Patient Testimonials

I grew up on a farm in the 1950s and ‘60s without fluoride-treated water and dental checkups. My first dental experience was as a college student with an impacted molar. I went to a nearby dentist’s office and he pulled a tooth. Then he pulled the one that was impacted. In the following 40 years I collected a mouthful of crowns, 4 bridges and the certainty there would be more patches, more extractions, and more pain.

I went to Bethesda Sedation Dentistry in late 2017 after the total failure (cracked root) of an upper canine removed by my previous dentist exposed root decay in an adjoining 3-tooth molar bridge. That dentist proposed installing individual implants and replacing the bridge. I didn’t get a complete quote, but the individual implants would run about $8,000 each and there were four teeth and a bridge to be replaced immediately.

I heard radio ads about the HyBridge system at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry so I called for information and spoke with Rocky, who addressed all my questions over maybe 5 minutes and then invited my wife and me to an in-office meeting with Dr. Rob. That was followed by a checkup (including a CT scan) and a fixed-price quote for a full-mouth restoration. The advantages I saw were:

1. Lower overall cost and a significantly reduced schedule. For example, bone graft material and sinus surgery were included in the quote.

2. Much less pain with sedation. I was under twice, once for extractions (and related surgeries) and again to install implants.

3. CT scanner providing 3-D images to ensure that implants (6 in the upper jaw, 5 in the lower) were placed at optimal locations.

4. Dr. Rob’s experience with HyBridge. As an engineer, I really appreciated Dr. Rob’s knowledge of materials and mechanical forces, and his assurance that bone would continue to grow around implants because of the way biting forces are spread to all implants. (I met someone during this time whose implants, installed elsewhere, had loosened and pulled out of the jaw.)

In addition to Rocky and Dr. Rob, the rest of the staff were just amazing and the results are fantastic. So, yes, I’d do it again. But my mouth is so well built that I don’t expect to need any major dental work. I’m going in 3 times a year for cleanings and checkups with Kathryn, who impresses me with her attention to the best methods for cleaning implants.

Dr. Rob and the staff at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry exemplify excellence in dentistry. Having 2 implants was not something I had been looking forward to. The thorough planning and organization before surgery done by Rocky gave me a hint that this practice was unlike any I had been to before.

On the day of the implants, Dora, kind and competent, assisted Dr. Rob. Dr. Rob has a wonderful manner about him which relaxes you immediately, informing you step by step as the procedure progresses while skillfully and painlessly performing the surgery. He is caring, sincere, empathetic and confident. You know you have been well taken care of when you leave their offices.

The follow-up appointment was just as professional. Danielle assisted Dr. Rob and was helpful and caring. Dr. Rob again was informative and thorough. Bethesda Sedation Dentistry does a great job of combining professionalism with a personal touch. Couldn’t give them a higher recommendation!!

My first experience with a dentist was age five in the late 1950’s. I went there to have a molar extracted and was extremely upset at the prospect. Crying in the chair yelling for my mother, the dentist told me I would never see my mother again if I didn’t stop crying. I was off to the races running from future dental
visits.

Through the years I went to the dentist when necessary to get treated for pain and made many excuses not to have regular checkups. I just figured I would wait for technology to catch up to my needs. Well. As you can imagine, it took years, but it was time to get this settled once and for all. I began my research in the DC area and all roads kept leading back to Bethesda Sedation.

Today it is a rare occurrence that an advertisement lives up to its promises, but not only has the Bethesda Sedation Dentistry practice done that, they exceeded all expectations.

The team Dr Deb and Dr Rob have assembled are more than qualified. A meeting takes place every morning to discuss the patient needs of the day and when you walk in, everybody is on board and knows exactly what their mission is.

I went full boat on the upper and lower Hybridge. The pain of extraction was eliminated with sedation and the pain following was fine and expected. I never took more than ibuprofen in order to take the edge off.

There were more fittings and tweaks than a young bride may experience getting her dress fitted in order to reach perfection. In the end, BSD would not let me leave until they were satisfied with their engineering and artistry.

My process began in the Spring of 2018 and was completed in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

Would I do it again? Without hesitation.

Since 2012, Deborah Ann Klotz, DDS, has saved me from needing a series of expensive, unpleasant prophylactic gum grafts.

Deborah Ann Klotz, DDU, (AKA “Dr. Deb”) at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry is not only the best practitioner in her field whom I have ever known; she also occasionally has offered stellar advice about my overall health care. Whether, like me, you need some form of sedation during routine dental work, or even if you prefer to remain fully alert, I highly endorse Dr. Klotz, because of her extreme competence, attentiveness, and genuine compassion. If you must be knocked out for any dental care, she and her husband Robert Schlossberg, DDS, (AKA “Dr. Rob”) are both hospital trained in intravenous (I.V.) “conscious” sedation, although they can make you sleep peacefully throughout an appointment when necessary.

My teeth are in great condition, but after decades of overly aggressive brushing, my gums have receded far too much. Had I damaged them anymore, I would have needed multiple gum grafts to prevent a potentially serious infection. For many years, I had been seeing a male dentist whom Washingtonian magazine had consistently rated as one of the area’s finest. He provided wimpy oral doses of Demerol, an opiate painkiller, plus nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that helped somewhat to ease my discomfort during regular hygiene visits, both because I had a lot of plaque buildup as well as tender gums. He had long told me that I had no problems at all and that he did not foresee me ever having any oral complications, until one appointment in 2012. In what seemed like an abrupt change of heart, he called my lifetime of inadvertently harsh tooth brushing “a self-inflicted wound.” He pointedly warned me that if I did not start using an electric toothbrush instead of an old-fashioned manual one, my mouth eventually would succumb to the ravages of pathogenic bacteria. I Immediately adopted his belated recommendation. He did not, however, tell me to stop using Crest toothpaste or Listerine mouthwash, both of which are good products for most people, but with in my case, were further damaging my After that eye-opening appointment, and sensing that I needed a higher level of care, I stumbled upon Dr. Klotz through a Google search in 2012. I read all of the reviews and articles about Bethesda Sedation Dentistry that I could find. For a modest fee, I also did a rather thorough background check on both Dr. Deb and Dr. Rob. I discovered no unpleasant surprises.

During my first appointment with Dr. Klotz, she explained that regular brands of toothpaste such as Crest contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a foaming agent, that can harm already-damaged gums. Mouthwashes containing alcohol, that made my breathe feel ever so fresh, inflicted still more harm in my situation. She asked me to switch to a toothpaste and a mouth rinse that both contain stabilized chlorine dioxide, both of which products are made by a company named CloSYS. Many pharmacies carry these two over-the-counter items. If you have receding gums or gingivitis, CIoSYS toothpaste may save you from needing gum grafting.

During my first visit with Dr. Klotz, she said that I eventually might require prophylactic gum grafts to prevent future infection. Not one to trust a new health care provider wholeheartedly, I went back to my old dentist for a second opinion. Not only did he admit that Dr. Klotz was better suited to my needs than he had been, he falsely tried to claim credit for “referring” me to her. He then told me that I should have the gum grafts that Dr. Klotz recommended. I then got a third opinion from my wife’s periodontist, who like my old dentist, had been rated highly by Washingtonian magazine. My wife’s periodontist wrote a carefully crafted letter to Dr. Klotz, suggesting that she do gum grafts on just four of my teeth, advice that she readily accepted.

In 2013, with the assistance of a highly skilled nurse, I drafted an unusually long and detailed Advance Directive, in case I were to suffer a healthcare crisis and could no longer speak for myself. Both my general practitioner, a doctor of internal medicine who completed her residency at Tufts-New England Medical Center In Boston, along with Dr. Klotz, reviewed this Intricate document for oversights and other errors. In response, Dr. Klotz veale a spectacularly thoughtful letter to my doctor of Internal medicine, who was extremely Impressed. By the way, my general practitioner is so well-regarded by her patients that when she recently moved to a new office that does not accept Insurance, most of her clients followed her there, Including me. Yet whenever Dr. Klotz renders healthcare advice that has nothing to do with dentistry, my general practitioner pays very close attention.

I have been seeing Dr. Klotz every four months for the past three years. During my last few appointments, Dr. Klotz has been saying that my gums have sustained no further damage then when she first met me, and she no longer feels a need for me to undergo any grafting procedures. She has forfeited several thousand dollars in potential business from me, and does not seem to care. Whenever she has rendered medical advice that is unrelated to dentistry, she has never charged me, even when I have volunteered to compensate her. Do not get me wrong: Dr. Klotz and her husband appear to earn quite a decent end hard earned living, but she has demonstrated repeatedly that to her, I am more than just a source of revenue. I strongly recommend Dr. Deborah Ann Klotz to anyone who wants an outstanding dentist, even If you never need any sedation.

I’ve been a patient at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry for many years and have had extensive work done. I have never been less than completely satisfied with the care I have received.

Dr. Robert Schlossberg is a genius and is meticulous about the details. He really goes above and beyond to make sure it is right. The entire staff is wonderful including Dr. Deb, Lea, Dora, Sarah, & Adrienne. They are welcoming, efficient and spending time with them is a pleasure. The office is bright and clean. I highly recommend Bethesda Sedation Dentistry.

I normally do not write reviews of dentists, but I had a truly amazing, wonderful experience at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry. I recommend this office and Dr. Robert Schlossberg. I have a tremendous fear of needles, and I needed to get an impacted wisdom tooth and another tooth removed. I had gone to two other well respected oral surgeons in the Washington DC area, and did not have a good experience. These two surgeons did not understand my needs and did not let me walk into the office with a close friend. This was not a problem at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, I was able to walk in with my aunt and have her next to me until the IV needle was put into my arm. These other doctors had tried to give me a valium before my appointment. However that doctor had given me an incorrect dosage and it had no effect on me.

At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, Dr. Robert explained that he would give me triazolam, an oral medication, that would be given to me as soon as I came into the office, and that would eventually put me to sleep before the Dr. put in the IV medication.

All of the staff at Bethesda Sedation were great, and they also provided me with a little warm pillow for me to hold, and they put a blanket over me, trying to get me sleepy. She connected me with a blood pressure machine, and put some other nodes on my chest and on my neck to monitor my breathing. I normally would have been scared by all this, but I wasn’t. I was determined to have this work. She also gave me headphones next to an Ipod they had and I got to listen to some jazz, big band music. When Dr. Robert came in – he first started examining my arm so that he could get my vein exactly on the first shot. I was still anxious while Dr. Robert examined my arm, and tears started to roll down my face, but his staff so kindly wiped the tears away from my eyes. This is the type of genuine care and concern that the staff have for you. I had already decided that my best solution was to bite into a water bottle at the same time that he put the needle in my arm, so that I wouldn’t be able to scream, and scare off the doctor. I did that, and soon the IV was in and I quickly fell asleep. Then they put the oxygen tubes into my nose, and started getting to work. It seems that I still did a small whimper when the Dr. was working on my tooth, but Dr. Robert was a true professional and was able to take out both of my bottom teeth in less than 20 minutes. Thanks so much Bethesda Sedation Dentistry for helping me to remove my wisdom teeth. I had no idea that it could all happen so easily. I would recommend that anyone that has fears about going to the dentist or who has pain and anxiety about needles should go to Bethesda Dentistry.

If you are looking for a great, top-notch dental practice, I want you to read what I have to say about Bethesda Sedation Dentistry. I write this testimonial sincerely and I know it will allay any concerns that you my have regarding your treatment plan, no matter how large or small.

Because of my fear of the dentist due to a bad dental experience coupled with some overall anxiety with which I had been dealing, my teeth had deteriorated very badly and required a LOT of attention.

When I started with Bethesda Sedation, I was a patient who required TWO sleeping pills in order to calm me to the point at which I could be delivered IV sedation and settle down for the dentist to perform the procedure. Of course, this routine required that I have an escort as well. Well, months later, you would not believe how far that I have come with Dr. Deb and Dora. Recently, I had two root canals and ONLY required laughing gas, NO sleeping pills, NO IV sedation and NO escort. This is the real truth; I find it hard to believe, myself. I no longer dread going to the dentist. Dr. Deb’s and Dora’s skills, techniques, professionalism and consideration have put me at ease completely – I have the utmost confidence in them and they are top-notch in every aspect.

I couldn’t write this testimonial without mentioning the front staff – Adrienne and Diane. It’s just the way that they handle their patients – it is really hard to explain – so caring yet so professional – and fun at the same time!! Adrienne and Diane make me feel at ease totally. And, no mention is made of the fact that you might be nervous unless you bring it up. As soon as you walk in, you are part of the family and you can leave any concerns there, as you won’t need them.

Sarah, my hygienist, is amazing!! Gentle yet competent!! I know longer dread my hygienist visit either.

Bethesda Sedation Dentistry is really a well-oiled, tightly run ship, from front to back, and I’m so lucky that I got on board. Go for it – you will be so happy and relieved that you did!!

I used to be scared of the dentist. Actually, if we’re being honest, it was more like peel-me-off –the-wall terrified. As a child, I wouldn’t allow the use of novacaine because of the needle. All of my dental work had been done with no numbing. It was an ordeal. So. As I mentioned before, I was terrified, with a capital T.

Thankfully, that terror is now a problem of the past.

Dr. Rob, Leah, Dora and all of the staff of Bethesda Sedation Dentistry are not just professionals of the highest caliber, they are wonderfully kind people who truly want their patients to feel like family. Dr. Rob is the most gifted and sympathetic dentist I’ve seen and, after my experience with him and the extensive dental work I required, I don’t believe I’ll go anywhere else but Bethesda Sedation Dentistry. From the administrative staff to the dental assistants to Dr. Rob and Dr. Deb, everyone in that office knows my name and asks after my family and how things are going in my life. It’s a thoroughly pleasant experience.

I recently needed a root canal, which everyone tends to dread. I was feeling nervous about it, but when I came into the office, Leah and Dr. Rob immediately put me at ease. As a testament to just how good they really are, about twenty minutes into the procedure, I fell sound asleep. The only sedation I had was novacaine. That’s saying a whole lot about my comfort level.

I would recommend Bethesda Sedation Dentistry to anyone looking for top notch dental care. These folks are the real deal.

Dear Dr. Deb and the entire Staff at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry,

I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me. Prior to contacting BSD, I was embarrassed and ashamed of how bad I had let my dental health become. When it became time to make a decision, I started researching my options. When I read the testimonials of your patients, it was apparent to me immediately that I had found a place that would understand my issues and truly help me achieve my goals. From my initial call with Diane, I felt comforted and confident that I was making the right choice. I then had my consult with Dr. Deb, where I was greeted with kindness and absolutely NO JUDGEMENT. Dr. Deb took great care and time to devise the best treatment plan, always considering my schedule and time. Now, I feel great and no longer lose sleep or stress over the need to see a dentist. I can honestly say that I look forward to seeing the whole team on my visits.

Dr. Deb, Sarah, Leah, Dora and the entire crew – Thank you and bless you all! You are a truly wonderful group of individuals!

Dear Deb and the entire staff at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry,

How to convey such a sincere appreciation for all of your time, efforts, support and kind words throughout the 7 months of visits to your office? Impossible!! When I learned of you and read the testimonials, I thought it was a dental office could not be this great due to prior experiences but I quickly realized that all the wonderful words expressed by your patients were certainly true. As many of your patients, I had horrible dental treatment as a child and experienced many awful dental visits and mouth surgeries throughout the years. It was easier to skip appointments as I was afraid I would have to endure more pain with suboptimal results. During my consultation, I immediately realized how amazing Deb was both as a person and a dentist. I am a physician and I was so impressed with her knowledge, kindness and caring attitude immediately. Adrienne and everyone who took care of me during my multiple visits were amazing. I cannot say enough kind words about all of the staff. They quickly became like family and I can honestly say I miss my visits. I now have a beautiful yet natural teeth and am proud of my smile for the first time in 50+ years.

If you are a potential patient, I can honestly tell you that you will find no finer dentist and dental office in this area. Make an appointment and you will be so glad you did.

To Dr. Debbie Klotz and the team at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry,

There are no words that could ever express my deepest gratitude and heart-felt thanks for all that you are doing for me. What you are giving me is life changing. In a world that sometimes appears to be run only by gain, it is amazing to meet such a wonderful group of people who are so selfless, giving and caring. Thank you. It’s places like Bethesda Sedation Dentistry that give people like me hope.

Sincerely,

Dear Dr. Rob, Dr. Deb, Adrienne, Cathy, Diane, Dora, and Kimberly,

I’ve suffered from dental phobia all of my life. Before I came to you, every dental appointment left me feeling traumatized. By my early 20’s, my phobia was debilitating; I couldn’t bear to see or think about anything dental related. It was terribly embarrassing, and I felt humiliated and ashamed.

I knew I would have to overcome my terror somehow so I could get the care I needed, but I just couldn’t do it. It had been ten years since I’d been to see a dentist. And then, a few months ago, I cracked a tooth.

I was horrified, of course, because now there was an emergency situation forcing my hand. I didn’t have a dentist, and I didn’t know how I was going to find someone who could help me without making my phobia worse. Bruce, thinking that sedation dentistry would be my best option, found your website through a Google search. I spent a LONG time reading and re-reading everything there, especially the testimonials, which I found incredibly touching. (though they sounded almost too good to be true- how wrong I was!) Somehow I knew your office was my best chance in making it through what lay ahead, so Bruce called and left a message about making an appointment.

This may sound silly to you, but being reassured that we could “leave a message of any length” was our first clue that yours is an office so different from the majority of medical professionals out there—and we’ve dealt with more than our share the past few years. And when Adrienne returned our call, Bruce and I were so impressed with her desire to obtain as thorough an understanding of my situation as possible, while showing such kindness and compassion, that we were quite literally shocked.

My first consultation was a few days later, and I could barely get out of the car. I joked with Bruce that he had better take me by the arm, or I’d run off as quickly as possible and never look back. I was shaking so badly when we approached your office, and was amazed to see Adrienne standing there as if she were waiting for us. She greeted me by name before I even told her who I was, and she smiled so warmly, so kindly, and spoke so reassuringly that I felt I could let my guard down a little. She talked with us until Dr. Rob came to meet us in the waiting room.

Dr. Rob was warm, gentle, and unassuming. He took special care to assure me that I was in control, that I could set my own boundaries. That first consultation made such an impression on me. Dr. Rob asked so many questions- he seemed interested in me as a person in need of dental care, not as a patient name or ID number. I was shocked to discover that I felt comfortable enough to go back right then and there and allow Cathy to take x-rays. I have to say, Cathy intimidated me at first, because she was in control of those scary machines, but she soon had me laughing as she kept knocking into things- just like me. We were all actually laughing and joking with one another. I never thought I could do that in a dentist’s office! (And we still laugh and joke, which is absolutely wonderful!)

Everyone introduced themselves during those first two consultations, and even though I was too anxious to recall your names at first, I recalled your smiling faces. Not “business-smiles,” but genuine, friendly, open smiles. That was my first impression of Kimberly and Diane.

Since then, every single interaction Bruce and I have had with you all has left us gobsmacked. We have never experienced- or heard of anyone else experiencing –the incredible, professional dental care that you provide, in an atmosphere where people feel truly comfortable – even relaxed. Or-gasp!- Happy!

I’m sure that the office atmosphere is a result of the conscious choices you make each day to do your jobs with excellence and compassion. But you go above and beyond: You don’t HAVE to be so funny or so kind (and all of you are!) You don’t HAVE to give out your cell phone number and allow nervous patients to call you with questions about an upcoming appointment during a holiday weekend (Dr. Rob!). You don’t have to be a rock star with a needle (Dr. Deb!). You don’t have to call and check up on someone when you’re in a car on your way to the beach (Cathy!). You don’t have to hold my hand or stroke my hair, like Dora did – and Cathy too. You don’t have to ask questions about my life and remember the names of all four of my cats, like Diane did. (And these are just a handful of examples…)

You don’t have to treat us as though we’re your friends, but you do- all of you do. To you these things may seem like everyday actions, but to me, and others like me, they are extraordinary. You make such an incredible difference. Empathy changes lives. If every medical office were run according to your standards of skill and compassion, there would be a lot less suffering in the world and a lot less fear.

Sitting in that (very comfortable) blue chair may never be a thrilling experience, but thanks to all of you, I can face it. I’m not scared anymore.

Thank you so very much!

Dear Dr. Deb,

Thank you so much for everything you have done to fix my tooth. When I first sent the email with the X-ray I really appreciated that you responded immediately and sent me your cell phone number. Thank you for coming in on your day off to take care of me. That was so generous of you and Rob. I don’t know many doctors that would do that. Without the two of you I would have skipped my trip or would still be in pain all the time. I was worried my tooth was going to fall out on its own! I feel so much better now that I know my tooth is going to be fixed. I had wanted to get my tooth fixed in Boston where I live now, but you are the only dentist I completely trust!

Thank you again!

Just want you to know that Dr. Robert Schlossberg is the best dentist ever. He makes all of his patients feel special. He always tells you what he is going to do ahead of time. He makes you feel at ease and is always so kind and patient. All Dentist should be just like him. I am 65 so I have seen many Dentist to compare him to. God Bless You Always. I live in Missouri now, close to my Son and his family.

JUST WANTED EVERYONE TO KNOW ABOUT THE BEST DENTIST EVER!

Dr. Rob,

I just want to thank you again for working on my teeth. I`m so relieved to finally be able to use ALL of my teeth to chew food…lol. And I was so relieved to wake up from the IV sedation and hear you say that you were able to get everything done in one visit!

You should know, btw – that the tooth feels TOTALLY different. It actually feels stronger and more stable than my regular teeth – where as BEFORE you worked on it, it was a wobbly mess and very sensitive. You also did a great job on the backside/inside of the tooth because that temp filling is gone and it is no longer a rough surface, it feels very smooth.

My teeth and mouth are no longer sore – my jaw is still a little sore (I think you guys said 1-2 weeks it might take to recover). I can actually feel it getting slightly better every day though.

Anyway – I`m very happy with everything ESPECIALLY the fact that you separated my two back teeth on my lower left side…from what I can tell they had been filled in together so it was basically one tooth – am I right? It looks like you separated them, so i actually have 2 teeth instead of one mammoth siamese tooth.

Thanks a billion!

Hi, My husband had raved about your office and staff. So I had to come in for a visit myself. I’m glad I did. Your front desk staff and Kim couldn’t have been more friendly, professional and helpful. It was a nice change! And Dr. Deb was great too.

I actually don’t dread returning for my next dentist appointment.

Hi Adrienne,

I just wanted to write you all a quick note and say thank you so much for yesterday. I had been putting off getting my wisdom teeth taken out for years now, but I knew as soon as my first visit occurred at your office that I would feel completely comfortable and safe having Dr. Deb take care of me. It is such a relief that finally have that taken care of and while it was by no means a “fun” experience, I cannot imagine it going any better. I always feel so comfortable and at ease coming into your office and while I was nervous yesterday, as soon as I saw Dr. Deb I knew it would be ok. Now on to the next procedure.

Thanks again!

Dear Dr Deb, Adrienne, and all dentistry staff,

I just wanted to let you all know that I am feeling 100% better after finishing the clindamycin. I again can’t thank you all enough for the wonderful care you gave to me over the past two weeks. You made having an infected tooth pulled both painless and stress free. Your patient care was professional yet empathetic and I plan on using your services even when I move up to Baltimore!

My wife suffers from a fatal form of dementia, frontotemporal dementia, which renders her completely incapable of communicating or responding to instructions. When a broken crown and obvious associated pain required me to seek dental care for her, I was turned away by literally every dentist in the Northern Virginia area as soon as the word “dementia” was used. No dental practice let me get further than describing her condition before hanging up and I was unable to obtain even emergency care.

Hearing Bethesda Sedation Dentistry’s radio commercial on WMAL radio, I decided to give them a call. Not only was I given the opportunity to describe my wife’s circumstances, I was warmly and professionally invited to give them an opportunity to accomplish that which had to be done.

From the very first visit and examination, we have been treated with the utmost in professionalism and expert sedative dentistry. The professional and office staff treated my wife with great care and compassion and was able to accomplish all of her dental needs through sedation, relieving both she and myself of the anxiety and difficulty of treating a non-cooperative dementia patient. All of her needs have been anticipated, her care provided flawlessly and in accommodation with her condition, and the whole process performed without pain.

I could not be happier with the entire Bethesda Sedation Dentistry practice and the splendid care that they have given my wife. Knowing that there are hundreds of dementia sufferers locally that face the same closed doors and unwillingness to provide them with needed dental care, I can not stress strongly enough to their caregivers that this is the practice that will provide your loved one with the care that they require. Do not delay another day.

Having found Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, I was delighted to discover that it deserves its stellar reputation. I was thoroughly impressed by the care and professionalism which I received during each of my visits. Each staff member is extremely knowledgeable and courteous, and I was always kept very well informed of the specifics of each procedure. In addition, I was treated with the utmost respect as I was taken on time for each appointment, allowing me to plan the rest of my day. I cannot recommend BSD highly enough and my single regret is that I only have one set of teeth for BSD to work on!

I am a professional female college graduate who spent 25+ years working for two Fortune 100 companies in high profile roles.

I had not seen a dentist, or any other medical professional for that matter, for 18 years until I reached out to the Bethesda Sedation Dentistry team, in April, 2008. At first, no real issues that needed attention enabled me to avoid doctors’ visits, and then when medical problems presented themselves, the dental issues especially painful at times, fear, embarrassment and shame prevented me from reaching out.

Finally, some way-too-old dental work started to fall out of my front teeth therefore preventing me from hiding behind my problems any longer. I had heard Bethesda Sedation Dentistry’s advertisements on the radio for years and knew that when I either found the courage to or was forced to confront my dental fear, I would reach out to BSD team.

Cathy answered my first call to the office. My first words were “stop the madness.” She was kind, concerned, attentive, and then, she put me on hold. Next, I was speaking to the doctor. My journey began the next day when I arrived for my first dental appointment in 18 years. I was embarrassed but at the same time so very proud of myself for having finally taken this necessary step. One of the doctor’s first comments to me was “you have a dentist now.” I felt safe.

As part of Bethesda Sedation Dentistry’s thorough screening prior to beginning dental treatment, I learned my blood pressure was “emergency room” high. The doctor referred me to a Bethesda-based cardiologist. Again, I was fearful that something might be very wrong and ashamed to see him because it had been so long since I had seen any medical professional. He too was compassionate, non-judgmental and kind, and confirmed all was okay. I will need blood pressure medication for the rest of my life to keep it in check and I am so thankful to have it under control. The cardiologist referred me to an OB-GYN who, too, was great – no lecture, no judgment – just a willingness to help and to get me on track which I am now.

Thanks to Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, a year later, I have healthy teeth and gums and a smile I’m proud of. Friends and colleagues comment to me all the time that I seem happier and more confident. It was a lot of work, but with the support of the incredibly supportive and kind BSD team, I made it.

Thank you. You’ve changed my life.

As a child, our family dentist was brutal and even my brothers will attest to that. But, being kids, our parents just thought we were exaggerating and going to the dentist was an unpleasant necessity. I can remember hiding in a tree, at the age of 6, to avoid going to see mean old Dr. ******. Through the years I did go to the dentist but slacked off when I was in my forties. Fast forward to age 52. The amalgam fillings were cracking my molars. Time to see a dentist. I picked Bethesda Sedation Dentistry and I am very happy I did. The team is up-to-date on the latest dental technology and, more importantly, they are compassionate and care about me. I have moved from Maryland to Colorado and still come back to Bethesda Sedation Dentistry twice a year.

…being the “scared-y cat” that I am, as far as dentists are concerned, I have been happily surprised at how much I enjoy my visits to the office…I think each of you is welcoming, caring and so kind. You all have done everything beyond the call of duty to allay my fears…I really do think you are wonderful and thank you for holding my hand…

Dear BSD Team,

I wanted to take the time to write you a short Thank You note for the extreme kindness and expertise given to me during my recent dental emergency and care. Due to my dental fear, I had not seen a dentist in several years. I was beyond nervous about the whole experience! From my first phone call to your office and talking with kind lona, I was treated with respect and care. I found the doctor to be patient, kind and knowledgeable, and I quickly trusted him with my dental care, something that has been difficult since my move to Maryland. Needless to say, I had a great deal of anxiety before my root canal procedure and the sedation experience also. I had worried myself into a frenzy beforehand! But, to my surprise overall it was a good experience. Thank you Dora and Cathy for taking such good care of me and putting up with my nervousness and talking while I was sedated. I want to especially thank Dora for holding my hand before & during the procedure, you don’t know how comforting that was for me. The music, warm blankets and gentle kindness all added to my overall comfort! Also appreciated were the phone calls later that day to check up on me – a very nice touch.

I am feeling well, no pain. I felt tired for a couple days afterwards, but I think that was due to the nervousness I put myself through beforehand. I am already starting the anxiety and worry about my next appointment on 3/17 for my exam and to find out what treatment lies ahead, crown etc. But I want you to know I feel better knowing that with your expertise, kindness, and yes sedation I can get through it!

So glad I found your office!

The search for a good dentist is not an easy one. I started my dental search at the Sedation Spa with Dr. *****. I was not happy with the treatment (both the medical treatment and the way I was treated as a customer). So I left them. A friend told me about BSD and the great staff so I decided to give you all a call and I am so happy I did.

I know I have been a pain in the neck. I know I am a difficult patient with very illogical fears. I appreciate all that each of you has done for me. Everyone there has been great and I could go on about all of your employees. But I wish to say thank you to Cathy for the conversation, the compliments, and making me feel as comfortable as possible as I wait for the procedure (and the drugs to take affect). I want to thank the other Kathy for taking time to call and check up on me and help me through the administrative parts of my visit there. Iona. thank you for always being interested in how I feel, eager to cheer me up and always prepared to deal with my fragile state whenever I am visiting your office. You have put up with my whining and fears the whole time, with obvious understanding and sympathy. You all have been tremendous. Every one there is such a joy. You have all made my most feared times so much more than just bearable.

I know I am not done and I have more appointments to come, but I wanted you all to know how much easier this has been than I ever thought was possible. With what you have done for me I am no longer as terrified as I once was.

Hi there.

Thanks for the mail; it’s funny I was recently thinking of writing to you. I relocated to New York City last year, and I have to say I was spoiled with your dental team. A cleaning I had here was quite uncomfortable, which has never happened to me before. Then during a two-filling replacement, the dentist initially didn’t numb me enough (ouch). You and your team are always thorough, current in the field and nice to spend time with. I hope that you’re all doing well, and please give my best to Kimberly and Iona

Thank you so very much for your kind care of me last Thursday. I continue to be amazed at your level of humanity, humility and care. Even though I know I will be taken care of whenever I enter your office – because of my phobia it is still very hard to handle. Try as I might I am still grappling. I get frustrated with myself and embarrassed.

Now this is the point I really want to make – beyond your expertise which is world-class (all of you are experts in your field) – it is your willingness, your sincere desire to make me feel safe in showing my fear that is so special. That I feel safe in your care allows me to face my fear and continue on the path to health and recovery.

I am so grateful – these words fall short of truly describing my feelings for this experience – but I will just say “thank you as always.”

Dear friends at BSD,

Thanks so very much for the gorgeous flowers you sent home with me recently. They have been a beautiful reminder of the loving care you all have provided to both Pat and me over the last year and a half. I never would have been able to have all of this work done with anyone else. Your patience, compassion and professionalism are absolutely unmatched. We recommend your practice highly and without hesitation.

Thanks to each of you for making what feels (to me) like a terrifying experience into a truly pleasant one! I never thought I’d say that before coming to your office.