McMillan & Associates

I want to say great things about this place because it is the closest I’ve come to finding a good dentist in the DC area. It is the third dentist I have tried and a local friend recommended them.
Great hygenists and staff. I would love to come back because everyone here is very kind. The hygienists that worked with me even sent me a Starbucks gift card as a welcome and hope to see you again.
However, I won’t be returning because of the prices. My dental insurance does not cover a dental evaluation that costs $ 135 and bite wings at $ 88. My insurance will only permit a dental evaluation at $ 65 and batwings at $ 40. And as this is out of network, they would therefore cover 75% of the $ 65 and $ 40 price. I did ask them to check with my insurance for an estimate for the cleaning and fillings. I assume it too will be overly expensive for my insurance.
Finally, I had to pay up front at the dentist before insurance. At previous dentists I have tried I am sent the bill in the mail after it goes through insurance. I know this is likely how most insurance will be in the future. It just seems unusual to me.
This review is for the Alexandria office, which I couldn’t find on Unilocal

I adore Dr McMillan. I have been coming here since 1999 (excluding the time I spent out of state for college — I came straight back! I even drive ~45 miles to visit the facility now).
I am always able to get in, even short notice — and they don’t give me any trouble if I need to reschedule. They get you in exactly on time — I have never had to wait.
Dr McMillian does amazing cosmetic and sedation dentistry. My mom has a lot of anxiety and pain with dental visits but she’s always at ease under their care. He saved the life of a friend I recommended to him when he got her in for emergency surgery for an infection that nearly got into her brain.
He believes in proactive tooth care. I’ve seen some reviews where the patient complains that he suggests too much work. Well, to those people I pose the question: how bad did the problem get later? I’m 29, (been under his care for many years) and have 3 fillings and now a crown (over a bad filling from a previous childhood dentist) — all obtained as a result of lackluster care while I was in college. Fix the small cavity now or have a big cavity or crown (or worse) later –my husband’s teeth are a perfect example. He will not force anything on you if you are not ready or comfortable. I love that they take the time to show me my X-​rays and the photos they take of my teeth to show me why something is being suggested and to show he progress of the decay of Ive declined the procedure before. It took 2 ½ years for me to be ready for my crown, despite his suggestion I deal with it earlier. But he was patient all the while. They will work out payment plans if needed, and accept care credit, too — for those big procedures.
The hygienists are always super friendly very gentle. Dr McMillian takes his time to explain everything very carefully, answer any questions, and has the gentlest touch! I feel sometimes like he treats me as though I have a faberge egg in my mouth :)
Dr McMillian is not in-​network for my insurance so I have to pay a little extra for the visit, but it is worth it to have a dentist you can trust has your best interest in mind, will hear you out, and you KNOW will do a good job. My teeth are in good hands here and I dread ever having to move further away.

My experience at Dr. McMillan’s office was probably the best dentist office experience I’ve ever had, if not the best doctor’s office I’ve ever visited. Upon entering the door I was greeted with a friendly «Welcome to the practice!» The kindness continued on with my consultation with DA Nicole, who I imagine could put the most anxious patient at ease. She constantly monitored my comfort level during the exam and x-​rays. It was a pleasant change from any of my previous dentist visits. When I finally met with Dr. McMillan I found him to be very professional but very affable. He and Nicole both explained things in terms that were understandable and made sure I understood my treatment plan. Upon leaving the front desk staff made sure I had all the information I’d need to make the best decisions for my care. Sadly, I won’t be able to see Dr. McMillan and his amazing office staff again as I learned he’s out-​of-​network for my main dental insurance. I can only hope my new dentist office is half as kind and as professional as the staff at Dr. McMillan and Associates. I can say without pause I’d recommend them anyone seeking a new dental care provider.

My review is based strictly on my experience with the front desk (Stephanie, specifically) and with my hygienist, Frances.
I’m pretty sure I made my appointment over the phone with Stephanie, although I’m not positive. She had a really great phone manner and she took her time with me. I rarely can make an doctor or dentist appointment these days without feeling rushed and being put on hold at least once. When I showed up late (!), I expected to just reschedule, but Stephanie was very accommodating and polite despite the fact that I’d inconvenienced their office.
Frances was very knowledgeable and thorough, probably the most thorough of any hygienist I’ve ever had. I could tell she cared, she listened to my concerns and fears, and I had a lot of confidence in her. She developed a rapport with me and I felt very comfortable. I’ll be happy to return to her for my cleanings. And she made the most convincing case for flossing that I’ve ever heard.
Overall, I was impressed. I’ll write another review once I’ve had more interaction with the dentist…

On the first visit I received an exam and preliminary information. I was concerned because it appeared that while he would listen to what I said such as NO SEDATION. He would go right back to pushing it. I was told that he wanted me to come back for a more full exam in 3 weeks. I went for that exam, it was scheduled as a one hour visit. As it turned out it was more of a review of the prior visit in an office not an exam room. No new information was provided, it was just a hi pressure sales pitch for things I had already clearly said I was not willing to consider. About 10 minutes into it he interrupted to say his staff was «talking to him in his ear» He was wearing a two way radio. It had to be the least professional thing I ever saw. The reason he acted like he was not listening to me was because he was listening to someone else on an earpiece. If my attorney, accountant or engineer pulled a stunt like that during a meeting I would fire them on the spot. He said he had other people to see and to email him if I had any other questions. As he was leaving I said I did not think our goals well aligned. His response was «You need me a lot more than I need you»
I have no idea how good he is as a dentist but I do know if you would like to make your own decisions as to what you would like to have done he is not the guy to see. Going to him was a waste of time and money.

I’ll let you know how my «decay» is doing after my appointment with my dentist next Wednesday. I can assure you that my teeth are fine, as he told me they were several months ago. I don’t agree with your practice to treat things «proactively» when they aren’t even there to begin with… as I’m sure others would feel. I’m pretty sure that X-​rays would show decay if it existed… and my X-​rays were squeaky clean. You definitely DO have a different philosophy than my dentist and I’m happy that I went back to him.
**Update as of 12÷1÷11 — I went to my dentist of 25 years last night — and guess what! NO CAVITIES STILL. The «cavities» Dr. McMillan found in the summer of 09 have magically disappeared. The ones his office called me FOUR times to schedule fillings and rack in some extra $$… nice. I asked my dentist three times if he was sure I was free and clear. Yep… I believe in miracles ;-) «Decay”/“cavities» disappear. Haha.**
This dentist is a crook. Plain and simple.