i was not unhappy with my previous dentist but her practice did not accept my insurance so iIwas forced to look elsewhere. I couldn't have been happier with my first visit to Shelby Smile Design. I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door by the front desk person. Shiela was the hygenist assigned to me and she was not only thorough but easy to talk to. Dr. Murrell did the customary examination and I connected to him almost immediately. He grew up in the area and I have lived here my entire adult life so we had many memories about the community that we shared. I never felt rushed by him, Shiela or any of the staff. I highly recommend this practice. read more

Dr. Murrell takes the time to talk through every step of the procedure. Very professional and caring.

My 5 year old son broke his front tooth last night. I called first thing this morning and they were able to fit us in right away. The staff was so polite and caring. My son was very apprehensive but they made him feel more comfortable than I could have imagined. They spoke not only to me to ensure he was being given the best care possible but spoke to him to make sure he was at ease during a hard and what could be a very scary time for a little guy. I am so grateful to have found such a wonderful office that I plan to bring the rest of my family to as well. As if I wasn't already thoroughly impressed, Dr. Murrell called me tonight to check on my son and to make sure he was comfortable after his procedure. I am blown away by this office from beginning to end. Highly recommended!! read more

Having been a long-time patient (more than 10 years) I can safely say I am more than satisfied with the treatment I receive from everyone at Smile Designs. From the time I am greeted upon arrival, promptly received and treated by any of the technicians or Dr. Murrell himself until the time I leave after making my next appointment, the service is exceptional. Their care and concern for each patient is foremost which easily explains their growth in the community. Congratulations Dr. Murrell and every staff member. Truly a Happy Patient, Jack Taylor read more

I am not one that likes to leave a negative review, but as a mother I think it's necessary to give information that could help others make the right decision. Let me start off by saying the staff, dental hygienists, and assistants there are very lovely! They make up for the lack of bedside manners and social skills that Dr. Murrell has. He is polite and explains things well prior to procedures. But this is the second time that my 10 year old daughter had to get a filling and some baby teeth removed and both times she's experienced the same treatment. She is sensitive to pain and dental work makes her anxious, as it does for many. She was never offered gas to help calm her nerves until I asked if they had any mid-procedures when she had tears rolling down her face and her entire body was shaking. They gave her some which helped slightly but when she raised her hand from being in pain they did not stop and address her concern, they kept going. The assistant kept trying to reassure her and I appreciate that, but also telling her she's making a big deal for no reason is rude. If she knew better on how to calm herself, then she would?! A couple of times my daughter asked him a question and he completed ignored it and kept working. At one point he stopped and said 'Listen you're going to have to stay still!' And she said 'I'm sorry, I can't stop my body from shaking, I'm trying!' With tears rolling down her face. He also used her two front teeth as a way to push her chin up and mouth open and she told him 'Please tell me to put my chin up because that hurts!' So a child has better communication skills than this doctor?! Upon the filling and removal of baby teeth, he stood up, walked over to the sink to wash his hands, whispered something of annoyance about my daughter and his assistant agreed and then left. He never acknowledged the work he did, validated my daughter that all will be well, or gave any followup instructions. His assistant came back and followed up with gauze and instructions and tried to make up for his coldness. I called the office to ask for my medical records and they notified me that they have to charge for my own records because 'Dr. Murrell has to pay his staff for the time it takes for them to copy and mail and email the records and he doesn't waive this fee.' Ok, I think anyone can see how absurd this is. As if emailing a medical record that takes less than 60 seconds should cost $20 and if copying any additional paper notes should be charged per page?! The cost of staffing is his problem, not mine. Especially when I just paid $500 out of pocket for the procedures this morning without any complaint. My daughter has apologized many times after today's appointment and said she's sorry she didn't do a better job because she could tell he was angry during and after the appointment. There is no reason why a 10 year old little girl needs to apologize for a grown mans lack of emotional maturity and tolerance! He could have stepped away to take a deep breath and gather himself up and come back for a simple acknowledgment, like every other dentist we've ever seen does?! There is definitely a deficit in his social and emotional skills. And as a mother, livid is an understatement! Children are going to be scared of dental work, that comes with the territory and a dentist that is understanding and patient would be a better fit than Dr. Murrell. I'm grateful for the work he did, however she left in pain which shouldn't be a thing either because of the lidocaine?! But me and my husband also had pain for weeks after my fillings with him. They stated it could be inflammation of the nerves. That's correct, but inflammation could also be caused by having a heavy hand during dental work. We've never had that problem with other dentists. Overall I believe this is a fine office to get dental cleanings done if you have insurance that covers them, because they charge a lot and don't compromise on costs. Beyond that, I wouldn't recommend this office. After many different procedures and many olive branches extended on my behalf to give him another chance, we will not be returning for any additional services. read more

Dr Murrell has been my dentist since he first opened his practice. I have always been impressed with his gentle manner, and with the way he explains things and answers my questions before doing any procedures. He has done my fillings (both new and replacement), repaired broken teeth and given me crowns. The crowns are done in a single visit, so I don't have to be irritated by a damaged tooth while waiting. I had one incident where I developed complications from a procedure. Dr Murrell explained what happened (one common and one uncommon side effect) and made a plan to ensure I don't get a repeat. My next procedure went smoothly. I have two seven-year-old children with sensory needs. They love their experience with everyone at Dr Murrell's office and look forward to their cleanings. They have both had teeth filled and everyone was supportive with me providing headphones and other support to help with their sensory issues. The office is clean, calming, welcoming and organized. We always know what to expect for costs before a procedure is performed, including our insurance coverage and expected copay. I recommend Dr Murrell and the staff of Shelby Smile Designs without reservation. read more

I had a great experience with Dr. Murrell - which how often can you say that about a dentist? His staff was incredibly friendly, accommodating, and forthcoming. I also found his prices very reasonable. Some background: I live in DC, but grew up in this area and am home visiting my family for the week. Frustrated by the ridiculously long wait times in DC, I called to see if I could get in to see Dr. Murrell (whose office is right around the corner from my parent's house) about a problem tooth. When I arrived, I waited not five minutes before being taken back to meet with Dr. Murrell. I was immediately impressed by the fact that Dr. Murrell did not try and up-sell me on anything. He recommended I replace an old filling that was most likely responsible for the pain I was feeling. At this point, one of his assistants stepped in to talk to me about how much it would cost, etc. to avoid any sticker shock after the procedure was over. To me this was much appreciated. There's nothing worse than having work done and then getting some crazy bill afterward that you weren't expecting. Anyway, the procedure was quick, painless, and easy. I only wish I had Dr. Murrell in DC! Go see him - can't beat his work or his staff. read more

It's been 4 long years since my last trip to the torture chamber, I mean dentist, because I have been without insurance. That, and I absolutely HATED the dentist I had been going to since I was a child. I noticed something developing on my gums, and after doing my research, came to the conclusion I needed to get into a dentist ASAP. I had recently purchased private insurance, so the moment it began, I made an appointment and panicked at the thought of walking into the appointment. I did a considerable amount of researching to find a dentist with decent reviews and recommendations. I came across these here and decided to give it a shot. I walked into the office with fear in my heart and soul, waiting for the smell of dental tools and latex to overwhelm my senses. I smelled...nothing. It was a quaint place, but who knew, looks can be deceiving, as places of torture don't always like to send their patients screaming. I was immediately seated, and after being late because of my lack of skills adjusting driving times and those pesky road crews, my technician was laughing with me and asking questions. And yet, I knew I had to be vigilant. This could be another ploy to get me comfortable until, WHAM, I'm strapped to the chair and holding on for dear life as she scrapes my mouth to death in sadistic delight. Once again, I was wrong. She directed me throughout the entire session, telling me what she was doing and why. I couldn't believe the ease with which she cleaned my teeth, and my guard was lowered. Dr. Murrell came in and introduced himself, which I thought was a grand gesture. All I could think of is, this is it, I'm in for it. He's going to tell me I need a root canal I just know it. And I did need a root canal. CURSE HIM, I thought. I was petrified and yet I knew this was my just reward for being away from these torture devices for so long. My debt needed to be paid. I was scheduled for several days later to begin the soul crushing procedure. Long story short, I was prepared for the worst. I prayed, I did a little dance to appease the Gods, and came out of it...with nothing but a slight sneer and drool from local anesthetic. I waited, and not long after, my face began to feel normal again and still, no pain. I can say with honesty, I am happy and delighted with my selection of dentist, and would highly recommend this office. I have another visit to make to finish off my root canal, and I can go in without feeling like I'm in for a roller coaster of pain. read more