Convenient Access from the University District
Between lectures, lab hours and hospital shifts, a dental visit has to be easy to reach. Infinity Dental is about a 12-minute drive from Ohio State's Thompson Library, on Old Henderson Rd in northwest Columbus, and opens at 7:00 AM Monday through Thursday. For students, faculty and medical-center staff who want a dentist near University District housing, that early start can mean a cleaning finished before the first class of the day.
From the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library at 1858 Neil Avenue Mall, go north briefly on Neil Avenue and west on Annie & John Glenn Avenue. Bear northwest on Tuttle Park Place, then turn west on West Lane Avenue to reach SR 315. Take SR 315 north to the West Henderson Road exit, head west, turn left on Kenny Road and right on Old Henderson Rd; our office is at 1234 Old Henderson Rd # A, Columbus, OH 43220, about 6.1 miles from campus.
The route skirts Tuttle Park in Old North Columbus before joining the Olentangy Freeway, so the drive stays off High Street. Save the location by pinning Infinity Dental in Google Maps, and note that COTA buses stop near the office for anyone without a car. Neighbors just south in Victorian Village and the Short North use much the same route.
Dental Care That Keeps Pace with Campus Life
The University District grew around a single decision: in 1870 the State Agricultural College, now The Ohio State University, was placed on the Neil farm just south of the village of North Columbus. Streetcars arrived in the 1890s and brought new residential streets, and after World War II the population quadrupled as many houses became rentals. In 1972 the neighborhood formed the University Area Commission, the first area commission in Columbus.
Today the district covers about 2.8 square miles of Franklin County and is described as the most densely populated part of the city. It runs from Glen Echo Ravine, on the Clintonville border, south to Fifth Avenue, and from the Olentangy River east to the rail tracks. Within it sit The Ohio State University main campus, the Wexner Medical Center and the Battelle Institute, plus Ohio Stadium, which opened in 1922 and seats more than 104,000 fans.
Housing in the University District is just as varied as the people. Student rentals pack the blocks east of High Street between 11th and 17th avenues, while The Circles, Dennison Place, Weinland Park and the historic streets of Old North Columbus, including the Iuka Ravine area, have more long-term owners. That mix brings together students, researchers, medical-center staff and long-time homeowners.
What most University District residents share is a tight schedule. A 7:00 AM appointment Monday through Thursday leaves the rest of the day for class, clinicals or the lab, and the office wraps up by 3:00 PM. For patients who split their time between Columbus and a hometown dentist, the team can handle a single urgent problem or become the main dental home for the years spent near campus.
Student Schedules, Stress and Smiles in the University District
For many University District residents, college and early-career years are hard on teeth in quiet ways. Late-night snacking, coffee and energy drinks, skipped checkups and stress-driven grinding all add up. A cavity that would have been a small filling during freshman year can become a crown by graduation if nobody looks.
Among University District students, wisdom teeth often make their move in the late teens and twenties. Some erupt without trouble, while others come in sideways or only partly break through, trapping food and causing swelling. Digital x-rays show how they are positioned, and Dr. Woody can talk through whether removal makes sense now or later.
Many young professionals also want to look their best for interviews, presentations and graduation photos. Zoom® teeth whitening is an in-office option for lifting stains from coffee or tea, and bonding can smooth a chipped edge. A smile design preview helps you see likely changes before you commit to anything.
Finally, accidents and sudden pain do not wait for a convenient week. Intramural sports, bike commutes and a hard bite on something unexpected can crack a tooth. The office provides same-day emergency care when available, so a call first thing in the morning is the best move.
A few simple habits go a long way between visits. Keep a travel toothbrush and floss in a backpack, rinse with water after coffee or energy drinks, and avoid sipping sugary drinks for hours while studying. If you have been away from a dentist since high school, a single exam and cleaning resets the clock and shows where things stand.
Practical Care from a Dentist Near University District
Same-Day Emergency Care
Toothaches, broken teeth and swelling need prompt attention. Call as early in the day as you can; urgent visits are offered when available.
Tooth Extractions
Many problem wisdom teeth and teeth that cannot be restored can be removed in the office. You get clear aftercare instructions to plan recovery around classes or shifts.
General & Preventative Dentistry
Exams, cleanings and x-rays catch problems while they are small and inexpensive to fix. University District patients can line up twice-yearly visits with semester breaks.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Whitening, bonding, veneers and contouring brighten and even out a smile. Whitening can be a simple first step before a big interview or event.
Cold Sore/Canker Sore Laser Treatment
Stress and late nights can trigger painful mouth sores. The office offers laser treatment for cold sores and canker sores as one option for relief.
Meet Your Columbus Dental Team
Students may relate to Muhammad Dawood (Woody) Parekh, DDS, whose own dental school years are recent: he graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2021. Dr. Woody is an avid reader and gamer, and he takes time to explain each step of treatment. At the front desk, Areej Parkh helps new patients get set up.
Insurance & Financing
Most insurance plans are accepted, including Delta Dental Premier, for which the office is a preferred provider; HMOs are not. Staff file claims with other carriers for you, which helps students on a parent's plan. Uninsured new patients without gum disease can book the $99 cleaning, exam and x-ray, and financial options include a flexible payment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Infinity Dental from the University District, and how do I get there?
From Thompson Library, the office is about 6.1 miles away, roughly 12 minutes by car. The route runs west on Lane Avenue, north on SR 315 to West Henderson Road, then Kenny Road and Old Henderson Rd. That makes it an easy option for anyone needing a dentist near University District who prefers to skip High Street.
Can I keep using my family's dental insurance while I'm at school here?
Usually, yes, as long as your parent's plan still covers you as a dependent. The office accepts most insurance plans and files claims for you, so a parent's employer plan can generally be used here as it would at home. The office is a Delta Dental Premier preferred provider but does not take HMO plans, so call ahead with your card details to confirm.
Can I come in before an 8:00 AM class?
It depends on the visit. Appointments start at 7:00 AM Monday through Thursday, but the 12-minute drive back toward campus leaves little margin before an 8:00 AM class, and rush-hour traffic on SR 315 can add time. The front desk can tell you how long your visit will take, so longer appointments can go on a morning with a later class.
What should I do if the gum around a wisdom tooth swells up?
Call the office promptly, because swelling around a partly erupted wisdom tooth often signals trapped food or infection. Rinse gently with warm salt water and keep the area clean until you are seen. Fever, trouble swallowing or swelling that spreads to the face or neck need urgent medical care right away.
Does vaping affect my gums and teeth?
Yes, it can. Vaping tends to dry out the mouth, and less saliva means more plaque buildup and a higher risk of cavities. Many users also notice gum irritation or inflammation. Your hygienist can check for early changes at a routine cleaning and suggest simple ways to protect your teeth if you vape.
Schedule Your Visit from the University District
When you need a dentist near University District who can see you before class or a shift, call 614-418-6336. Check our areas we serve list for nearby neighborhoods, or start at our Dentist Columbus, OH page.