One of the few dental practices that doesn't try to upsell you on unnecessary procedures like fluoride washes. My husband had a dentist tell him he had 10 cavities, he went here and they found only 2. Dr. Willis is polite as are the staff. They seem to have top notch technology like a full mouth scan. We come from DC to go here because we prefer it over the practices in the city that overcharge. read more

do NOT see Dr. Maria Wright! Horrible service and even more disgusted by her bedside manner. She gossips about her patients with her colleagues- and i know this personally. Extremely unprofessional. if you want a trusted, confidential dentist, then DO NOT CHOOSE her as your practitioner! read more

Dental office is misleading customers. Told me I was covered by my insurance then slapped me with an $800 bill (after 4 unnecessary cleaning procedures ). Stay far, far away. read more

Knowledgeable and friendly staff who are accommodating and empathetic; take the time to explain anything. Best prosthodontics suite in the area. read more

The customer service is great. Dr. Micheal is a very knowledgeable and a great dentist. He explained everything so that I could understand the process of my surgery. I would recommend this office to anyone who wants great service read more

This office is absolutely the best. They are very welcoming and accommodating. I've been visiting this place for a long time and they've been great to me especially since I don't like being stuck with a giant needle. Dr. Maria and Dr. Ji are awesome. Their front desk staff are amazing too. Shoutout to Jen, Julie and the team in the back Ms. Susie. Great place for family and kids. Great women. Whatever type of care you need they have it! read more

I have been a patient at Smile Design Studio of Bethesda for 1 year . I'm proud to say Dr Wright & staff are very courteous & Dr Wright has enlightened me with his experience as a Prosthodontics. Dr. Wright & staff have given me a pleasant experience at every appointment. Marg Peacock read more

Due to my change of insurance, I needed a new Dentist & was referred to Smile Design Studio. I read the reviews, yet everything about my visit was top grade. When I called to confirm my insurance & make an appointment for teeth cleaning (got in the next day) Elisa, was super helpful as she answered all my questions & emailed me the new patient forms (e-fillable) to fill out. I also got a reminder for my appointment via email. Once arrived Elisa, who is the Front Desk Coordinator remembered my name. She had me sign a couple of consent forms, provided me with a prospective breakdown of my insurance/out of pocket responsibilities & directed me to the waiting room...all of five minutes before getting called back. Elisabeth, the Dental Assistant (DA) / X-tray Tech was uber nice with her patient interaction. She gave me heads up on the process of the 18 images & checked with me for discomfort throughout the process. She also gave a quick tutorial before she performed the 3-D scanning. After the imaging, Dr. Willis came in with a good vibe & we chatted a bit before she performed my examination. I like the fact that she asked me if I had any concerns with my teeth or the appearance. I stated I wanted to upgrade all the jewels aka Bridges/Crowns that I have in my mouth. Dr. Willis gave me great insight & wasn't trying to up-sell me on services. Her expertise is quiet, yet clearly evident. The only unsatisfactory part of my exam was a small cavity, in which Dr. Willis was very accommodating in adjusting her schedule to treat it. She came back maybe ten minutes later after my cleaning. That process, along with the hospitable Susy, the DA who applied the numbing agent (no need for Novocaine) took a painless 10 minutes. Speaking of cleaning, right after my exam Linda, the Hygienist came in to introduced herself, shared some quick notes & got right to it. I can't recall the last time I had my teeth cleaned with such an engaging interaction even though my responses were "uh-huh", distorted chuckles & thumbs up. She did an extensive, non-abrasive cleaning & with all of my jewels, I was extremely satisfied. The office mirrors a spa that is inviting with relaxing earth tone designs, comfy leather seating/flat screen TV's/complimentary water/coffee/tea in the lounge area & innovative equipment in the treatment suites. Hygiene is very important throughout the practice with Guidelines/Fact Sheets posted. In addition to the numerous treatment services, SDS also offers various cosmetic & other retail products. On a personal aside, coming from a family of football players I celebrate SDS's initiative in advocating protective mouth-guards & even further awareness on Concussions...kudos to Dr. Wright's innovative invention of the WrightGUARD. Upon check out, Elisa provided me with my treatment plan & stated to call the practice if I had any questions post visit. There is free parking located in the building & the practice is convenient to both the Bethesda & Medical Center Metro Stations - Red Line. What a fantastic family practice that takes pride in offering welcoming, comfortable & assured dental services. I look forward to becoming an established patient & continuing my dental preferences with Dr. Willis & team Smile Design Studio. read more

Smile Design Studio of Bethesda - 1.8.2020. - Cosmetic Dentists Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

They have a very competent dental hygienist, but the overall service--particularly at the front desk--has declined significantly over the past year. I had a confirmed cleaning appointment and received a call from their office the day before to reconfirm it. They emphasize a $55 fee for cancellations without 24-hour notice. However, when I arrived promptly at 9 a.m. the next morning, I was informed--without prior notice--that they have found out that my insurance had been deactivated. This was both frustrating and inconvenient, especially as I had arranged special needs childcare for my disabled child in order to attend the appointment. When I later called to provide feedback and ask why they didn't inform me about the insurance issue during the confirmation call, the front desk staff was extremely rude and dismissive. A second person, who identified herself as "one of the doctors," got on the line and stated that the call was being recorded and that insurance issues were not their responsibility. I found the tone condescending and unprofessional. She tried to intimidate me by accusing me of "threatening" to post an online review. In my experience, this office lacks basic customer service, shows little regard for patient time or circumstances, and charges high prices without delivering the respect or support patients deserve. I would not recommend going there. read more

I've trusted Smile Design Studio with my smile for over 10 years. Dr. Michael and staff are always pleasant and caring when it comes to quality work. I recently received a Zoom teeth whitening treatment and Chanie was excellent. The front desk staff especially Nastya are always amazing. I am happy to call Smile Design Studio team, family! read more

Always have quality care and service from Dr Willis and team. Have also had Invisalign through the office which was well managed. Happy with care. read more

If you are looking for a place to get a cleaning, this place is absolutely fine. Very nice modern environment, the staff was nice. My initial cleaning went well. After getting X-rays, Dr. Maria Wright found some tiny spec of cavities in between molars and recommended I get them filled. Coming in for the filling, I ended up waiting in the chair for over an hour with numbing (which was concerning that the novocaine would wear off). When I asked how long until the dentist would start the work, they replied "Why, do you need to be somewhere?" She told me it would probably take another 40 minutes to complete the filling. Dr. Wright eventually came in to start the work and cavalierly apologized for the delay. It was the most uncomfortable filling procedure I've ever experienced with a dentist. Incredibly aggressive. It took half the time they estimated, so I gather she rushed through it. After I left I was experiencing a lot of discomfort that did not feel normal, but I figured it would wear off. Two weeks later I'm still in extreme pain, can't chew on the side of my mouth, temperature sensitivity, throbbing pain in my jaw. I decided to go back to my old dentist (who no longer takes my insurance) to get an objective exam. After looking at the X-rays, we were able to see that Dr. Wright drilled a hole bigger than the cavity. It is now touching a nerve and I have to get a root canal because of her work. After going to see an endodontist, he also pointed out the filling was protruding/hanging, which he deemed "unacceptable". I had zero issues with my teeth before going to Dr. Wright. Nightmare experience. Stay clear of this dentist if you need any work done. read more

I can't say enough about how impressed I was about Dr Maria and the team at Smile Design. The office is very clean, the staff is nice, and the experience was heavy in communication to make sure I understood procedures and pricing. I have been looking for a new dentist in Bethesda for a while and this place is a keeper read more

I've been going to Smile Design Studio for 2 years and I was always a little uneasy about them. I'll be upfront, my teeth have always had issues (I have weak enamel), so I always have to do a ton to keep them at "okay." The dental hygienist always tries to get me to come to 4-month cleanings and also convinced me to a debridement, which I agreed to (it wasn't something I had to get done, it was up to me) but only because she told me it was 100% covered by insurance. We had talked about it back and forth but she assured if I never had one before (I didn't, they checked my records), that it would be covered one-time only. At my last visit, they brought up I owed a co-pay, which is unusual. She then told me it was for $97. When I asked why it turns out it was for work that was done in mid-September 2018! This is the first time I am hearing about this payment (it's October 2020, I last saw them in March 2020). There are a lot of reasons why this is frustrating to me: 1) they had assured me I wouldn't be charged and my insurance would cover it, they did "research" to confirm it 2) it's been over a year and a half! I didn't receive any notices or bills prior to this moment and I am there every 6 months. 3) Agan it was long ago, that I now have different insurance! That is why I was hesitant about doing the work because my insurance at the time wasn't great, but I feel like I was lied to. I will be switching dentists and I don't recommend Smile Design Studio. read more

Insurance/billing manager has no idea what she is doing. Expect to walk in every time to a surprise "copay" you owe (even if your secondary/dental has no copays for cleanings), usually from 1-2 years prior. Definitely avoid. Despite great dentists/hygenists, I cannot recommend Smile Design Studio because of their erratic and erroneous billing practices. The insurance/billing manager here is not responsive, available, or consistent/competent. She is only available one day per week, and my dental insurance noted that she only submits some claims sporadically to them, which results in a balance for me when I check-out, often for services provided 1-2 years ago or more. Smile Design Studio first submits to your primary insurance (with a dental rider) then is supposed to forward any co-pay balance to your secondary/dental insurance. However, the insurance/billing manager does not consistently do so. They also do not inform you of any balances until after your cleaning, ensuring that another copay will crop up in the future. I was reassured earlier this year that the issue had been resolved, but it has not. I've had the same primary and dental insurance for years, and never had a problem at any of the other area dentists I've gone to. Smile Design Studio would be well-served to fix their billing and insurance practices - they provide excellent dental care but administratively, they are a mess. read more

I came in for teeth whitening, was not advised of the process or given choice on shade. Putting the apparatus in was extremely painful and left me with cuts on my lips. Experience was not good and not happy with the outcome. read more

I saw Smile Design Studio for my cleaning and check-up after not going to the dentist in a year. They were very professional, thorough, and gentle. They are also providing Invisalign services that should be completed by the summer. I especially want to complement Jineth Williams for she listened and addressed my concerns. I feel great about the dental care I received and will definitely be back. read more

Amazing dental professionals!!! Drs. Willis and Dr. Michael are outstanding. Up on the cutting edge dental "best practices." Highly recommend read more

I was very unhappy with the 2 crowns that replaced my front teeth. When I told Dr. Wright I was unhappy, he told me I was being vain. It has been close to 10 years, but I have not liked my smile ever since this work was done. read more

I actually really liked the dental work done here. The dentists and staff are polite and seemed to know what they were doing. I believe all their work was good. I would love to have gone there for life.. but, my insurance changed and they didn't take my new insurance and so I went elsewhere. TWO YEARS AFTER my last appointment there I received a bill for almost $140 and it stated that they tried multiple times to contact me about an unpaid balance. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I called immediately. I had paid all bills during each visit. APPARENTLY, their "estimate" wasn't right for how much the procedures cost and the number has been updated. The lady on the phone admitted that they probably haven't tried to contact me, so the letter was incorrect. Oh Hey 18% interest and threat of taking further measures! I'm sorry, that's not the way the world works. If you tell someone a price, and they choose to go through with a procedure, you can't contact them after stating you messed up your "estimate." Furthermore, waiting two years, adding interest, and false statements... Smile Design Studios, you are nuts! I received a call back an hour or two later and they told me they will write it off. I mean thanks, but seriously that kind of thing shouldn't have happened in the first place. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt in the hopes they learn from this lesson of stupidity. read more

Dr. Wright is an amazing and highly skilled prostedontist. His staff is top drawer. DeeDee cleaned my implants today. She was very gentle and knowledgeable! I love Smile Design Studio read more

Greetings all! I've been reading these bad reviews on Yelp and am a little confused because my experience at Smile Design Studio (SDS) was completely the opposite of what I've read. So, I feel that it's my duty to make sure people know that SDS is a great dental office to go to. I've had the pleasure of having dental work done at SDS by Dr. Maria Wright. Dr. Wright is a cool girl, who made me feel extremely comfortable while I was in the hot spot - the dental chair :-). Additionally, the office ambience is very relaxed and warm. I have recommended family and friends to SDS, who continue to return for all of their dental needs. It seems like the folks on Yelp have some sort of entitlement issue because, let's be honest, people make mistakes, people have bad days, and sometimes things do not go as planned, especially when it comes to running a business, but I would not ever say that I wouldn't go back to SDS because overall the service is great. read more

My two kids and I have been seeing Dr. Willis since 2009. We love her! She is always professional, patient and informative. The office is clean and modern and the staff is super friendly. Wait time is usually from 5-15 minutes, nothing too outrageous. I sent my husband here and he saw Dr. Maria Wright. He didn't enjoy his experience and I was really surprised since I always had a great experience there. When Dr. Willis went on maternity leave, I was scheduled with Dr. Wright, and then I understood, lol. Ms. Wright was not the warmest person. Her conversation with me was very short, curt, borderline rude. I was there for my routine checkup, and received x-rays and a cavity check. She told me to schedule another appointment for a cleaning. Wait, what?! Isn't that part of my checkup? So suffice to say I felt rushed and I did not feel welcomed or treated as a valued customer. I don't know if she felt over-worked covering Dr. Willis' patients, but that is not a reason to treat customers in such a way. So anyway, now I only see Dr. Willis and will continue to do so as long as she is there. read more

I had a FANTASTIC experience with Dr. Wright! I have a fear of the dentist and he made my experience so enjoyable. He made me very relaxed. Definitely will recommend him and this place. read more

BEWARE! DO NOT USE THIS PLACE!!! I found a Dr. Treva Willis on my "in network" list. I have Cigna for my dental insurance. I have an HMO. I became eligible to use Dr. Willis on November 1st, 2019. I had my initial appointment on 11/11/2019 and second on 11/26/2019. I arrived for my 12/10/2019 appointment and was handed an "Active Treatment Plan". I was told services would cost me 90.00 for 3 fillings I came to have done. I inquired as to why, when based on my insurance plan it is zero cost to me. The receptionist/billing person upfront said that the charges were correct according to my plan. I paid the 90.00 and while in the chair "numbing" I called my insurance. Cigna informed me that the codes D2392 and D3120 were zero cost to me. I informed the ladies upfront who said Cigna will need to call them directly. So Cigna placed me on hold and called them. Cigna came back on the line saying the lady she spoke with at the dentist office said they were going to have to discuss it with the doctor/dentist and they will come and let me know what is said. I hung up with Cigna and a minute later the receptionist from upfront came in to say that my doctor is not in my network and as a courtesy they were just trying to work with me. She stated I'm supposed to pay full price but they were just trying to help me by giving me the 30.00 per tooth discount. She also stated the doctor/dentist will be glad to fill one tooth for me free of charge but if I wanted any other services I would have to pay out of pocket. I asked why I wasn't told this when I initially came on 11/11/2019 and she said she wasn't sure. I called my insurance in front of the receptionist and Cigna verified Dr. Treva Willis is in network. So I asked the receptionist why was I seeing a doctor outside of my network. I did NOT sign up to see Dr. Maria Wright. She called the doctor in after this. Dr. Wright comes in and explains that she is not in network and when I asked her if Dr. Treva Willis was in network, Dr. Wright says she could not confirm if she was or wasn't. I also asked her why was I not told about all of this from the first appointment and she said that someone dropped the ball on giving me the "Active Treatment Plan" with the charges for services. Dr. Wright stated it was supposed to be given the same day as my exam (second appointment). I asked why was I assigned to a NON IN NETWORK DENTIST instead of the in network one I signed up to see and she said because Dr. Willis was not here when I came for my appointment. I asked her why I was lied to by the receptionists when I came in. I asked the ladies why I was being charged 90.00 when its supposed to be zero cost and they assured me because that was what I was due to pay according to my plan. If that is so, then why am I now being told its because of the out of network dentist that was going to be doing the work. I was still on the phone with my insurance company when she came in and talked with me. She left and after I got off the phone she came back. Dr. Maria Wright apologized and offered to get me an appointment with the dentist I originally was supposed to see from the start. She asked me to reconsider writing to American Dental Association as I informed her I would be doing so and offered to make it right by doing the 3 fillings I came in for at no charge. I declined as I cannot trust her in my mouth or anyone at that office for that matter. I am writing because I feel this practice of collecting money for services that are free has probably happened to more than just myself. This is the 3rd dentist in the last 10 years who has been unethical. The first two experiences involved dentists overcharging me and now this dentist decided to switch who I saw so they could justify out of pocket expenses. I signed up with an in network doctor Dr. Treva Willis but the office gives me Dr. Maria Wright who is an out of network dentist. I did not ask to see her. Was I changed to her for the sole purpose of being able to justify out of pocket expenses? This behavior of bait and switch borders on fee splitting. How many other patients have been charged unnecessarily and with no communication forthcoming as to the charges until investigated? How many people have been switched to a non network dentist for treatment when there is dentist there who is an in network dentist? DO NOT USE THIS PLACE. UNETHICAL PRACTICES. read more

I never thought I would ever praise a dentist. I have found most to be just short of midevil torture specialist. Even my last dentist who touted "pain free" treatment didn't hit the mark. But, the dentists and staff at Smile Design Studio live up to the bill. The swank offices are a blend of a spa and a hip lounge. I love the flat screen televisions in the lobby and the service areas. The staff is friendly and polite. Smile Design Studios has up-to-date, modern equipment. Digital x-rays (go figure...they can e-mail files). I have to admit...I am a fan. I love my dentist! read more

Smile Design Studio of Bethesda - Waiting room at Smile Design Studios - Cosmetic Dentists Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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Every experience I've at at this dental office has been positive. Most recently, I had one tooth that had to be extracted due to a root problem. I was amazed to learn that Dr. Michael Wright could extract and put in an implant on the same day. The procedure was painless and I was delighted with the care and outcome. Dr. Wright explained every step of the process and his staff was expert and supportive. The other dentists at this location also are superior - Dr. Willis and Dr. Maria Wright. You can't go wrong! Pricing is fair and they explained my insurance carefully. I recommend this dental office for continuing care and any emergency. They offer free parking (in Bethesda!) under the building and the office is in a convenient location. read more

Their billing system is not effective. Need to submit claims right away and don't surprise patients with two-year old claims. I also feel that every six months I go, they find some extra work to do that might not be necessary... read more

Speaking from experience, I am a man who has seen a lot of dentists in my time, from the likes of Duke Medical Center, to U.S. Navy hospitals, Walter Reed Army Hospital, and many others. In light of all those top named hospitals with excellent care of their patients, I have to rate Dr. Michael Wright at Smile by Design above them all, it's extremely hard to find a good dentist, but when you find one who goes the extra mile because he's the best at what he does and cares about you the patient, it says a lot about his Character as a man, his responsibility to his profession, and his admiration to the field of dentistry. God has given you a special gift Dr. Wright, Thank you for all you have given to people like me. read more

I've had incredibly positive experiences with Dr Maria Wright and her team. During the usual cleanings, her team is friendly, quick, and painless. However, my implant experience earned the 5 stars. I worked with Dr Wright and another partner group in Silver Spring to have gum sculpting + implant surgery and it can not look better. Dr Wright did the implant herself, and the first one wasn't an exact fit. Instead of settling, she immediately recommended we try again with an adjustment. Once it came back, it was beautiful and fit perfectly with a natural appearance. Simply great. Also unlike other dentists, Dr Wright doesn't try and push unnecessary procedures or surgeries on you if you don't need them. read more

I've been a patient/client here for a few years now and can confidently say the following: benefits include that they (a) take insurance, (b) have free parking, and (c) have an aesthetically pleasing office. I have also found Dr Willis very pleasant. That said, on my last visit, Dr Willis had an assistant, who was clearly in training, help her with my procedure (this went beyond your average cleaning and involved local anesthetic, drills, etc). As I could feel nothing where the anesthetic was applied, I wasn't able to attend to the issue as it was happening. That said, I left the office with a severe cut/burn covering the right side of my mouth, and extending beyond. This is simply unacceptable. Further, over the course of all my dental visits, across my entire life, I have never left an office with a cut on my face. read more

Terrible experience at this practice. My husband and I went here for several years while insured with excellent dental coverage. Upon one visit a staff member approached me telling me I owed the practice over $2,000 in unpaid invoices. Prior to this I had never received a notice in the mail of this or a phone call. Upon hours of time digging into this they never sent claims to my dental insurance and when they did it was 2 years past the date of service so it was denied. They threatened to send me to collections. The billing person works one day a week and virtually not available at all. The dentists were "fine" but never went above and beyond and not worth the horrible billing experience. They ended up "writing off" most of my bill after months of hassle because they knew they were in the wrong. Seems almost criminal what they are doing here by not submitting claims then asking the patient to pay it years later and threatening to send to collections. Unless you have a good attorney please do not waste your time or your teeth here! read more

I went there for a regular cleaning and checkup and was seeing them as a new patient. However, I had to wait for an hour on my first appointment with them, it seems they were short handed. When I get to see the technician, she had to repeat multiple x-rays because she could not get a sharp picture. I finally figured out why it was blurred and had to tell her to make sure the x-ray arm is not swinging before she takes a picture. Those were unnecessary exposure to x-ray radiation. And even after all those pictures, they were so blurred that my even my new dentist can't even tell anything from it. Dr. Wright then examined me and said that I could not get a regular cleaning but needed a different cleaning procedure on another day. I decided not to go back since I spent 2.5 hours there without any treatment. My new dentist didn't understand why I could not get a regular cleaning in the first place. read more

While I have not experienced their dental services yet, I received a relaxing hour long facial from Michelle Wright. Michelle knows skin very well and knows which dermalogica products work best for your skin. What's even better is she is a fellow teaching colleague who is a life long learner who keeps up with the latest in skin care. You should check out her services. She is very nice and makes your skin feel so fresh and so clean. read more

Dr. Michael Wright completed my crowns for my front two teeth and my smile is amazing. His office is amazing too. If you need crowns go to Smile Design Studio. read more

Hands down the best dental practice i've ever been to.

Today was my first time visiting Smile Design as a patient of Dr. Maria Wright. While the dental hygienist and dentist were very friendly and welcoming, the front desk assistant was the least helpful. As I checked out, she informed me that I had a copay of $25 because my insurance only covered 90%. I knew this was not the case because I've never had a copay with my dental insurance with in-network providers. I informed her that I'd called to verify prior to my appointment and even offered to show her online where I was covered 100% for preventative/diagnostic work. However, she was more concerned with it being late and that the office "was actually closed" rather than trying to look into this discrepancy. I told her I wanted to get this cleared because I would hate to pay for something when I did not have to-- again, she would not make any calls/ look back at her records or anything because they were "closed." She insisted I pay (which I did), then I walked outside to call Cigna to verify that I in fact should not have had a copayment. I politely walked back to the door to knock since the Cigna agent informed me she was about to call the office, and front desk assistant was hesitant about letting me in saying they were closed-- but another African American woman came from the back, answered the phone, and front desk woman then decides to let me re-enter. I appreciate the Woman coming from the back to apparently explain my coverage and talk to the Cigna agent to get things cleared. All in all, I was refunded my copayment. Had the front desk agent took her time to actually verify my coverage even after I attempted to explain to her, we wouldn't have this issue. She was ready to go home and could care less about providing exceptional customer service to a new patient (or listening to their concerns for that matter). This encounter put a stain on my first visit, and I may or may not decide to return. If you can't go the extra mile for a patient at a private practice, then you should not be working the front desk. read more

Beware. Michael Wright and Smile Design Studio are frauds. They filed claims against my insurance that they never did. He is all about the money and is nasty when you don't want to pay his ridiculous fees. Go somewhere else if you want good honest care. read more

Punctual and very focused on the patient experience. You actually feel like they care, a rarity in the hustle and bustle world these days.

I found Dr. Wright and his team to be top notch professionals. I can eat and smile again!