Dr. Karl Smith was excellent. He was professional, knowledgeable, and made the appointment itself a positive experience. Unfortunately, the experience with the Waldorf office staff was the opposite. From the beginning, the staff repeatedly told me that my insurance would not cover the exam and tried to push me to pay out of pocket. When I attempted to pay, their card machine was not working. I agreed to pay over the phone later since I did not have my physical card with me and usually use Apple Pay. I was also told that the procedure I needed would not be covered by my insurance. When I left, I was given what I thought was my receipt. Shortly after, the receptionist called and informed me that she had accidentally given me another patient's receipt that contained all of their personally identifiable information. We agreed she would come by my home to pick it up and provide me with the correct receipt since she lived close by. I was told the fee would be waived because of the inconvenience. However, that same fee was later processed and paid by my insurance company -- the same fee the office said would not be covered. Afterward, I called my insurance company about the other procedure and learned that it is actually covered at 50%. When I called the dental office back to ask them to submit it for pre-approval, the receptionist was adamant that she was not submitting anything to the insurance and insisted that I get confirmation in writing from my insurance first, as if submitting a claim would cost the office something. Dr. Smith himself was great, but the front office experience was frustrating, inaccurate regarding insurance coverage, and concerning given the mishandling of another patient's personal information. read more

I have been going to Dr. Smith's office for well over 10 years. He and his office staff are superb. They have always worked with me to find the best solution and preventative care has been a priority. The practice has a bit of a holistic flavor in that we discussed how different things can affect oral hygiene. I've learned a lot, and my mouth is certainly in much better shape than it was years ago. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Karl Smith for several years now for dental and periodontal care. I will never seek another dental practice--Dr. Smith is fantastic. The entire staff is very professional and kind. The dental hygienist, Bibi, is first class. Bibi is very professional and extremely gentle and thorough. Bibi is considerate about all my concerns. I would absolutely recommend this practice to anyone seeking complete dental and oral preventive care. DR read more

Excellent dental practice. Dental implant experience was handled so well by Dr. Smith his outstanding assistant, Kyler, and other staff members including Kylie, Karina and Brettany. Everyone puts you at ease, makes you comfortable and answers questions. Highly recommend. read more

I had problems with my gums for years, despite adhering to oral hygiene. Dr. Smith helped tremendously. Great staff that explained how the laser surgery worked, and helped me through every step. Prompt when I came for appointments, they worked with me and my insurance, and were completely professional in every way. Doctor Smith is a true expert in his field. Clean office, great with working with you, and the laser surgery worked without the discomfort or recovery period that standard surgery takes. Also, they told me what it would cost, and then didn't nickel and dime you, you pay the price, and then the follow up visits are covered. Wish I didn't need it, but wish I knew about this treatment before I wasted thousands of dollars on Arestin. Thanks! read more

I had oral surgery about a month ago. I cannot rave highly enough about Dr. Smith and every member of his staff. Beginning with a very thorough consultation visit, the next step was to go through a seamless scheduling process. Next, I came into the office and was walked through every detail about my payment options and preparations for the day of the procedure. With each visit, the Covid safety protocols for checking in and out of the office were diligently followed. The office is always immaculately clean and well ventilated. On the day of the surgery, I was not at all nervous because I had the utmost confidence in everyone in this office. The two hour surgery, conducted by Dr. Smith and assisted by Kyler, went perfectly. I was completely comfortable throughout the entire procedure. I couldn't have asked for a better team to perform the surgery. I had two post-op visits to the office to ensure the surgery was successful (it is). Both post-op visits ran very smoothly and on schedule. To Dr. Smith, Kyler, Beverly, Leah, Hanne, and Karina: THANK YOU ALL for being so compassionate and professional. Each of you went above and beyond to ensure that my surgical procedure was successful and that I understood every detail of the process in advance. I appreciate you all taking such good care of me! read more

Dr. Smith's services are adequate; however, their non-transparent billing practices will leave you paying several hundred dollars after your visit. You will have no understanding or knowledge of their fees until long after your exam. Find another dentist. read more

My general dentist referred my mother to Dr. Smith due to severe gum issues. While the fact that coming to the dentist was daunting enough for my mother, the staff has made us feel comfortable and at ease throughout the entire process. Coming into the office for the first time, we were kindly welcomed by the receptionists, Leah and Amber. Our hygienists Jill and Mary were exceptionally wonderful, as they put my mom and I at ease the entire time while doing charting of her gums, as well as when it came to the thorough cleaning. We are grateful for their patience and kindness throughout this entire process. Dr. Smith was absolutely amazing explaining the course of treatment, and was optimistic about her gum health. We started seeing results immediately and were ecstatic. They continue to serve their patients with quality care and honesty at a reasonable price. This practice goes above and beyond for their patients, and we look forward to seeing more progress with my mother's gum health. Thank you to Dr. Smith and his wonderful staff for the exceptionally wonderful care they provide. We highly recommend Dr. Smith! read more

My experience was very pleasant. They take COVID-19 protocols pretty seriously. They used medical masks, which seems a little causal for the nature of periodontistry. Other than that they seem very diligent. They space patients out, and use air filters. Everyone I interacted with was very kind. Kyler and Brettany worked with me multiple times and they were great. I would recommend the office to a friend who gets nervous at about going. I think they would find the company entertaining and comforting. read more

I had two surgeries with Dr. Smith and both times his staff were wonderful every step of the way, I would like to especially thank Kyler, Beverly, and Leah for always being patient with me, answering my questions and making sure I was comfortable with the procedure - highly recommend!! read more

Best DENTIST OF ALL TIME!! My name is Candi! Pretty much most of my experience for super straight teeth are cavities, root canals, perio work and extractions/implants. I am a reputable source for care in dentistry with patient experience. You can tell the difference. He is just that good... I mean he is the best from the East to the West this guy hooked me up text book style. I looked like an anatomy book photo. No pictures pls. He saved my teeth!! read more

I started visiting Dr. Karl Smith's office in approximately 2012. After recently moving to Virginia, I was looking for a new dentist/periodontist who could a) remove my long-standing lower retainer and b) find a way to permanently fix the congenital missing gaps between the teeth next to my two front teeth. At this time I was 24 years old and about to be kicked off my parent's insurance. Dr. Smith and his Team did an AMAZING job with my teeth!! I ended up with two bridges (total of 6 teeth) that covered the gaps next to my two front teeth. Dr. Smith also worked to even out my bite, and most importantly, found a way to nix my awful bottom retainer. I cannot tell you how many times people have commented on my smile, or told me they could not believe how perfect my teeth look!! After I got kicked off of my parent's insurance in approximately 2014, Dr. Smith's Team worked with me to find affordable solutions for my dental care until I was able to get back onto an insurance plan. Since 2014, I have returned to Dr. Smith's office for my annual cleanings and dental maintenance. Special shout out to MJ for going out of her way every. single. time. to make the waterpik portion of my cleaning as painful as possible (she know's how much I hate this!). Also, shout out to Dr. Gottlieb for making me feel at ease after discovering a tooth that needed an emergency extraction. Finally, I am very appreciative to all of the Dental Assistants and Front Office Staff at Dr. Karl Smith's Office. Having worked in customer service jobs myself, I am very attuned when businesses/offices fail to hire competent, personable professionals for their reception areas. I can 100% say this is NOT Dr. Smith's Team! They are always so helpful and go out of their way to make me feel welcome!! read more

It would be difficult for me to overstate how appreciative I am of Dr. Smith's practice. He's a periodontist, which if you've been referred to one it generally means you're likely to have moderate to serious issues and probably haven't been to a dentist in a while. (like me) He's professional. He's sensitive to all the anxiety. He's completely transparent. He's got the latest technology. And it's ABSOLUTELY clear that he demands very high levels of service from his supporting cast. Needing a periodontist...well, it sort of sucked. Finding Dr. Smith? That sucked a heck of a lot less. read more

Without a doubt the best dentist office in the dc area. Their entire staff is unbelievably friendly and professional. Like a lot of people I get anxiety going to the dentist due to root canals or cavities I've had in the past. I had the pleasure of having BIsi do my exam and cleaning on my last visit and I completely forgot I was at the dentist. She was amazing!!! She was so warm and kind and made an experience I usually can't stand very enjoyable. read more

This is a follow up to my original review (below)--Since my review, I received the reply below as well as a letter in the mail. I also received the pricing breakdown I had asked for as well as a refund for the overpayment I had previously called with questions about. I am deeply appreciative of Dr. Smith and his office for resolving the issue--that is a testament to the type of people they are. While I will continue to go to my original dentist, I would suggest this office, should anyone need a respectful dentist in Alexandria. ---------- ORIGINAL REVIEW: I found Dr. Smith via ZocDoc, and I must say my first appointment there was great. They are extremely friendly and knowledgable. This review has the two stars it has for that reason. But after that, they told me I required $2500 worth of services. I asked repeatedly for an itemized breakdown of these--first I was told they had to get permission from someone higher up in order to do that, who wasn't available. After that I finally received something in the mail, but it was just a list of the treatments they wanted to preform, and the price I already had at the bottom. This was all information I already had! I JUST needed a breakdown! I returned to my old childhood dentist (about a 40 min drive, but worth it), who told me a lot of what they were wanting to do was unnecessary. But I did return for them to do my crown lengthening procedure, since my only qualms with this office were the billing/business end--not the doctors. I came in for a consolation, waited 40 minutes (was also 10 minutes early) to only be seen for less than 10 minutes. That's frustrating, but I understand back-ups happen... But it didn't help my opinion. The procedure itself was great--not that lowering your gum line is ever fun--but Dr. Smith was quick and tidy. I had zero issues with the surgery or post. It was 100% professional. The procedure cost $995 ($945 after full payment discount). I asked for a itemized receipt again (this one is for my insurance). The receipt they gave me only said "Pt. Pmnt" and the date. Giving ZERO information to the procedure and what all that money went to. So obviously my insurance declined it. The receipt was also very confusing. It read: Pt. Pmmt (date) ... $945 Full Payment Savings ... $50 TOTAL: $995 When I called in with questions about that and to receive newer, more useful receipt, the receptionist was catty and rude. Saying "I don't understand, do you not want the $50 savings?" I was calling because I was confused as to why the billing looked like it was charging me for savings. The receipt is terrible, confusing, and explains nothing. I was taken aback and already frustrated with my ongoing issues here. I just wanted a clear receipt! After all is said and done, I must say the staff is generally very friendly, and remembers who you are. Dr. Smith is professional and knows his stuff. But the disorganization and failure to provide information just rubbed me the wrong way and has left a bad taste in my mouth. My other dentist provides FULL disclosure without me even needing to ask (which I shouldn't need to!!). If I am paying you a GRAND I really expect some transparency into what I am paying, and it shouldn't be too hard to get it on paper. read more

This practice is awesome from top to bottom. They go out of their way to make sure their patients are taken care of. My entire family uses them and I was very impressed. read more

Dr. Smith is an awesome dentist! He has a wonderful chair side manner. He knows how to talk to you when you are nervous. I haven't been to a dentist in a very long time so I had some serious issues. I needed several teeth extracted as well as several root canals. He made me feel at ease, as well as his staff. They are all very professional and treat you well. They always ask you how you are doing and talk to you like normal people, not like a number like other dentist offices I have been too. He truly cares about his patients. I would highly recommend Dr. Smith to anyone that needs extensive dental work done or implants. He's worth it. read more

Dr. Smith has been my periodontist for a few years. He flawlessly put in place two implants and there was absolutely no pain and very little discomfort. Since then, his excellent hygenist staff have maintained and promoted my dental health. The billing and appointments are always accomplished cheerfully and efficiently. In 2011 I was deployed overseas with the Army and I was in urgent need of a replacement mouthguard. On a very brief home visit his office worked me in and then sent me the replacement. I highly recommend Dr Smith and his outstanding professional hygenists and support staff. read more

I was referred to Dr. Smith from a friend, my dentist wanted me to see a periodontist . We'll I'm glad I choose Dr. Smith , this is my second time being in the office and everyone you come in contact with is so kind and unbelievable nice , especially with all the COVID 19 procedures going on . They make making an appointment so easy thanks Kathleen , to understanding your bill and any questions Lea was right on top of it all. I have to have a procedure soon Karina explained step by step what was going to to happen and made me feel at ease .Beverly the office manager recognized me for the second time spoke to me like she's known me for years , welcomed me back with a warm welcoming and a big smile and a sincere hello. There are other folks there everyone is so nice . My husband is having issues has been to many dentists none of which seem to help he had an appointment today with Dr. Smith and said what a great feeling leaving a dentists office knowing that you feel so confident that he will help you. Dr. Smith you have one terrific team working with you. read more

I wish that I had done my research first! I had a pleasant first visit based on the recommendation of my dentist. I was smart enough to ask my dentist to send my x-ray so no additional x-rays or expenses will occur. After a very brief review, I was given a treatment plan of $4285!! When I question the cost and treatment, the office manager BeverlyWilburn emailed me back stating that "Delaying is a big risk in the treatment not being the same and/or additional costs". This scare tactic worked! I went to my previous trusted dentist and a periodontist he recommended, both had the same conclusion that I DO NOT need any extractions, and no Implant is needed!! You will assume that your doctor will provide the best medical advice. This is NOT the case here. Financial interests come first as confirmed by two other dentists. BE AWARE!! read more

A mixed experience. Dr. Smith performed a somewhat complicated surgery on my gums with excellence. I was impressed by how he worked in collaboration with his young team of empowered professionals and equally impressed by the courtesy and energy of all the dental technicians and front desk folks I encountered. When I had a concern a few days after surgery on a Saturday, Dr. Smith returned my call from his home promptly and personally. Unfortunately, I had issues with "the back office." I found the release forms I was asked to sign demeaning and of questionable legality. The billing process - attempting to charge me for the total cost of the surgery despite the fact that an insurance claim was only days old - came across as predatory. When I attempted to obtain help with a prescription, the office manager treated me disrespectfully and I had to be much more assertive than I would have liked in order to obtain the grudging assistance that I should have received with a spirit of service. Despite the excellent medical care I received, the back office issues undermine my trust in the greater practice and give me pause when considering whether or not I would seek care there again. read more

Dr. Smith, it is not a matter of liking or disliking you as I don't even know you. I saw you for two minutes and that was it. I don't even know about the quality of your service. The things that really bothers me is that your office told me that you are fully participant in my insurance policy. They never made an attempt to reach out to me to explain anything and when I called they were rude to me. Anyway, my insurance paid its portion for out of net and many thanks for that and I paid the rest. Lesson learned. read more

Initially I was excited to become a patient of this practice. When I asked for an itemized breakdown of the $25,000.00 worth of procedures I was planning to have done- they refused. I personally think that anyone who is about to spend a significant amount of money should be provided with automatically. In the end, while I truly liked the staff and the dentist, I went with the dentist that ended up costing me more overall, but provided me with an itemized treatment plan with cost breakdown without hesitation. read more

Leaving an update because this "doctor" sent me a message on here accusing ME of being a fraud because he can't find my name in his records. First of all, I had my procedure done there 5 years ago, secondly he has no way of knowing my last name because it isn't listed on my yelp profile, and thirdly, I just finally got the graft that he botched redone by someone who actually knows what they're doing. If you don't want to waste your money on having to get the same procedure done twice, don't go here. I'm out another $600 because of this guy. read more

Dr. Smith is an amazing Dentist. He listens to you, and is very patient. His work is amazing and he has a terrific team that make you feel welcome!! I this office! read more

Rude and uncaring. I was referred to this loser by another dentist. He had trained his staff to redo unnecessary tests just so he can charge for them, not because they're needed. On my first visit, the staff said that the x-rays they received from the referring dentist were unreadable but they had a nice intro special for be new clients. I just thought that the other dentist didn't send the correct images and I re-scheduled my appointment with Karl Smith. In the morning if 3/12/2018, I went to the other dentist to get a copy of my x-rays and was sent the same exact image that was sent to him by secure email. When I returned to Karl Smith's office on that day, they still were saying that the image wasn't good enough and I explained that they were perfectly visible on the computer screen. Turns out, that they printed the entire image (with all the slides) on a single sheet of letter size paper in portrait mode which anyone who has ever done anything in medicine should know that doing so cannot yield a readable image. One of the hygienists said that she needed to do new probe measurements and that it was free, and again said that they didn't have them from the other dentist's office. I explained that cost wasn't an issue but that I'd rather not go through that discomfort again. She said that Karl Smith normally wanted their own measurements but asked if I wanted to speak to him and I said yes. While waiting for Karl Smith, I called the other office and I unfortunately took my frustration out on the nice lady who answered the phone and demanded that every single piece of information about me be sent to Karl Smith's office. Shortly after, Karl Smith came in and sat next to me and asked "You don't want to do the measurements." I answered "I rather not" to which he replied "Leave!". This was extremely rude coming from a supposed professional and I asked why he was being rude. He said that I lied to the other dentist that I said "that HIS office didn't want to take the X-Rays" he yelled that I must leave and said that he had heard me on my previous visit being rude to his staff. That's two back to back lies. On my previous visit, I actually spent a few minutes talking to the front desk shooting the breeze and even talked about a new car I just bought. Up until the point that he said "leave!" I had a positive experience at his office. Once he lied so blatantly I, without raising my voice, started the obvious to his face: "You're piece of sh*t." As I was walking out, he threatened to call the cops if I didn't leave. I was already leaving so I peppered the "piece of sh*t" with a hearty "go f* yourself." I told one of his very unfortunate employees that I felt sorry they had to work for that a-hole. read more

The office was very pleasant and got me scheduled right away. Leah helped give me information about what needed to be done to my tooth and overall was very helpful. read more

Their service maybe good with few smiles here and there but their service is expensive You will end up paying a large out-of-pocket charges. They charge the insurance more than other dentist do So shop around. read more

Avoid. A recent visit and willing to pay out of pocket for what I thought would be top service resulted in not meeting my expectations. For about $400 for a perio visit (keep in mind that I have had spent $1,500 for a quad deep cleaning within the past 12 months followed by a general cleaning 6 months prior) I simply wanted to get a "perio professional" assessment to make sure I was on tract. I assumed new xrays would be taken but they mentioned that wasn't included in the $400 and said my teethand gums looked great. After the check up I asked about specific gums in the back and ONLY then did the DR suggest That I should have tissue grafting done for a few thousand! So my car runs great but what the heck, lets change the transmission for you! I am seeing more and more dentists and and specialists going for the unnecessary up sell that its time to go overseas. read more

I just had my third visit with Dr. Smith's office and am even more pleased. I had a "deep cleaning" done which I was dreading and MJ did a great job. I had no pain except for a little soreness afterwards, which was totally expected. And that only lasted a day. I then went in and had some cavities filled. Again, no pain! When I say no pain I mean I did not even feel the needle when he numbed me. I was amazed. And I got a follow up call that night just to check up on me. Great customer service! read more

I went for a check up to Dr. smith office, the atmosphere was very amigable. When they called me inside I was greeted by a very nice hygienist her name is lateea, usually when I go for a cleaning I leave the office with pain. But Lateea was so gentle and knew what she was doing. Thank you for the great job. read more

Wow, Karl! I'm pretty sure I can write a review whenever I want. The reason why we gave you a "scathing" review on your website was because of the letter that you had hand written and sent to me AFTER your staff had sent me a follow up email to rate my service and give my feedback. If you don't like to hear honesty and negative comments, then maybe you shouldn't follow up with customers and ask for their feedback. Also, if you "stand behind what you said" then why did you remove the picture of the hand written note you had sent me from your FB website? read more

I saw Dr. Smith late 2015 and was told I needed multiple surgeries. I was initially impressed as he was thorough. I paid my fee as deposit for my first surgery -- a gum graft using palate tissue. I went ahead and did the surgery -- it was incredibly painful -- the roof of my mouth certainly did not feel like I had eaten burnt pizza. And it did not feel any better after one week. The teeth around the site of the graft were also very unhappy and I ended up having to have two unexpected root canals. I did everything I was supposed to post-surgery, but the graft surgery was an epic failure. I went in to have the stitches removed and for a post-op follow up and Dr. Smith was too busy at his Xmas party to see me. I had just spent several thousand dollars. Wow. Go elsewhere and ask how often the procedures are successful. Don't settle for "well, it depends...." I have no idea whether this doctor is a scammer or not, but I would not recommend seeing him. read more

Yeah I love Dr. Smith and his staff- if you need work done, this is the place to do it! They are a fantastic bunch of people and so supportive and friendly- I couldn't ask for a better place to have to have work done at! The best in care and the best supporting staff too! read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Smith for 10+ years. I've never received anything but EXCELLENT care by Dr. Smith and his staff. Gum grafting, crowns, implants. Perfect work that is even complimented on by my regular hygienist's office! Dr. Smith has been our Dr. for my entire family and many of my friends. None of us would even consider seeing anyone else. Perfect treatment, perfect work, perfect all around. (I read another review from someone - D.D. - who appears to be hoping the Dr. would find something wrong and when they didn't, he was upset? Hmmmm....make's you wonder). My one and only concern about Dr. Smith is that he will one day retire. And, I don't believe we'll ever find a comparable replacement. Thank you, Dr. Smith and Staff......you guys rock! Here are some extra stars for you * * * * *. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Smith's for about 4-5 years now and couldn't be more pleased. I tend to be very squeamish when it comes to dental procedure, but the team of hygienists and reception staff really now how to put those fears to rest. Lateea and Katy have been a joy to work with and are truly a great addition to Dr. Smith's already outstanding team! read more

I had a great experience at Dr. Smiths office. Great office, great staff, great service!

My rating is an average for the experience I had at Dr. Smith's office. Dr Smith and his technician were very nice. I did not have to wait long before seeing him. The front office staff were nice when I got there but after the exam this was no longer the case. I had to wait in the waiting room for about 15 minutes for someone to explain the cost of treatment to me. I thought I would just make an appointment, pay what was owed and then leave. When she was finally ready to see me, she took me to a back room and sat down to give her little speech. I suddenly felt like I was buying a car from a salesman. There was just a lump sum with no explanation of what the charge was for each thing. Then she said she would have to have a certain amount paid up front which is understandable. When I called the next day to schedule the appointment, I had to check with my husband to see when he was available, I also had a few questions about the bill. Nancy was put on the phone and she was extremely rude and acted like I was trying to get out of paying when I simply felt like I needed more of an explanation of the charges. They had me pay for my exam up front saying that my insurance would not cover the charge. I knew this was not true since I have had perio work before my insurance has always paid. Today I received a statement in the mail from my insurance and sure enough they paid. I called the office about a refund and Beverly answered the phone. She was very rude as well answering my question about my refund. Bottom line, if you like being treated like you are trying to get out of paying when all you want is your questions answered this is the place for you. Dr. Smith 4 stars but his office staff 1 star. read more