SIU School of Dental Medicine — Local services in Alton

I read these reviews thinking the worst of the appointment would be the secretary apparently. However, I've come to find she was the nicest one there. Besides the Dr. watching over the students who was also very nice and seemed to be the only one who actually has dealt with children.

Now if you have kids you know they don't always listen. They're scared over nothing. They're irritating at times. They're loud.. But you also sign up to be a KIDS DENTIST? RIGHT?

So, you should know how to deal with kids? CORRECT?

WRONG. Now mind you we live two hours away. I had to get up at 5am to make it to this appointment, my child also. So we're tired and haven't even had breakfast. Then my child had difficulty with a certain portion of the visit. He was getting stressed out, I was stressed out, the student was stressed out. But NEVER did that give anyone the right to have an attitude with my child. Some lady had came out and asked him to be quiet like there isn't 5 other kids in here right now? And then the student was acting like he was his guardian or something saying he didn't want to yell at him and repeatedly asking him to behave before he ever did anything wrong.

I understand everyone was stressed in this situation, but if you have 0 patience don't be a kids dentist?

I'd love to never come back here again but unfortunately I have to get my kids decaying teeth fixed and I value my kids health and I already waited 3 years to finally get into this dentist the ONLY one with the equipment to get my kids teeth done.

Wasn't the worst experience of my life, but maybe don't allow kids here if you aren't kid friendly. 👍

Update: It's been two weeks now and still hasn't called to set up an appointment to get my kids teeth done. Can't say I'm surprised. I'll just go elsewhere where they actually do kids teeth. Not...

The administrative staff at this school is anything besides helpful, informative, and professional. You can count on being treated as a sheer inconvenience when attempting to address questions regarding billing & appointment details.

I’ve been coming to this clinic for years for dental services to avoid the profitable markups at a private practice. The quality of work & the professionalism of the clinicians has been a success in my experience. Where it all falls apart is the consistent lack of effort, consideration, and tact when addressing any questions or concerns with the administrative staff in the billing department.

Poor attitudes, unprofessional conduct, and lack of interest in assisting patients is what you may undeniably count on from this office. I have reached out for additional support twice from a member of management (John C- Business Office Manager) with no offer for follow up or coaching of his appointed staff. Instead I was offered a disingenuous “sorry you had that experience.” When asked if he has the ability to directly address the conduct of his staff to promote a more professional & productive atmosphere for their patients, he offered “we try our best.” The lack of initiative told me everything I needed to know.

As you may gather from this & other reviews, the staff’s uncouth behavior is a routine bonus for your visit (they very rarely disappoint). After following up today yet again, the foundational issue is now clear, there is an inherent lack of leadership & patient advocacy within this organization. Due to this, I would not recommend anyone to pursue services at this institution until they can rehabilitate or remove the disgruntled members of their billing staff. Otherwise, brace yourself for impact during...

to become a patient, you must send in your application and paperwork and you will then be put on a wait list. I was on the wait list for about a year before I was called in to do my xrays and a overall exam. then I was placed on another wait list to begin treatment. that waiting list was about 5 months. I'm sure the wait list times do fluctuate, I'm just sharing my experience. so far I have had 5 appointments and have had a cleaning (very thorough) and some cavities filled. you will be placed with a student, and I have worked exclusively with my student at every appointment. I love that I get to build rapport with him. everything he does is checked by teachers/dentists, so you are still getting quality work. it is very easy to get ahold of the office staff and the billing department has always been very up front and informative in regards to insurance coverage, billing, out of pocket expenses, etc. they do accept most illinois medicaid plans. I personally have not had to pay anything out of pocket for all of the xrays and treatment that I have received. now that I am an established patient, it is extremely easy and quick to get in for an appointment. scheduling/appointments work in two sessions throughout the day. if you want a morning appointment it will be at 9am and could go until 12/noon. afternoon appointments start at 2 o'clock and could go until 5pm. sometimes appointments get finished faster, but plan to be there for the full 3 hours, just in case. I have no complaints. obviously I wish the wait list wasn't as long as it was, but it was worth the wait...