Rex Hoang, DMD

My wife originally told me about this place and my first thought was NO, NO, NO.
Downtown DC; Where would I park? I’m sure they are only open during the day. I have to take off of work don’t I?
Boy was I WRONG, WRONG WRONG!
They have FREE PARKING! (Say what? Did he say that right?) Yes, FREE PARKING!
They are opened EVENINGS and WEEKENDS? GET OUTTA HERE!
Came in expecting a super long wait and I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes. I could not believe it. Sat down and the staff were incredible. Treated me like a human being instead of a dollar sign. Offered to play music I like to help make my visit go smoothly. The lovely young assistant took my X’rays and they went through smoothly. The dentist came in and took the time out to show me my X’rays (unlike other places) and pointed out any problems. It was nice being able to see what goes on in my mouth, hear that the actual things he was suggesting I have done, and how they would actually benefit me. The cleaning went well. Whenever I had even the slightest pain and said something the dentist immediately stopped and apologized. At the end, the dentist gave me brochures about product’s that I could use in the future and thanked me for coming.
This is what I call 5 Star status. I highly recommend and I will definitely be going back.

Tried it out because I had an emergency and it was close by. My friend did warn me that the bill can add up. First visit was fine, but it doesn’t make me feel safe when the dentist is telling her assistant the tool is «vibrating» and «getting hot» and asking if they «got this from China». My biggest thing with them is that they make the patient pay out of pocket, and then bill your insurance, which I find inconvenient. My dentist was a nice lady, so was my hygienist. But not sure I’d go back.

This review is rather late because I didn’t know until the past week what a disaster it would have been to continue on with this practice. Dr. Hoang’s ever-​changing treatment plan for me right before I lost my job was to extract several teeth (even though nothing was bothering me) because he said I had severe gum disease and was going to lose them anyway. He was going to place some implants and give me some kind of bridge as well. Before he could start, however, I lost my job and with it my insurance.
Fast forward two years — new job, new insurance, new dentist, who has now provided excellent service but all my teeth are INTACT. Today a cracked crown was prepped for a replacement. A couple of filling replacement and some perio work is in my future, but what isn’t in my future is pulling any more of my teeth and a mouth full of unnecessary implants and bridges.
ALWAYS, get a second opinion before you let someone yank out your teeth. I’m sick that I almost let him do this to me and disgusted that two of my teeth are gone because I didn’t bother to get that second opinion.
I also had issues with the way he treated his very young staff. He was rude to them and constantly reprimanding them in front of his patients. There was a lot of high tech equipment, but the staff had a hard time figuring it out — from the video to show me how to use a water pick he said I really needed to have to the panoramic xray machine. My impression was this was all new to them and they hadn’t been properly trained or given enough time to get used to the new technology. But yelling at your staff in front of patients, who are already stressed out because they are facing painful procedures, is totally unprofessional. I really felt awful for them.
All in all I was a wreck after every visit. I hope, at least, things have gotten better in the last two years, but thought I owed it to prospective patients to give my candid opinion of this dentist, and if he hasn’t already, this dentist will hopefully change his behavior towards his staff and not be so quick to propose drastic treatment plans for his patients. I can’t say why his plan for me was so drastic, but I can only guess it was to save him time or make him more money.

I decided to go to DCDentalSpa because I had a severe toothache and it was hurting like crazy. Anyway, I was able to set my appointment with no problem and when I got to the office the staff seemed pleasant. I ended up getting an extraction and root canal on my two back molars. The Dentist (Dr. Hoang) seemed pleasant enough and the procedure went without problem or pain. However, I experienced a HUGE PAIN when it came time to pay my bill. I paid $ 700.00 cash out of my pocket AND gave them all of my insurance info because they had told me they accept my insurance provider. I was scheduled to come back in a week.
When I came back to get my crown and finish my root canal the staff all of a sudden changed their colors on me by saying that I needed to pay an additional $ 800.00 dollars BEFORE I could see Dr. Hoang and get my tooth finished! I told the girl in the front that I had already paid $ 700.00 and given them my insurance info. She just laughed and said that my insurance only covered so much! I already had a statement from my Dental Insurance company listing how much was paid and it was already over 2,000.00 dollars! I was appalled to say the least. They really had me by my kahunas because I needed to get my root canal finished and had taken off work to make this appointment. The girl working in the front was very rude! I told her that they should have told me BEFORE I came in there to receive my dental work and that I can’t just take off any time I felt like it. She then said to me, «Oh well» and got really smart with me! She outright refused to let me even reschedule!
So, basically I am out $ 700.00 AND whatever my insurance paid them already AND have an unfinished root canal!
Dr. Hoang and his staff should be ASHAMED that they refuse previous customers and are ONLY concerned about how FAT one’s pockets are! This is not a friendly place and they should be investigated by the board.

I first came to DC Dental Spa because of their $ 99 cleaning & exam special. I had a broken tooth and could not go back to my previous dentist. I was seen by Dr. Catchings, he did my cleaning & exam, then went over my X-​rays to tell me what I needed done. I found out I had a really bad cavity in another tooth as well. The estimate for a crown, rebuilding of the tooth and cavity filling was about $ 2k.
Due to a host of circumstances I didn’t go back when I should have. My broken tooth kept breaking and the tooth with the cavity broke as well! Exactly what I was told would happen. Anyway, I eventually went back when my problem teeth started hurting. This time, I was seen by Dr. Hoang (Dr. Catchings is no longer there) & needed two root canals, two rebuilds, two crowns etc. etc. This came up to about $ 7k. I don’t have insurance, but I got care credit. The price didn’t really bother me because you get what you pay for & dental work is not something to be cheap about.
My first root canal turned into an extraction, which healed perfectly (no dry socket!) My second root canal went on as planned. For both procedures, I didn’t feel a thing! When you hear the words «root canal» you assume its going to hurt… a lot, but not at all. I had no pain during either surgery. I had soreness after my extraction, but no pain at all after my root canal. He also filed down a chip I had in my tooth for free!
I appreciate how they try to make you as comfortable as possible in an uncomfortable situation. And they let you choose a pandora station to listen to during your visit.
The staff is friendly and well trained. The hygienist gives you detailed aftercare instructions and they welcome you to call if you have any questions or concerns afterwards. At the end of each visit, they go over what will be done on your next visit and the breakdown of all costs. On a couple of my visits Dr. Hoang himself went over everything with me and set up my next appointments.
Reading other reviews, it seems like they have changed a lot of their practices as I did not experience any of the mishaps mentioned in negative reviews.

I’m surprised reading some of the other reviews since I had a different experience. I have no dental insurance so when the groupon came up for a great price for a cleaning I jumped.
I had been previously to another dentist on 19^th street who tried to sell me everything telling me i needed so many fillings and blah blah blah. Just trying to get money out of me.
I was very pleasantly surprised when this time the Dr, who’s name I do not remember (he was black, with glasses) was super nice and straightforward. I was also happy he actually did the cleaning and not a dental hygienist like at the other place i went to. Anyways he was really straightforward with me and said «Yea, you have some fillings that could be redone, but those can wait. No need to rush. No need to do anything now.» He showed me where on the xrays, explained everything, said to pay extra attention to them and just ‘monitor’. ha, wow! a year before the other dentist was telling me i needed them IMMEDIATELY. hmmm…
On the other end of things they had many available appointments, everyone from front desk to the assistants were very nice, engaging, always asking if I had any questions at all and I had an overall very pleasant experience.
I will definitely be back.

I used a Groupon to get a cleaning and X-​rays at the Foggy Bottom office. I was generally pleased with the front desk, staff and technology. Dr Hoang was personable and explained things clearly. He recommended Invisalign for misaligned canines.
For some reason, Dr Catchings suddenly appeared to do the cleaning itself and declared that I needed something done on the sides of my teeth. I had to prune information out of him. I’ve hardly had any dental work done at all, so I had no idea what he was talking about, and it seemed like I needed to tell him right then and there whether or not I was going to get this done. At the same time, he was telling me this was absolutely necessary.
I was shocked at how expensive the fillings were, but having never had any dental work before, I have no idea what the going rate is. A few weeks later, Dr Hoang offered 20% off for a «short call” – making an appt on the very next day. I don’t know whether I overpaid or not, even with the discount. Dr H said the fillings were warrantied for 2 years, but I had to come in for regular cleanings there at DC Dental Spa for it to remain in effect. Then a warning bell went off.
I researched Invisalign and had decided to consult a dentist closer to home (the parking at the Foggy Bottom office is pretty near impossible when GW is in session) who was more specialized in Invisalign. Nonetheless, when he asked about it, I said I was probably going to do it. I saw dollar signs in his eyes. I think I really did.
The dentist I consulted on Invisalign said it simply would not work for me – I need traditional metal braces. So, I nearly paid $ 6,000 and underwent a year-​long, intensive effort that would not have corrected my problem. I’m never going near DC Dental Spa again.

This review is from experiences dating a few years ago, but from reading the other reviews, it seems as if things haven’t changed. The procedures are relatively quick and painless, and their equipment is top of the line, but they do try to get as much money out of you as possible, hence you are shamed into feeling that that you need the many unnecessary procedures that they suggest. I’ve never had a cavity, but by my second visit, all of the sudden potential cavities are popping up everywhere and various sealants need to be used to halt the progress. I was even asked whether I was «trying to get cavities.» I went from never having a fear of the dentist to being scared to death about what the diagnosis would be this time, sweaty palms in the waiting room, the works. In addition, the people at the front desk are cavalier and incompetent. I had to deal with a billing issue for a solid year after my last appointment there.
Went to another dentist after leaving this practice… no cavities.

I had the exact same experience as Stevie B (right down to them calling me 15 minutes before my appointment and informing me that I needed to be in a Foggy Bottom office I didn’t know existed).
In short, Dr. Hoang wanted around $ 2000 in drillings and fillings in my mouth, and I don’t, and never have, had a single cavity, according to responsible, professional dentists who I have seen subsequently.
Normally I wouldn’t be redundant with a review, but I had to let the world know that Stevie B.‘s experience wasn’t an anomoly. Go here, and you’ll get a fine cleaning, but if they want to drill, go set a second opinion.

I will forever be grateful to Dr. Hoang for diagnosing a problem (and a $ 5 solution) that had plagued me for a year. And sent me to over 8 doctors who couldn’t figure out what was up. Insane. They are pretty pricey and without insurance my visits are now few and very far between but I would go back.

Hi there,
I went to DC Dental Spa a couple weeks ago for a cleaning and check-​up. First, when I made the appointment I called the number for the Dupont office. When I showed up for the appointment, I was told I was actually supposed to go to their Foggy Bottom office. There was absolutely no indication at any time when I had made my appointment (1) that there even existed a Foggy Bottom office and (2) that my appointment was anywhere else but where I had called (Dupont). So when I showed up for my appointment, they redirected me and I went to Foggy Bottom. Honestly, this was annoying as hell, but it didnt matter to me all that much.
Got the cleaning, and it was fine. Got bite wing x-​rays, which were done with a digital camera and the pictures were put up on a screen in front of me. I actually thought this was kind of cool. Then the dentist (Dr. Rex Hoang) walked in, looked at the photos and told me I had 5 cavities. Two of which needed to be filled immediately or else I will need root canals within the next year or so. («Here’s your $ 1300 bill for the fillings. Would you like to make your appointment?»)
I’m heading to the Peace Corps in February 2011, just a few months from now, and I dont have much money, so this would have been pretty awful for me. I likely would have had to give up my trip. So, because I really had to, I went and got a second opinion.
Two weeks later I went to Dr. Smythe in Friendship Heights, who I had been to previously for my examination for my dental qualifications for the Peace Corps. He had seemed pretty trustworthy to me. I went into his office, brought the bite wing print-​out from my appointment at DC Dental Spa, along with the bill that included Dr. Hoag’s notes with specifics about which teeth had issues. Dr. Smythe did a very careful examination, even taking extra bite-​wing photos that I didn’t need for the Peace Corps (and he did not charge me for), and bringing in another dentist to check his work the absolutely make sure that he was right. I don’t have any cavities. Not one.
Dr. Smythe said that I obviously take very good care of my teeth (I do) and that I obviously didn’t at some time in the past (I hadn’t when I was little). There are little decalcifications on some of my teeth that are not cavities, but may turn in to them, but wont if I continue to take good care of my teeth. He said these are things I’ve probably had for a while and will have my entire life. My teeth are fine. I do not have even a single cavity.
In conclusion, yes, I obviously hate DC Dental Spa. I encourage you to get a second opinion if you go there and they recommend a lot of expensive work.
Thank you and have a nice day.

I will never ever go back to that place. They told me very positivly that the max charge will be 250 for extraction before I decide to do it. I have been there once to do the regular exam. they told me the my insurance compay will pay all of them. But finally I was billed 186. Therefore before they estimate the 250, I show the statement from insurance company to their insurance specialist. She still keep sayitng to me that the 250 is what I will pay. But after two months, I get the bill from Dental spa. I own them another $ 333. My insurance only cover 30%. I call them to argue. They told me the 250 is estimate and estimate is not real and I sign some fuck forms claim that I know the estimate is not real and I am resiposible for the difference. She never ever mention that and even let me know there is a possiblity my cost will go over that estimate. I feel so sucks!!! I wrote it down just want to remind everyone that is the way they do the business. Do not let them fraud you.

I hate HATE hate going to the dentist so I thought I would try this place. I had a decent first experience and decided to continue going for additional work– fillings and consultation for invisalign. Not only did the dentist say that I was not a candidate for invisalign but they no longer accepted my insurance which meant all of my fillings were out of my pocket. I spent almost $ 3000 in one year on cleanings and fillings alone. I ended up going to an orthodontist for a consultation on invisalign, and low and behold he said I was a candidate. He did refer me back to the dentist for a frenectomy which I would NEVER recommend anyone get done via laser at DC Dental Spa. I could smell the burning gum tissue the whole time and the pain was excruciating for the next five days. Hesitant to switch dentists during ortho treatment, I stuck it out with DC Dental Spa. My last visit was over three months ago and I have called 8 times to get my insurance claims filed for reimbursement now that I have an insurance company they do accept. Not only have they been rude each time I call, they refused to call my insurance company directly to follow up and see if they received the claim. No customer service whatsoever.
Please look elsewhere for a nice dentist. It’s not worth the money and the frustration of this place’s poor customer service.

I loved my first $ 99 visit but I can never go back because of their prices. Luckily for me, I got a teeth bleaching kit, including a clay impression of my teeth. That was discounted as well. I wish they had more incentives for people to stay, like $ 99 visits all the time. Too bad they don’t take my dental insurance, because if they did, I would be back. I LOVED the laser dentistry– those results were amazing. My teeth felt clean for over a month, which is not the result I get from regular dentistry.

If you need to have a tooth pulled, do not let these people do it. It took the «dentist» about 45 minutes of tugging to get my tooth out. It took so long that the dentist had to take a break in the middle because he was tired. If he was tired of pulling on my tooth, imagine how tired of having my tooth pulled I was!
I had this tooth removed in September of 07. To this day, the other molars on that side still come loose if I chew wrong. I was charged $ 600 to have this tooth removed. I have had one other tooth removed which was in much worse condition, and it took that dentist under 2 minutes and cost me $ 120.

This place is down right shady!
I tried it when shopping for a new dentist, because their flyer looked cool (mistake!). Plus, with the word «spa» in their name, I thought I was in for some great treatment.
ick!!!
First, I am on time, and force to watch some random Jerry Springer-​like TV programming for about a half hour in a tacky little reception area.
I finally get into the chair, they take x-​rays, and shortly after, they inform me that I need to schedule a new appt. for a crown. I kinda knew this would happen someday. Now the next weird part. The finance guy visits you in the chair with a clipboard to show you all the costs for the upcoming procedure. You then have to sign that you agree to pay for it — right there in the chair!
Next, I get my cleaning and am moved back to the front desk to pay. My dentist at this point recommends that I should get one of those pointed metal hooks that they use to scrape tarter off your teeth for in between cleanings. I say ok — then they charge me $ 35 for the thing! Who recommends a scary sharp hooked poker to scrape your own teeth? Let alone charge you retail for it?! I look at it every day in my medicine cabinet and get visions of Steve Martin in Little Shop of Horrors.
Now the worst part — they charged me for the entire amount of the upcoming crown work — about $ 1500…without ever doing the work! I had to place numerous follow up calls to a) cancel the crown appt, since I didn’t trust these people anymore b) call American Express to reverse the charge since I never had the procedure. and c) inform my insurance company that the dentist filed a claim without ever doing the work on my mouth.
Forget about this place… get first rate service at Washington Center for Dentistry… see my review on them… they are the best.

The dental care is fine, I suppose, but I’ve been three times now and I’m ALWAYS kept waiting. The first time for at least an hour, the second for nearly and hour and a half and today I waited for half an hour before walking out. And that was at 8:30 in the morning. How are you backedup half an hour at 8:30 in the morning??? If you have a day to waste and you’re in the neighborhood, I guess you could do worse. But I won’t be back!

Through me the way into the suffering city.
Through me the way to eternal pain.
Through me the way that runs among the lost.
Abandon every hope, all who enter the dentist office.
I recently had my first check-​up at the DC Dental Spa (not specifically with Dr Hoang) and had a surprisingly unhellish visit. Most of the torture was over quickly and with as little wrathfulness and bloodrain as possible. While I waited in the Purgatorial waiting room I was surprised to find that I couldn’t hear the wailing of the damned over the hissing of the dental machinery. Turns out there was no such clamor, as the machinery was state-​of-​the-​art water/​laser machines that replaced the standard drilling and scraping tools of torture.
The fallen angels of Hell (dental assistants) were surprisingly pleasant, though there were some technical difficulties with the computer, resulting in a few extending periods of waiting in the chair. But even this torture was smoothed over when they flipped on the TV and handed me the remote! Sportscenter at a dentist appointment?! I might even go back in six months…