Dr. Karl Smithhas been in dental practice for over three decades. He received his Doctor ofDental Surgerydegree from the University of California, Los Angeles and immediately entered General Practice in the US Air Force Dental Corps. He successfully completed three additional years of advanced education in the specialty ofPeriodontics. Additional training in IV Sedation andDental Implants was completed by Dr. Smith at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio and Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center. He won the John Pritchard Prize for outstanding research. Dr. Smith ambitiously completed a Master of Business Administration degree with a Certificate in Health Services Management while working full time as a Periodontist.
Dr. Smith is originally from Michigan, but because he grew up in an Air Force family, he lived in many different parts of the United States and also spent many years in Canada, Japan and Italy.Dr. Smithsettled in Alexandria, VA after he retiredfrom the US Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel having completed four years of reserve and fifteen years of meritorious world-wide active duty service in 1996. He worked in a variety of multi-specialty group practices throughout Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia before opening of his own office in the City ofAlexandria, Virginiain January of 2003. After opening his Northern Virginia office,Dr. Karl Smithmissed working with patients and dentists in Southern Maryland and decided to open a secondoffice in Waldorf, MD in the spring of 2005. Both offices are well known for their friendly and well-trained dental professionals and modern equipment and facilities.
To learn the most current and advanced treatment options for his patients,Dr. Smithcompletes 100+ hours of continuing education and training each year.This allows him to provide the ultimate care and comfort for all types of challenging dental problems. He also allows his team to excel by providing them with many hours of advanced education and training.
In his free timeDr. Smithenjoys traveling nationally and internationally. He is an expert skier and enjoys playing other sports including tennis. Family time with his five children and many grandchildren is very important to him. He follows a number of sports teams including his college team UCLA, as well as the local professional teams the Washington Capitals, Nationals and Redskins. When he was in college, Dr. Smith thought he should be a Dentist, Psychologist, or Meteorologist. He is always happy to predict the weather! Just ask!
Dr. Smithsteam describes him as a dentist with superpowers!They know that when he speaks with his patients, he does so with a great deal of care and concern, and because he has a genuine desire to improve their lives and smiles!
Dr. Smithscolleaguesand patients describe him as a gentle, easy-going person, and people travel from many states and countries to experience the comfort and professionalism of his office and patient-oriented staff.
In the United States, there are about 45% of people who have periodontal disease. The various forms of periodontal disease range from mild inflammation of the gum tissues to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can affect soft tissue and lead to tooth loss. With our experienced dentist, we treat both new and existing patients suffering from periodontal (gum) disease.
Gum disease is often caused by a lack of proper oral hygiene practices. Maintaining optimal oral health requires daily brushing and flossing and regular exams and dental cleanings by a professional. Plaque can form on the teeth when these practices are not followed. The plaque may harden over time and turn into tartar if it isnt properly removed. Once that has occurred, a dental professional should be consulted to remove tartar from teeth.
Tartar may continue to build up if gum disease is not treated promptly. If this happens, gum disease may progress. Without proper oral hygiene can cause the gums to swell, bleed, and redden. To prevent the disease from progressing, professional periodontal treatment is required.
Periodontitis occurs when periodontal disease is not treated. Periodontitis is a more effective form of periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating small pockets along the gum line. Without professional assistance, these spaces are challenging to clean and can quickly deteriorate the mouths health. A periodontal infection may destroy bone, gums, and soft tissues without prompt and thorough treatment. In adults, periodontal disease is among the leading causes of tooth loss.
Poor oral hygiene habits, diabetes, smoking, and hormonal changes in women are the most common factors contributing to periodontal disease. It can be more challenging to clean your teeth properly if your gums develop abnormal tissues due to medications. The risk of periodontal disease increases for people receiving treatment for AIDS.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 95 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAndrew Bennett
a year ago
I want to give Dr. Smith and his team way more than five stars because they are stellar! My dentist sent me to Dr. Smith for a bone graft and every step of the experience was as positive as it could be. Dr. Smith has a lot of experience and is technically masterful. He explained everything that was going on and the plan for my treatment. The procedure could have been painful, but the pain was minimal and my healing is progressing well. Kyler is a great assistant - friendly and willing to take whatever time is needed to support you. Jill is the most positive hygienist I have ever met. She gave me a lesson in gum care and overall oral hygiene that was life-changing! Seriously, her guidance was inspiring and I felt really uplifted. I can't say enough about Dr. Smith and his team.
Drake Reiter
2 years ago
I had a fantastic experience seeing Dr. Smith. His staff was extremely welcoming and patient, Dr. Smith was very professional and did excellent work, and the office manager did a wonderful job of explaining what to expect throughout the experience. I will definitely be going back for future periodontal needs!
Jeff Snavely
2 years ago
Great experience - staff all wonderful as is Dr. Smith. My initial visit was great then my procedure was smooth with Dr. Smith and Kyler assisting - they worked together as a well-oiled team making my experience a very positive one. Kyler called later in the day to check how I was doing which was appreciated.
Kailey Skarinka
2 years ago
From start to finish, Dr. Smith and his team were incredible to work with. I came to them with a more complicated case and a very short timeline (my wedding!) and they bent over backwards to make sure everything was finished and healed on time. Dr. Smith is incredibly knowledgable and an artist - the gum grafts not only eliminated my sensitivity but they also improved my smile cosmetically. Also a special shout-out to Kyler who was always available during my recovery to answer my many questions and assure me everything I was experiencing was normal! Would 10000% recommend Dr. Smith's team (and I already have to colleagues!).
susan plinski
2 years ago
Mary Jane (M.J.) of Dr. Karl Smith's office is a superb hygienist! She has the skills and perfect personality for the job. I've been seeing her for years and appreciate she keeps notes on my specific needs to make the appointment run smoothly. She takes time to check you're feeling ok and adjusts things as needed. And, she just completed a continuing education course learning more techniques in her field. I wouldn't see any other hygienist. BTW, Dr. Smith did a fantastic job on my implants. This is a wonderful dental practice.
Ms. Nicole
2 years ago
I have been a patient of Dr. Smith's for about three years now and I would recommend his services to anyone. His team is amazing, and his front office staff is welcoming and warm. My hygienist, Jill is by far the best. She is thorough and extremely kind. I used to have anxiety going to the dentist but not with her. She is knowledgeable and has taken great care of my teeth. There is a newer staff member, Courtney, in the front office that is very impressive in her customer service skills and always offers service with a smile.
Sierra
2 years ago
I was recommend Karl A. Smith by my primary Dentist for my surgical procedure. From day one his staff have provided superb customer service at both the Waldorf and Alexandria location. Today I visited the Alexandria location and had the pleasure of working with Courtney at the front desk and Kyler for my my actual procedure. Courtney was very welcoming and was able to multitask with checking me in while assisting a customer on the phone. At the end of my visit she ensured my checkout went smooth and quick. During my procedure Kyler helped keep my calm and even recommend a great place to get crepes based on our conversation of brunch ideas. Finally, Dr. Smith was also gentle during my procedure and very personal and showed he cared from start to finish. I couldn't ask for better customer service.
Meron Solomon
2 years ago
My experience here was easily one of the top three dental experiences. I was referred here to take care of a tongue tie and the initial consult was on time, clean and direct. The front staff was so friendly and I was actually looking forward to the next appointment. Dr. Smith was reassuring and clearly knowledgeable. He explained what was going to happen and how long it was take etc. The second appointment was the procedure day. Shout out to Kyler!!!! Not only was he super fun to talk with before the procedure, he also give my some great podcast suggestions. There was one part during the beginning of the procedure that was making me anxious but Kyler was tapping my shoulder, keeping me calm. I didn't even realize how anxious I was until I started calming down and I felt okay. That stuck out to me. Procedure went smoothly and post care instructions were reviewed. Dr. Smith was super professional and everything was so clean. The front desk checked in me at the end of the day and a week later I am good to go.
Carrie Mead
2 years ago
Dr. Smith and his colleagues did a wonderful job with my gum graft operation. Leah walked me through the billing process and Kyler and Dr. Smith did an excellent job on the procedure.
Richard Coorsh
2 years ago
Dr. Karl A. Smith and his staff are outstanding! Everyone from Dr. Smith on down goes out of their way to ensure patients thoroughly understand their treatment needs, receive top-notch periodontal care, and come up with workable payment options. They also liaise proactively with patients' other dentists as necessary to establish a continuum of care. Not just a well-oiled machine, Dr. Smith and staff are a tight-knit family of dedicated professionals who take in patients as family members, all working together to ensure friendly, high-quality patient care.
Johnnie Atkins
2 years ago
Today I met with Bisi, she was extremely kind and courteous and it made for an outstanding appointment today!
J W
2 years ago
Visited Dr. Smith for a specialist/periodontist visit at the recommendation of my dentist. I think Dr. Smith is the most knowledgable, thorough and kind dentist I've ever visited. Highly recommend!
Dale Tierney
2 years ago
I was seen at the Waldorf office and the staff was great! Brettany took my X-rays and was wonderful. Dr. Smith was very professional. Beverly helped me understand my treatment plan successfully. Highly recommended this practice to anyone.
Brandy Ringer
2 years ago
I visited the office to get a general exam to get my treatment plan started. I was welcomed with a warm friendly greeting and promptly called back to my appointment. Brettany took my X-rays and was gentle and polite I usually gag and hurt during X-rays due to the shape of my jaw under my tounge. Dr. Smith was friendly and welcoming gaining my full trust for this process. The office manager Beverly was so sweet and understanding while going over my treatment plan and even gave good suggestions for financing. Overall great experience.
Sandra Troutman
2 years ago
Thank you, Dr. Smith, for your excellent care! You are the best periodontist and my smile is proof. Dr. Smith has performed two gum surgeries for me and after each surgery my gums look natural--he is a pro in his field. And, his team is fantastic, too. Beverly, I appreciate your hand holding and all around positive attitude. Kyler, thank you for your care during and after surgery. Leah, thank you for your care, help navigating the insurance process and forever friendliness on the phone. Dr. Smith's office provides a high quality of care with fantastic results.
Shannon Oesch
2 years ago
Excellent service and fair prices. Appointments are always running on time which really helps when you have to work.
Black 115
2 years ago
I came to be put to sleep and it wasn't the case. While I was under sedation the dentist was hitting my forcefully saying open wider. I plan to address each matter on Monday.
C Daniels
2 years ago
Dr. Smith and the entire staff was great. He is knowledgeable, insightful and makes his patients feel completely comfortable under his care. His staff was committed to great service and very helpful in explaining the details pertaining to the treatment plan.
Adam Mathers
2 years ago
I had a fantastic experience at Dr. Smith's office! My expectations were initially pretty low since it was a clinic referred by the VA. But I was pleasantly surprised when I came in. It's clearly a top notch clinic with a professional and knoweldgable staff. Leah and the rest of the people there are attentive and do a great job.
Dawn Doucette
2 years ago
I couldn't recommend Dr. Karl Smith and his associates enough. They were informative, supportive, gentle and caring through the whole process of my gum repair. High recommend!
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