University of California San Francisco
Emergency dental care
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, have a dental infection or broken denture, you may be seen in our Student General Dentistry Clinic as an emergency patient. The Dental Center doors open at 7:30am and patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis and dependent on the number of available providers. Please be prepared to wait.
Emergency registration is located at the front desk reception on the first floor Monday through Friday and follows the School of Dentistry Academic Calendar for holidays and student breaks. Fees for emergency treatment depend on the service provided. Full payment is expected at the time of service.
Why choose UCSF for emergency dental care?
When you’re in dental pain, prompt care matters. UCSF’s centrally located Parnassus campus offers convenient access for San Franciscans seeking urgent treatment.
UCSF is a world leader in health care and research, committed to excellent, patient-centered care. At the UCSF Dental Center, highly trained dental students—supervised by expert faculty and residents—provide emergency services to the community. Student-delivered care is more affordable than private practice, though visits may take longer and require additional appointments. As a patient at the UCSF Dental Center, you’ll experience:
- Personalized treatment plans
- Advanced technology
- A collaborative faculty-resident care team
- An emphasis on education and comfort
- A longstanding commitment to excellence
Payment and insurance options
Different clinics work with different insurance plans, and participation may change over time. Many, but not all, accept some insurance, including Delta Dental, PPO plans, and Denti-Cal. Some only accept self-payment. Please be sure to ask our staff about insurance options when scheduling your appointment.
- The Student General Dentistry Clinic at Parnassus accepts Delta Dental Premier and Delta PPO. Please bring your benefit card and/or insurance plan information to your appointment.
- Patients may pay with cash, check or credit card for Dental Center services.
- The Student General Dentistry Clinic at Parnassus accepts Denti-Cal
What to expect
Personalized consultation
Our providers take time to understand both your dental needs and your lifestyle, ensuring that your treatment plan is tailored to you from the very first visit.
Bring records and insurance
Please share any previous dental records and provide your insurance information so our team can coordinate your care and coverage efficiently.
Receive your dental plan
Once you’ve been treated for your emergency, your provider will explain the next steps and schedule follow-up visits to keep your care on track.