I am so disappointed in this practice! I really loved coming here when I first started doing so. In retrospect, I think I really loved my hygienist, and not Dr. Nichols or the office itself. When my hygienist left, everything went downhill. It's next to impossible to get an appointment here, so you have to book at least 4-5 months in advance (which is great if you can do it, but when things come up and you have to reschedule, it's a real bear). Friendship Heights also used to be close to where I worked, but now that I'm downtown it's just such a booger to get out there for a daytime appointment. I got my first cavity and had to point it out to them (just something off, no pain or anything) they didn't notice it in the cleaning or x-ray review. Once they got in there to fix it, however, Dr. Nichols noted that it was actually quite large and that we were lucky we caught it so soon. Scheduling that follow-on appointment to fix the cavity was also a real pain in the tuchus, although it did not take 4 months. I finally decided to make the switch and they don't do digital x-rays, so they can't send the x-rays I recently had taken to my new dentist and weren't helpful in any way on the phone, which is par for the course with the front desk person. He always seems annoyed that you're there and wasn't helpful in saying something like "we don't do digital x-rays, SORRY, but we can mail them." He just said "We don't do that" and that was that. Like, his whole job is customer service and trust me I know how much that can suck but like don't make it so that people have to force basic information out of you? Tell me what I need to know and we can both end this interaction more quickly, bro. I won't be going back, I don't recommend them, and I am sorry to everyone to whom I previously raved about this place and who went to Dr. Nichols at my urging and now can't get quality care OR their x-rays transferred. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Nichols. I've been going here for over a decade. When I moved further away, I tried two other dentists, but both recommended different extreme treatment plans that motivated me to get second opinions. Dr. Nichols takes a conservative approach and is trustworthy in a field where many dentists seem driven by profit. read more

I wanted to wait to review this office until I had a few appointments with Dr. Nichols, and I'm glad I did so I could become more familiar with the workers. I'll start by saying I really enjoy Dr. Nichols as a dentist. She is gentle and practical, and she balances being personal and professional very well. When I've had issues like gum sensitivity, she has made sure that I understand the problem and never forces anything on me; she really seems to care about keeping unnecessary procedures to a minimum. On the other hand, the hygienists and receptionist are not as friendly and don't act like they want to be at work. I've only had two hygienists, so it's possible they were both duds, but it makes me dread the initial check-up and cleaning before I see Dr. Nichols. One of them made me uncomfortable with their small talk, and they picked up my Invisalign tray (a clear changeable tray as a substitute for braces) with their bare hands to look at it... now I'm not afraid of germs, but that definitely wasn't sanitary. After reading other reviews and suggestions, I suggest finding a decent hygienist and requesting them for your visit. read more

I really wanted to like this dentist. Unfortunately I have to give a poor review because of the following reasons: - impossible to get through to office and they NEVER return messages - dentist has dental hygienist/assistant do most of the work. This may be efficient from perspective of dentist but not for the patient - not user-friendly in terms of informing patient about status of insurance payment etc Too bad. And Tim at the front desk should find something other than customer service as a form of employment. If you are reading this, pl send me my dental xrays that were recently taken. read more

A small efficient office. The staff is friendly. After 5 years plus I could not be happier. Dr. Nichols has done a variety of procedures from small to large. I was pleased with the results. read more

Both Dr. Maria Nichols and Dr. David Nichols are in my opinion the best at what they do. I have been a patient for many years and wouldn't go anywhere else! They make you feel comfortable and can trust them to do the best work possible. read more

I had my first visit with the office of Dr. Maria Nichols on June 11, 2018. Based on previous perspectives/yelp reviews of the receptionist (Tim), I found him to be diplomatic and he actually got up out of his chair to return my insurance card and photo identification after he had scanned them for the patient file. The cleaning: The hygienist's name was Carol. I found her to be a little rough with her approach and did not care for her at all. She was very preachy with how I need to visit the dentist every six (6) months. The preachiness turned into a broken record since she repeated the 'every 6 months you need to visit a dentist' more times than I could count. She cleaned my teeth with the air water syringe but when she directed for me to spit/rinse, she failed to elevate the chair to the level of the spittoon bowl so I could spit/rinse. Needless to say, this created for an awkward three (3) separate times that I needed to spit/rinse during the cleaning. The hygienist should have used the foot controls to move the chair to a more appropriate height so I could spit/rinse. The cleaning lasted about twenty (20) minutes, including x-rays and the cleaning. The dentist: Dr. Nichols is pleasant. She spent no more than 5-7 minutes reviewing my teeth. I informed her of the hygienist's repetitive directive for me to visit the dentist every six (6) months. It appeared that Dr. Nichols understood what I had told her. Dr. Nichols suggested I request a different hygienist the next time that I visit. I am sure that is helpful for a repeat patient. This was my first time as a patient. I wish I had known to request a particular hygienist. The website: I tried to make an appointment by using the website and sending my contact information. The website did not allow me to try to make an appt and showed a 'forbidden' screen after I pushed the submit button on the site. Don't bother with the website. It is broken. Reference: http://www.marianicholsdds.com/contactus.html It is difficult to provide a positive review of Dr. Nichols' office since I believe the hygienist spent the most time with me and also spoke to me as though I am a toddler. If I needed this kind of hygienist, I would have made an appt to visit the pediatric dentist down the hall in the same building. read more

The customer service and professionalism is unmatched! A great family business that can be trusted with all your dental needs!

"I have been going to Dr. Maria Nichols for over 7 years now and my overall experience has been pleasant each visit. Dr. Nichols is professional, caring and greatly concerned about the health of your teeth and gums! Staff has always been professional and friendly. Dr. Nichols and her staff make sure you are educated on Dental Hygiene and the best care for your individual dental needs. You are typically in and out in no time! I would recommend Dr. Nichols to anyone looking to find a Dentist in the Washington DC area! This is the way Dentistry should be!" read more

Dr. Nichols is a wonderful dentist and her dental hygienist, Lauren, is gentle and great company. (She even gave local numbing when I told her that my teeth were very sensitive.) I have always had anxiety about going to the dentist (when I was younger I would pass out from panic attacks) so I generally avoid going. (I've gone twice in the past 7 years; thankfully no cavities though!) After visiting Dr. Nichols office twice now, I'm already scheduled for a 6 month cleaning. It is literally a pleasure. I was initially worried that by writing a review her office may become too booked for me. My last visit was so nice though I decided to share the goods :) I highly recommend her! read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these folks!! The staff are all so friendly and treat you like a friend that has stopped by for a visit. Dr. Maria is amazing!! She is not only an incredible dentist but an artist. The work she performs truly is an art and she takes it very seriously. I have been to many dentists from one coast of the US to the other and she is by far the most superior. My spouse and I have been seeing her for probably 10+ years now, and we intend to stay with her until she retires! read more

I have been seeing Dr Nichols since I was a teenager and she sees the rest of my family too. We all love her! I've seen other dentists when I moved away to California, but none had the professionalism AND the friendly and cheerful attitude she has. She makes sure you are comfortable and understand everything she does or thinks is necessary. I especially love the conservative approach she takes to try to save your teeth. And, she'll never make you feel guilty. The cute comics that decorate her rooms to keep you smiling while you wait are like icing on the cake! Haha read more

I like Dr Nichols very much. She is not only a highly competent and experienced dentist but she is practical. She tends to recommend the pragmatic, less expensive option which I appreciate. And she is also a very nice person. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Nichols for many years.She is a wonderful dentist--always explaining what she doing during a procedure and why she is doing it. Importantly, she is conservative in what she suggests, meaning that with Dr. Nichols, I can be sure I will never have unnecessary work done on my teeth either by her or a specialist. Although she doesn't accept my dental insurance, I pay the extra money to go to her because she is so trustworthy and competent. read more

The doctors and the assistants are nice and friendly, the RECEPTIONIST is the worst, the RUDEST PERSON I'VE EVER MET. HE NEEDS TO.BE FIRED IMMEDIATELY!!!! If he was gone, This rating would be a 5. He has very controlling and abusive traits. read more

Dr. Nichols and her staff have consistently provided high quality dental care for me for many years. The regular dental cleanings have been very thorough, with minimal or no discomfort, and have always left my teeth looking brilliant. They are quite attentive in recommending measures to prevent dental problems. Whenever a problem has arisen in a tooth, Dr. Nichols and her staff have treated the condition promptly and completely resolved it. On my most recent visit for a regular check-up and cleaning, the dental hygienist Laurann conducted the cleaning with great care and sensitivity to any potential discomfort. In addition to providing professional medical service, Dr. Nichols is friendly and good-natured, setting the tone for a genial and relaxed office atmosphere. read more

I've been going to Dr. Nichols since I was a child. When I got off my parents insurance, I tried other dentists in the nearby area, but quickly came running back to Dr. Nichols. Unlike other DC/NOVA dentists, she has never tried to gouge me on needless cosmetic procedures, nor has she ever presented me with a "treatment plan" full of expensive procedures. She takes a conservative approach, and is always willing to try the least invasive and expensive procedures first to save a tooth. She also doesn't belittle you for having dental problems - which I've experienced at other dentist offices. She (and her office staff) have always been polite. Appointments are kept on time. I live down in Woodbridge now, but she is still my dentist of choice. Highly recommend. read more

I adore Dr. Nichols. Have been going to her for ages! One dental specialist once told me that she is the best kept secret of DC dentistry..I couldn't agree more. recommend her highly read more

Dentist is nice; hygienists are nice; white male receptionist is a lazy douche. He doesn't answer most of the calls that come into the office and his customer service is lacking. I called multiple times at different times to inform him of my late arrival and he did not pick up at all. While in the waiting room, I decided to call his desk and see what he does when we call. Lo' and behold, I was right there watching him as he did nothing and he let all three of my calls keep ringing until they went into voicemail. He doesn't even greet you when you come in, which makes the whole visit awkward and uncomfortable. First impressions matter! They need a new, more diligent receptionist! read more

I have been going to Dr Nichols for about 20 years. Dr. Nichols and her staff are professional, skilled, efficient and very kind. Appointments are kept on time, This office is extremely well run. You will notice the teamwork and pleasant atmosphere. I had a great fear of dentist when I first came to Dr. Nichols and like another reviewer I had, on occasion, fainted from apprehension. After about 2 or 3 visits I no longer experienced that level of anxiety. Dr Nichols and her staff put you at ease. I highly recommend this practice. read more