: because it’s a major medical network, the phone lines can be a nightmare. You might be on hold. You might have to wait a few weeks for a non-emergency cleaning. That’s the trade-off for getting hospital-grade care. But for the "scary" stuff—implants, jaw surgery, or chronic facial pain—the expertise of the faculty dentists usually outweighs the frustration of a busy waiting room.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to head to the Medical Center Drive location or the 13th Avenue office, do these three things first:
- Check the location twice. They have multiple suites. The oral surgery wing is often separate from the general dentistry area. Confirm exactly which building you need so you aren't wandering the halls of the medical school.
- Gather your "med list." Because they do surgery, they need to know every single supplement and pill you take. They aren't just being nosy; it’s about making sure the anesthesia doesn't react poorly with your blood pressure meds.
- Ask for a resident or faculty. If you want the absolute top-tier expert, ask for a faculty provider. If you want a more affordable option or a team that takes a bit more time to explain things, the residents are often fantastic and highly motivated to do perfect work.
The connection between your mouth and your heart is a real thing. Ignoring a "sorta" painful tooth can lead to systemic infections. Marshall Dentistry & Oral Surgery handles the stuff that regular dentists won't touch. Whether it's a routine checkup or a full-arch restoration, getting into an academic system usually means you're getting the most modern version of the procedure available.
Next Steps:
- Verify if your insurance considers them "in-network" (they take most major plans, including Medicaid, which is rare for many oral surgeons).
- If you have an emergency, arrive at the 1600 Medical Center Drive location before 8:00 a.m. Monday-Thursday to secure a walk-in spot.
- Call 304-691-1247 to see if Dr. Craft or the general dentistry team is currently accepting new patients for routine care.