Virginia Dental Care

I have had a few unpleasant experiences with this dental practice. My family have been patients since 2012. This was also the time of our last checkup. My four person family had appointments set up for the past two weeks. Last Thursday when we went in for my children’s appointments we were told that we had an unpaid balance of $ 500. My wife had work done in 2012 and we were told that it was all covered by insurance. In the last four years we never once received a bill, phone call or email stating that we owed anything to this practice. They were unable to provide us with a copy of the bill, but stated that we would be turned over to a collection agency if we didn’t pay. I thought that this seemed shady and unprofessional, but I paid.
Fast forward to today. I had another appointment scheduled. I had an appointment card with today’s date and time on it and they told me that I wasn’t on the schedule for today and that I was mistaken about the date. So I showed them the text that they sent me confirming my appointment for today. Then they did agree to see me today. I told them that I did not want an X-​ray due to the fact that they had one on file. They stated that in order to treat me they needed a new X-​ray. I told them that I only wanted a teeth cleaning and they said they couldn’t help me. I let them know that I thought they were unprofessional and they did not seem to care.
These people do not seem to be on the level. Be careful about being overcharged for services.
The lady who works at the front desk is very friendly.

Love the staff! I have been going here since they opened. Very professional and get you in and out.

This review is specifically about the «new» Virginia Dental Care which they claim became a separate entity under a new management in June 2015 (and therefore managed to get Unilocal to erase all of the negative reviews from before that date).
I went in October for a routine cleaning. My teeth have been cleaned routinely every six months (I was living out of the area the last three years, so saw a different dentist) but all of the sudden this practice told me I needed $ 5000 worth of inlays and fillings. When I asked it if could wait until January so I could change my insurance or flex spending, they told me that if I waited even three months I risked needing crowns. They also said that no insurance would cover the work I needed and that I needed to just pay cash. Finding those statements a bit hard to believe, I went for a second opinion — and the second dentist found only ONE small cavity requiring a filling, and not urgently.
They were also difficult with the billing for just this visit — it took my multiple calls to get a copy of an invoice showing the fluoride treatment they charged me for. I won’t be going back. I only delayed in writing this review because I was trying to decide whether to file a formal complain with the board of dentistry.
FWIW, the place does look professional and clean and is in a good location.

I absolutely LOVE this place! I have been going to them for a while now and they always take such good care of me! First of all, I love Dr. Akmal! He is amazing! Going to the dentist for me has been like pulling teeth (har har har) but ever since coming here, its kinda been fun. They have a really relaxed atmosphere and the moment they take you back you feel like you’re well taken care of. He really makes you feel calm and even cracks jokes to get you relaxed. I hate the scrapy noise metal makes on teeth, but he’s super gentle, walks me through every step, and explains what he is doing and why it’s being done. It’s really comforting to know the dentist is taking time to explain everything to you. I’ve had some bad experiences where they just come in and do their work and leave. I guess I value the patient experience a lot. Ok, ill just say it… Im a grown woman that cries every time I have to get a shot. But anytime I had to get one, he made it so easy and pain free and I’m out of there in no time. I’m a believer!
Basically they are worth every single penny if you ask me and I won’t be going anywhere else.

Buyer beware.
At first I liked this place a lot. The people were friendly and the staff competent. I thought it was a little strange that I needed the «deep cleaning» when all my previous dentists had said I have great homecare and really good teeth overall. But ok, I’m getting a little older, maybe my gums have receded a lot and I just never noticed.
Fast forward a few years, I moved into DC and found a dentist close to work. I’ve been to the new place 3 times now for bi-​annual cleanings, and I ask them each time how my gums look, and whether I need any special procedure. And my teeth and gums are in great health. They tell me to keep flossing and brushing like I’ve been doing. Nothing special needed.
It’s clear to me that I was ripped off. It was an expensive procedure that insurance paid very little of. I guess that alone should’ve tipped me off, if it’s so important to my dental health why wouldn’t insurance cover it? Live and learn I guess.

I’ve been visiting Virginia Dental Care for years — and they’ve taken very good care of me. When there was an issue with my insurance unwilling to pay a claim, they in addition to their accounting office, worked exceedingly hard to fight for my claim; and helpfully resolved the issue.
They’ve got themselves a repeat customer by fighting on my behalf.

The dentist here told me I had FIVE cavities. Because I hated how I always have to wait 45 minutes for even the earliest appointment here, I went elsewhere to have them filled. The new dentist diligently searched my mouth and could not find a single cavity. Avoid this place!