San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) Dental Services Policy for Routine and Emergency Appointments

To our clients:

• DPH dental clinics provide limited basic dental services for residents of San Francisco.
• Routine appointments for exams, cleanings, consultations or treatment can be scheduled by calling or visiting the DPH clinic of choice. Due to the large number of clients served it may take several weeks, or even months before an appointment is available. We request your patience and understanding in this situation.
• Emergency care is available on a same day or next day basis (providing the clinic is open and a dentist is available). If a clinic is not open for services, staff can assist you in finding another DPH clinic or city agency which is open.
• Emergency dental appointments are for clients experiencing pain and/or swelling.
• Clients with dental emergencies should contact the DPH clinic to find out the best time for them to see the dentist. Not all dental clinics are open daily.
• Our dental assistants have been trained to help you determine your emergency needs. However, if you have any question regarding your dental emergency, one of our dentists can assist in making that determination.



• CHDP Dental Directory - English | Spanish | Chinese

• Dental Emergencies, First Aid, and Safety Rules

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Please call 9-1-1 if this is a medical emergency. Please call San Francisco General Hospital at (628) 206-8000 for general information.

For issues or questions other than medically related, you may email the Department of Public Health