It's normal to feel anxious when you suddenly have a severe toothache or develop extreme pain in your teeth or gums and cannot get an appointment with your dentist immediately. Situations such as a chipped or cracked tooth, knocked-out tooth, significant swelling in the gums or face, bleeding that won’t stop, a broken filling or crown, or a painful dental abscess all suggest you may need to have emergency dental care. Fortunately, UAB Dentistry has a solution: our walk-in Urgent/Limited Care Clinic.

This walk-in clinic accepts new and returning patients (who have not been in UAB Dentistry care for over 2 years) who are seen on a first-come, first-served basis during normal business hours.

The UAB Dentistry business office team gives insight into the common expectations of a patient visiting the walk-in clinic.

Identification

“Patients need to make sure they have some type of photo identification,” says Business Office Director Jacquiselyn Story, M.P.A. “If they don't have a photo ID, they need to bring two other forms of ID.”

Forms of photo identification include:

• Driver’s License
• State Identification Card
• Passport
• Military Identification Card
• Or any other government issued photo identification card

Other forms of identification may be:

• Birth Certificate
• Utility Bill
• Bank Statement
• Social Security Card
• A credit or debit card with your name on it
• An insurance card with your name on it

Payment & Insurance

Story shares, “Patients are expected to pay for treatment at the time of service, which can vary based on their insurance and type of treatment required.”

The UAB School of Dentistry is a preferred provider organization for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Viva Medicare and MetLife group plans.  We accept Medicaid for services that are approved by this entity for those 21 and under and pregnant adults.  Medicare is accepted for Prosthodontic Maxillofacial patients for services that are approved by these entities.

“For patients with other dental insurance coverage, our Business Office can assist in filing these claims as a courtesy, however, payment for treatment will still be required at the time of service,” says Story.

Other Patient Information

Visting patients should be prepared to fill out paperwork. Story says, “The paperwork could take anywhere from around 15 - 30 minutes, depending on how fast patients can answer those questions. It also helps to have medical history paperwork and medication lists handy.”

Wait Time

Patients should expect a variation of wait times depending on the volume of individuals already waiting. “The wait time depends because it is a walk-in clinic that is first-come, first-serve,” Story says. “On average, I would expect to just stay two to three hours for the Urgent/Limited Care appointment. That appointment is just for evaluation and exam.” She shares that if further treatment is required, that would  mean a longer stay or return visit.

Recommendations

Nyiah Reedy and Cherylin Whitehead, both patient accounts representatives, are two of the many people who encounter patients and visitors during business hours. They offer advice on how to make the wait for those who may need to visit the walk-in clinic a more comfortable experience.

“As a patient in the waiting area, I do believe there are a few things you’ll need,” says Reedy, “A magazine or activity book, like a cross words puzzle, is great for keeping you occupied. It’s also a good idea to bring your favorite snack or beverage, as well as a device for reading or quiet gaming.”

Whitehead adds, “I recommend patients bring in a charger for any devices you may bring in. And if they're a little anemic, like I am, maybe even a blanket or a thick sweater.”

Urgent/Limited Care Clinic

The UAB Dentistry Urgent (limited/emergency) Care Clinic is a walk-in daytime dental emergency clinic where patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is a fee for the exam and X-rays in this clinic. The fee does not cover any treatment that might be needed. The clinic is located on the 1st floor of the School of Dentistry.

Registration hours begin at 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. for the morning clinic and 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. for the afternoon clinic.

For questions, call (205) 934-3000.