Saint Louis University - Center for Advanced Dental Education

S SUMMERS (ShazZy B MonKz)

I had an incredibly distressing experience with Dr. Travis Cripps at SLU Cade. My non-verbal son, who woke up in severe pain from an impacted tooth, was treated with a complete lack of empathy and professionalism. Despite my son's visible distress—crying, pointing to his mouth, and hitting his head—Dr. Cripps refused to pull the loose tooth.

His demeanor was rude and dismissive, and he even suggested my son had an ear infection, though my son had no symptoms. Dr. Cripps then made an offensive comment, accusing my son of being a "junky," and sharply instructed me to give Tylenol "sparingly" after writing a prescription for it. He refused to check for any possible infections or properly address the pain, claiming the pain was "normal" for autistic children, as if all children with autism should be treated the same. This was not only insensitive but also outright negligent.

No child, especially one with special needs, should be treated this way. I do not recommend this clinic to any parents looking for compassionate care for their child. Avoid at all costs!

October 5, 2024

Juan B

I came here for Periodontic treatment and I have been given several run around and lots of misinformation. Doctors here were directly contradicted by more experienced doctors they referred me to. Over the course of a 2 month period my doctor has changed her opinion on whether or not I can undergo treatment. The doctor I was referred to has zero concern about this. I think the people here may not be the most competent physicians. *** UPDATE *** I spoke with the director of the center and moved to a new doctor.

It was night and day. The new doctor is fantastic and I'm happy with the treatment I am currently getting. However, I cannot give a 5 star review given the difficulty of reaching this point. The care should always be at this level.

June 3, 2025

rose y

I asked for any type of price list for a few specific procedures I've been recommended, I need a lot, I have no insurance and have been told that school environments are great for poor people because they charge less. Imagine my surprise when the woman who returned my new patient call just sat there and argued with me about how she is unable to give me even vague estimates, she said "my job is not to discuss your treatment plan!" which I of course specified was not my intention, I was using my treatment plan invoice to provide codes to make it easier to look up costs and of course the procedures I'm unable to afford from one dentist, I need to know the cost of elsewhere.

I understand the need to mitigate liability of a patient seeing an updated treatment plan/invoice and saying "well the girl on the phone said ____ would cost ____!" that's not the case here, I'm a person living in poverty trying to obtain medical attention I can actually afford. there HAS to be some middle ground, but instead I just get vaguely shamed by someone obviously not educated in regards to decorum and customer service, how disappointing.

June 12, 2025

Nat

After driving three hours in the wrong direction based on incorrect information, I was informed that a single arch treatment was available, which turned out to be false. The treatment offered no flexibility whatsoever, not even reasonably. Three separate appointments were required to begin the process: one for an X-ray, another for “records,” and a third for what appeared to be a third consultation. Not to mention the completely unacceptable treatment by the business (something or other) - PAM.

I have never encountered such rudeness in my life. The staff member told me that I was “lucky (they) were even extending the offer to me” (I am lucky you would allow me to drive here and spend my own money? Wow, thanks!). She spoke horribly toward me, cut me off, and ignored the fact that I am physically unable to have braces on the bottom arch due to TMJ and other issues. This appeared to be an accessible way to obtain braces for those who cannot afford them (most people).

However, unfortunately, it turned out to be a disappointment. I recommend seeking treatment from a local facility that genuinely cares about its patients. Shout out to JEN for hearing these concerns, being compassionate and handling them to the best of her ability. However I post this as a cautionary tale for others!

May 31, 2025