Washington Center for Dentistry

This review is primarily for the front office staff (which does affect the practice). Note that I’ve been a patient here for many years and have referred many people here. So I called last year to cancel my husband’s appointment because he did not want to continue going here since we did not get the full amount of services back from our dental insurance company. I get an email confirmation recently stating that his appointment is coming up. Then I emailed asking the office to cancel my husband’s appointment. I get no confirmation of the cancellation. Finally, I called to cancel the appointment and they said that the would cancel it. Who knows if they will cancel it because that does not seem to be the procedure there. I really think they need to train the people who pick up phones and check emails to be responsive to patients.

I went to the office three times and was over charged or charged incorrectly all three times. The most frustrating experience was when my treatment plan noted $ 12k worth of work (braces). I went to get a second opinion and was quoted $ 6500. I was shocked to say the least, when I reached out asking why their quote was so much higher no one responded. There was also a credit owed to me after a billing error on their part. Literally five emails, multiple phone calls (never returned), and only after I mentioned the BBB did I get a response. This office has TERRIBLE customer service – no seriously, the worst! Stay away!!!

I stopped going to dentists for a few years after my experience here. Beautiful facility, great view and you get to sign in on an iPad. Only afterwards would I realize that I was about to pay for all of that. Like other reviewers found out, they don’t accept insurance, and they recommend the most expensive procedures, while you are strapped into the dental chair. Have you ever negotiated with car mechanics or used car sales people while they have sharp instrument jabbed into your mouth? No? Come here, if you want to experience it, or simply enjoy handing cash over to your dentist.

I was in Washington, D.C. For a wedding and broke my veneer. This office was able to take me in the next morning.
The service was great. I really appreciate dr katsavos’ fine work.

This is an excellent cosmetic dentist. Dr. Rinaldi is a true perfectionist and an artist, and very easy to work with. His dental and procedural assistants are also excellent. The front desk staff is always friendly and they seem to always be ready to go and on time. My new upper veneers were not cheap, but they are beautiful and I will wear them every day for many years. My first set of veneers lasted 18 years — then never failed, we just removed them for the new set.
I have not tried this doctor as a regular dental patient, but I think I will.

Great staff all the way around! From the front desk to everyone in the back they really care about the patient!
Dr. Katsaros is great!

Beware. They don’t accept insurance.
When I called for the appointment, the receiptionist did not make it clear. She phrased it like so:
«We accept payment from the patients and then file the insurance claims forms for you.»
Well that’s code for we’re out of network and your not getting anything back. Luckily I read the new patient forms thoroughly and began asking questions. I even called BCBS who explained to me. I hightailed it out of there. Lol
3 stars because the receptionist was nice, and I love the location. When/​if they began accepting insurance I’ll return.

Disclaimer: This review is for RAQUEL the receptionist who is the reason why I’m rating this dental practice a ⁴⁄₅ rather than my originally intended 1 star.
It’s really unfortunate, you see, that they are very vague and inexplicit about their claims/​insurance policy. They have a beautiful clinic with all sorts of accommodations. Staff and Dr. Katsons were extremely helpful and friendly. However I am new to the DC area, and when I asked the lady whom I talked to on the phone inquiring about insurance plans, she made it seem like Aetna (my insurance) was a form of payment at the clinic. No one EVER mentioned paying out of pocket up front, no one explicitly stated that they were out of network. I only figured that out as I was leaving. $ 500 up front for X-​rays and cleaning? (Keep in mind I came in and asked to see a doctor regarding my wisdom tooth– I didn’t want cleaning, I’m in pain!). Ummm, what?!
Maybe it’s a California thing, but I didn’t understand the insurance policy situation. It seemed like the woman whom I talked to on the phone was just trying to set me up with an appointment, «Oh yeah we take Aetna!» Yes, you take Aetna. but not really.
Raquel was incredibly sweet, took the time to explain the situation with my frantic mother, and filed the claim through Aetna for me. She was extremely accommodating, and could tell I was really confused. So thank you Raquel!!! I’m sure I just misunderstood, but she cleared the air quickly and took care of all the insurance claims/​hassle. She’s a sweetie.
Just beware that they are in fact out of network, because that wasn’t explicitly mentioned prior to my appointment. And make sure they know exactly what you’re coming in for– cleaning is routine, I know, but in the end I only got a referral to yet another out of network doctor. Problem still not solved, but excellent customer service from this woman who could tell I was extremely confused.

In brief, The best dental hygienist that I have seen in my entire life is Soosan in Washington Center For Dentistry.
She, Soosan, cleaned my teeth without cutting any corner! took her time, cleaned every single of my teeth patiently, answered all my questions honestly. She so professionally did her job that I did not realize the time has passed. I highly recommend Washington Center For Dentistry, specifically Mrs. Soosan Mehrani!

I’ve been going to Dr. Deutsch for about 14 years and have had everything from routine check ups to full on veneers from him. He’s a great and personable guy, the office is comfortable and attractive (although I have to say that I preferred the more spa-​like atmosphere of his old office), and I always feel well taken care of by him and his team.
Four stars only because as the practice has grown the lovely aforementioned spa-​like atmosphere has gone with it. It’s still very nice, just not the same. Prices are steep and there does occasionally seem to be a bit overselling going on but whatever — finding a decent doctor in this town can be quite the chore, so I stick with him. Great work, good people — and the prices reflect that.

I changed dental practices after coming to Dr. Rinaldi for a second opinion. I am very glad I made that decision.
I can go on and on about the aesthetics of the office; however that is not what impressed me. I was so impressed from the care I received from my hygienist (Anya) both dental and emotional (I have a complex medical history that makes the dentist terrifying). Dr. Rinaldi once again, impressed me with his chair-​side manner and helping me decide my plan of care.
The only downside is that it is fee-​for-​service, which can make a visit a little pricy (mine was $ 350), but they filed a claim immediately with my insurance company.
I highly recommend going here, you will not be let down!

Judge for yourself, I’ll just describe my experience. This office has made 3 major mistakes for me in the past year:
1) They input my insurance information wrong, insisted that I did it wrong (poor customer service alert!), told me to go to the insurance company… and the whole time, they’d made a typo. This is inexcusable because I’d pointed it out, and they had my husband’s insurance info (identical to mine) on file. Also — they don’t take insurance, and it took me a year to get my reimbursement.
2) I scheduled an appointment for 1pm on Saturday, and without telling me, they changed it to 12pm. They did not tell me, until I was rushing over to make it on Saturday.
3) I scheduled an appointment and called the previous day to cancel, and they told me it had already been cancelled. I did NOT make such a call, nor do I (clearly) have a very common name.
Now here’s the part where I state an opinion:
We’re human, we make mistakes, and maybe I’m just the low-​probability case of three separate people on three separate terrible days. We all have them. I get it. But that being said, it’s not about making mistakes, it’s about how you deal with them right? There’s no communication or restitution for these mistakes.
I can’t continue like this and, unfortunately, after mistake #3 am finally moving my business elsewhere. Sorry. I liked my hygienist too.

Dr. Rinaldi at the Washington Center for Dentistry is the best thing that ever happened to my face. He did a masterful job on my veneers. And between his hilarious sense of humor and top-​notch skill, he puts you at ease and makes any procedure painless. (And believe me, I hate «procedures.»)
Making people happy with their smile is clearly not just a job for Dr. Rinaldi – he really cares about people. I recommend him to everyone I know. For any sort of dental work to make you more beautiful (or handsome) – teeth whitening, veneers (which will change your life), etc., you must see Dr. Rinaldi. His work and interpersonal chair-​side manner are truly incredible.
And re any reviews complaining about cost, the solution is to just – as you should with any service – ask the cost upfront. If you don’t think it’s worth it, then don’t go ahead with it. Simple as that. I have never had any cost surprises with Dr. Rinaldi. He tells it to you straight, and you can make your own decision before incurring any cost. But trust me, you will be thrilled with the results. I’m happy every day I look in the mirror. And that is well worth it!

Claims submission has gotten better. It did damage my opinion for a while, but still my favorite dentist office in DC.

This place is expensive, but well worth it. I’ve never had such great dental health or felt so competent in taking care of my teeth. The office is very well-​designed. They make an effort to make sure you are comfortable. There are water bottles and juice boxes in the mini fridge, a great view, and computers to use while you wait.
I love how WCD uses technology. On your first visit, you fill out your forms on an iPad. In the exam rooms, there is a monitor facing the seat. The hygienist takes photos or x-​rays of your teeth and those images come up on the monitor. The hygienist and the dentist then reference these photos as they talk to you about your teeth. Very helpful! I usually just nod along when the dentist tells me sometg about my teeth, but now I can actually see what they’re talking about and it has made me so much more proactive in my dental health.
When I’ve had more extensive work down, I was brought a warm, wet towel after the procedure to freshen up my mouth and face at the sink. I’ve never had that kind of service at a dentist before! Much appreciated.
I read a few negative reviews here. That is expected since the office is run by humans, but I was still kind of surprised. I have it had any cosmetic work done there though, so I cannot comment on that.
It is pricey. I am a young person early in my career, not making buckets of money, but I think it is worth the price. You do have to pay up front, but they send the claim to your insurance. I have read a review that said they don’t do this, but I have not have that problem. Yesterday the receptionist said, «I’m sending your claim electronically right now.» I also read that people felt that insurance was frowned upon there, but please know that that is to the general attitude of the office. Maybe that person had a rare interaction with a snooty receptionist (whom I’ve never come across at the office, they’ve all been very nice).
I highly recommend this place if you don’t typically like the dentist experience. They will make you very comfortable. Make sure your insurance will cover you though, because it is expensive.

The first impression was great. The reception staff was friendly and office was beautiful. In fact, all of the staff are wonderful.
However, when the bill came, I was shocked at the cost. I don’t have dental insurance, so paying over $ 1400 out of pocket is a hardship. I have never had dental work, aside from a retainer when I was a teen, so normally my bills are in the $ 100-​$ 150 range for cleaning with x-​rays. I did have a nightguard crafted, as I’ve been told by multiple dentists that I needed one, and that added $ 770 to my bill, which by all accounts is excessive. Even without the nighguard, my bill would have exceeded $ 600 for a simple cleaning, x-​rays, «sealant», and flouride treatment. (We have flouride in the city water, was this really necessary?).
I feel partially responsible, as I wasn’t a proactive consumer, asking if everything was absolutly necessary and the associated costs. However, other practices I’ve been to advise patients of the associated costs before preforming optional costly procedures. I felt a bit like someone who goes in for an oil change and ends up paying for a new transmission because the mechanic says you need it.
My follow-​up visit for the nightguard fitting (a 10 minute procedure) took over 2 hours of waiting. I had missed my original appointment due to a work conflict. (I did call to cancel/​reschedule, and they were able to fit me in same day). Even the receptoinist staff was upset on my behalf.
I will not be a return customer.

Overall: way, way too expensive and sales-​y; poor admin work.
I made an initial appointment, and then called and changed it. I got three separate calls from the office confirming my previous appointment time, and asking why I wasn’t there. After I explained to everyone that I had changed the time, when I arrived for my actual appointment, I was down for procedures that had nothing to do with the services I needed.
I saw Dr. Deutsch. He was fine, but gruff, and given my fear of the dentist, not really comforting.
The sound of drills and cleaning is all through the office, and none of the exam rooms have doors.
They are not willing to work with you on prices for procedures, and try and upsell Invisalign and other procedures. No thanks.

Let me just sing the praises of this place!
First, let me start by saying that yes, it’s a tad pricey but it’s well worth it.
Second, let me say that I LOATHE the dentist. I really hate everything about going.
These guys are the best. As I said, I have a really intense aversion to the dentist due to some awful experiences as a kid. Dr. Rinaldi is the best, he’s very gentle and SO nice. When I walked in, I was given a tour of the facility and I received a gift (who doesn’t like gifts?!). Saundra took me back to the exam room (or whatever they call it) and chatted me up about my teeth, my watch, my life… she was really nice. Kind of reminds me of an auntie or a close friend of my moms. Anyhow, she made me feel super comfortable. Dr. Rinaldi came in and I was in love. He asked me what I wanted and then told me how he could make it happen. 3 days later… I had a killer smile! The procedure required Novocain, which didn’t make me happy, but he was so gentle, I didn’t even realize he’d injected it until he moved his hand.
Everyone in the office is super professional. And the location of the office gives me a lot to look at while I wait for them to call me back.
OH! And they will play your choice of music for you while you get your smile worked on.

Hard to tell if this is a dentist’s office or a spa. From the moment you walk into the place, you see a super modern, clean, well appointed reception area complete with juices & bottled water. Every single member of the staff that passes you smiles and greets you, whether they are treating you or not. It’s a really welcoming and professional place, which is reassuring and instills confidence.
I’ve been to 3 dentists in DC prior to finding this place and my experience with them was horrible. The first set a rookie dentist on me to give me a bunch of fillings before firing him and asking me to come in so they could right their wrongs. No thanks! The other two had old, antiquated office space & run-​of-​the-​mill service from staff. Dr. Doctors is fantastic and highly capable. You can just tell you’re in the hands of a true professional. I had a really difficult filling that needed to be replaced and he handled it so well. He’s also really friendly.
Only downside is that you’ve got to pay up front for services and then wait for your insurance provider to reimburse you, which is hit or miss. I called my insurance company to see what % of the treatment I was going to receive would be covered and they said 80%, so I went with it only to get a check for 25% of the treatment. Now I have to go back to them and that’s a hassle. But, to have good teeth and the feeling of trusting your dentist is worth it, I suppose!

I don’t take one star reviews lightly. That being said, if I could I would give the washington center for dentistry negative 5 stars for extremely poor quality treatment and terrible customer service.
First– quality. I paid $ 6K out of pocket for invisalign with Dr Deutch. He made an error in my treatment and over corrected my teeth to the point that my teeth became crooked again! I asked what was going on many times but it took months before he admitted he made a mistake. I had to go through 3 additional months of treatments to fix the overcorrection.
Service: now for the really bad part. I’m human, and after 4 years I lost my maintenance retainers. So I called and asked them to order me a new set. This is what they said: «sorry, there is nothing we can do». I am not kidding. After days of back and fourth apparently these people are so awful they can’t just reorder my last set of retainers. I have called several other offices about this and they all have said that it should be a simple reorder. JUST REORDER MY LAST SET OF RETAINERS! Well, because they are so unhelpful I now have to pay $ 500 to get a new set. And the kicker is that they never even gave me my final set of retainers when i finished my treatment so they still owe me one.
I am absolutely appalled by the way I have been treated and I advise anyone considering this center to look elsewhere. They are overpriced and rude and should be out of business. I very rarely write one star reviews, but this one is well deserved