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 4.7 out of 5 based on 20 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestBenn Simmons
a year ago
It is an honor, pleasure too have had the Karl A. Smith Dental family provide expert dental care. Brettany Schwartz and Courtney Waters are very courteous, diligent in the appointment coordination I appreciate their efforts. Dr. Bisi Dadabo is very skilled at her profession; I truly thank "GOD" for her expertise. I look forward to my next session with the Dental team. THANK YOU!
Cynae Butler
2 years ago
Everyone is very informative and friendly. Hands down my favorite dentist office!
sheila rodriguez
2 years ago
A big thank you to Kyler and Karina for their professionalism and their sincerity in customer care. I have a lot of dental issues that I am ashamed and embarrassed about, but these two show me nothing but compassion. I leave my appointment with my dignity intact. If you've avoided dental health because of shame, please, please make an appointment with Dr.Karl Smith and his wonderful team!
Meredith Drumm
2 years ago
Prompt, clean, affable staff and practitioner. Got right to the root of the problem.
Carlos Bailey
2 years ago
Kyler had a great attitude and made sure that I was comfortable. Likewise Dr. Smith was very communicative throughout my visit. I would only recommend this practice to those who want want a great dental experience.
Patricia Masson
2 years ago
Very professional !
William Peck
2 years ago
The staff were friendly and made sure that it was a COVID safe environment. Dr. Smith took much more time with me than I expected and I appreciated his thoroughness and advice. Highly recommend this dental practice.
LastDance 246
2 years ago
Great service, period.
adria washington
2 years ago
Please believe me when I say that Dr. Karl Smith and his staff Leah McLeod, Kyler Schmitch and Karina Palaroa are UNTOUCHABLE in the customer service that they provide. I found them on my own and I am so glad that I did. This posting is not a reference from anyone but myself. Not only did I use their services but my husband as well and he agrees that we will ALWAYS go back to them for these kind of services. They greet you like they know you personally, they keep you posted on where you are in the process, they make you feel comfortable during services, they let you know what the cost is well in advance and give you payment options. It would be GREAT if all my interactions with the public service community was like this. A huge THANK YOU!
William Peck
3 years ago
The staff were friendly and made sure that it was a COVID safe environment. Dr. Smith took much more time with me than I expected and I appreciated his thoroughness and advice. Highly recommend this dental practice.
Patricia Masson
3 years ago
Very professional !
adria washington
3 years ago
Please believe me when I say that Dr. Karl Smith and his staff Leah McLeod, Kyler Schmitch and Karina Palaroa are UNTOUCHABLE in the customer service that they provide. I found them on my own and I am so glad that I did. This posting is not a reference from anyone but myself. Not only did I use their services but my husband as well and he agrees that we will ALWAYS go back to them for these kind of services. They greet you like they know you personally, they keep you posted on where you are in the process, they make you feel comfortable during services, they let you know what the cost is well in advance and give you payment options. It would be GREAT if all my interactions with the public service community was like this. A huge THANK YOU!
LastDance 246
3 years ago
Great service, period.
Meredith Drumm
3 years ago
Prompt, clean, affable staff and practitioner. Got right to the root of the problem.
Carlos Bailey
3 years ago
Kyler had a great attitude and made sure that I was comfortable. Likewise Dr. Smith was very communicative throughout my visit. I would only recommend this practice to those who want want a great dental experience.
Ed Hendrickson
4 years ago
Very professional always. Great service
Jennifer Smith
4 years ago
I really enjoy going to Dr. Karl (Yes, enjoyable to go to the dentist...lol). Everyone in his office (Katy, Karina, Beverly, Leah and the rest of the gang) are always so pleasant and professional. The office is immaculately clean and makes you feel comfortable. Dr. Karl knows his stuff and emphasizes a healthy mouth first then a beautiful one. He is really supper hands on and personable. I really appreciate that. Although the people are very professional, they are also very warm and welcoming. They really make you feel like more than a patient. Plus, the snacks you get after your visit are AWESOME!!! I would highly recommend anyone to him and his team. I'm in the middle of my treatment and am looking forward to having the best smile ever!!! Thanks Dr. Karl!!
Marie Vic
4 years ago
I have been going to dentists for 63 years. Never have I experienced the grandeur I experienced at the Waldorf, MD office!! The Doctor is authentic, knowledgeable, kind, considerate, and excellent. The staff should train the White House is professionalism, customer service, and kindness. The office is very clean. They offer very nice refreshments. You don't wait an excessively long time. The appointment reminders are cute million dollar bills. They have beautiful bags with gold imprint. It was just a pleasure to go to this office and be serviced by Dr. Karl Smith
Carah Pierce
4 years ago
Made an appointment with this office and was not disappointed at all! Everyone was so nice and welcoming. Had my consultation and even though they weren't able to help me with my problem he referred me to someone, and waived my fee! Would highly recommend!!
Jennifer Smith
5 years ago
I really enjoy going to Dr. Karl (Yes, enjoyable to go to the dentist...lol). Everyone in his office (Katy, Karina, Beverly, Leah and the rest of the gang) are always so pleasant and professional. The office is immaculately clean and makes you feel comfortable. Dr. Karl knows his stuff and emphasizes a healthy mouth first then a beautiful one. He is really supper hands on and personable. I really appreciate that. Although the people are very professional, they are also very warm and welcoming. They really make you feel like more than a patient. Plus, the snacks you get after your visit are AWESOME!!! I would highly recommend anyone to him and his team. I'm in the middle of my treatment and am looking forward to having the best smile ever!!! Thanks Dr. Karl!!
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