Lawrence D. Singer, DMD-DC Smiles

I gave Dr. Singer two stars because of his sales tactics, payment process, and lack of concern for the well-​being of patients. We’ll get to that later.
First, I’d like to commend him on his outstanding marketing skills. DC Smiles has two upscale locations — one in D.C. and one in Old Town. I’m reviewing the Alexandria location — set in a nicely renovated, historic brick row house in the heart of a wealthy neighborhood. When you walk in, you’re greeted by grand fireplace and «therapy dog» wagging its adorable tail. With this kind of grandeur, the service must be superb. The staff is extremely attractive (not by accident), friendly and clearly trained in customer service. There’s a certain spa experience that Dr. Singer promotes. He also boasts an impressive clientele of Redskins cheerleaders. The guy clearly knows how to sell himself to those willing to finance his pompous locations and opulent lifestyle (cue the luxury vehicles in the back parking lot and conversations about his McMansion). I do believe he does quality work, but at what expense?
That brings me to the cons. Maybe I’m a purist, but I would like to think that doctors go into the business to improve lives. I didn’t get that from Dr. Singer. I don’t have a perfect smile but I have a nice one. My teeth are straight, white and I get compliments often. When I asked him to replace a little discolored bonding on the front tooth, he suggested that I get veneers instead — even though he admitted I had nice teeth. However, one veneer isn’t enough, he said. Every tooth exposed when I smile would need to be veneered to match (if you’re unfamiliar with the invasive, destructive process of these superficial ceramic buggers, look them up). This conversation continued over multiple visits — and each time I expressed how uncomfortable I felt about destroying my natural teeth, to have them ground down to little stumps and ceramic shards glued on. At one point, he gave an estimate for $ 12,000. What I wanted was to replace the bonding — like dentists have happily done in the past — and I would have been happy. Eventually, he agreed to do the work. So I set up an appointment for the procedure and a teeth cleaning. After the cleaning, he acted like he forgot about the bonding and said that I would have to return. Finally… I returned. At one point, Dr. Singer had the audacity to say he would be losing money on the procedure. He made no effort to hide his irritation. Apparently, $ 800 for less than two hours of work isn’t enough if you can con someone into a whole set of veneers. Other dentists have charged me less than $ 100. Advising patients that the correct procedure won’t make them money is absurd. Pressuring them to get a vanity procedure they don’t need — for 10x more — that will destroy their natural teeth — is unethical. Don’t let his perfect smile or smooth persona fool you. He’s a businessman who will not hesitate to push the most profitable products: veneers, braces, and TMJ therapy.
Also — expect to pay the full balance in cash upfront — and hope you’ll be reimbursed by your insurance company at their leisure. It’s not the most customer-​friendly policy, but it is DC Smiles’.
FYI — this is not DC Smiles’ first Unilocal account. When I first researched them, they had another account with negative reviews. I should have listened.
Update: I have a new dentist now. I told him my story and he was shocked. He also said that I have a nice, healthy smile and slightly improving it isn’t worth the destruction of my natural teeth. FYI — he’s a cosmetic dentist who does veneers.

Dr. Singer is AMAZING! I’ve been struggling with symptoms of TMJ for years and after seeing countless dentists/​chiropractors I finally decided to search for someone who could really help me understand my TMJ and how to eliminate the pain. I did extensive research and kept coming across Dr. Singer’s website, which promoted me to schedule an appointment.
The second I walked into his office, I felt very comfortable. He is not only extremely knowledgeable, but also very skilled. His «bedside manner» is perfect and his overall presence is warm and welcoming. He walked me through every step and explained what everything meant. He not only did a good job educating me about my diagnosis, but he also gave me a solid timeline for my healing.
I really can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed meeting Dr. Singer and his entire staff, especially LIz and Glenda. They were both AMAZING & they both went out of their way to give me different tips on insurance, and on my body, not just my jaw or teeth.
If you’re reading this, and you have TMJ, go to DC Smiles, Dr. Singer could just change your life like he changed mine.

The staff and doctor here are incredible. I went in this week to get a wisdom tooth taken out. I thought that I was doing a great job of taking care of my teeth, but Dr. Singer found a cavity on one of my molars. He took his time to carefully explain how to properly brush, especially around the back area of my mouth. Plus he also pointed out how important it is to floss to prevent future cavities. As for the wisdom tooth extraction, it was fast and painless. You can definitely tell that he has a lot of experience and was very professional throughout the whole procedure. He’s simply amazing!

I have never met a doctor and entire staff (hygienist/​assistants/​techs/​front desk/​billing department) who take the time to explain and educate their patients so thoroughly and keep our interests in mind. I never feel embarrassed to ask any questions or talk about concerns with the highly educated and friendly staff. Dr. Singer is well trained, knowledgeable and innovative, not to mention he is up to date with the latest and greatest research and technology in his office!

I got assaulted 3 years back and needed significant work done, including fixing a fracture jaw, replacing knocked out teeth with veneers, etc. They were so good that I have used them since for all my dentistry needs including wisdom teeth removal, cleanings, and whitening.
Dc smiles also diagnosed my sleep apnea and helped me sleep considerably better. I no longer have dark circles under my eyes or depend on caffeine to function. Thanks!

So, hard to say I love going to the Dentist, but these guys are great. I will say that they are expensive but they are well worth it. If you are getting a filling or a crown done, wouldn’t you rather have it done by the best? It’s going to be in your mouth for 25+ years, more of an investment than a cost.
Personal experience: I had a crown replaced. The new one looks like alien technology compared to the crappy old one I had [nicknamed «The Marshmallow» for its misshapen appearance].
Summary:
They keep their appointments running on-​time
They do GREAT detail work
Nice office digs
Bring your piggy-​bank