Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS

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.

Happy with my visit and extremely thorough cleaning. What astonished me the most was their incredibly friendly and personal staff; certainly nothing like I’ve ever experienced at a dental office.
I found the office from an in-​network MetLife search. To my understanding, the Alexandria office is undergoing major renovations and expansion. I’ve been to a lot of dentists in the past and can honestly stay this is the first time I felt compelled to write a review!

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.

Top notch periodontist! Dr. Smith is extremely experienced and has the latest technology. Dr. Smith instantly puts you at ease with his professionalism. He explains the procedures and really listens to your concerns. He is very personable and obviously cares about his patients. His staff is very knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. I am so thrilled to have found this periodontist and his wonderful team. I certainly will be recommending him without hesitation to all of my friends and colleagues for all of their dental needs.

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.
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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.

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?

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.

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!

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.