Welcome to the FAQ section for Slate Dental in Washington, DC. We have compiled answers to the most common questions regarding our concierge scheduling, insurance submission, and clinical philosophy.
The Concierge & “Ideal Dentistry” Experience
What is “Ideal Dentistry” and how does it benefit me?
Ideal dentistry is a clinical philosophy focused on long-term health, structural integrity, and aesthetic harmony rather than “patchwork” or temporary repairs. Instead of short, rushed appointments typical of high-volume offices, Dr. Slate dedicates 60 to 90 minutes per patient to ensure every restoration is precise, functionally sound, and built to last.
What does it mean to be a “Concierge” dental practice?
As a concierge practice, we prioritize your time and comfort above all else. For our patients in Foxhall Square and Northwest DC, this means zero wait times in our lobby and direct, 1-on-1 access to Dr. Slate throughout your entire visit. Our boutique model allows us to focus on the quality of care for each individual rather than the daily patient volume.
Insurance & International Benefits
Do you accept my dental insurance?
We are a Fee-for-Service practice, which means we work for you, not the insurance company. However, we are experts in maximizing your benefits.
While we are not in-network with domestic HMO/PPO plans, we provide full concierge claim filing for all PPO and International plans. We handle the coding, submission, and follow-up so that you receive the maximum reimbursement check directly from your carrier.
Do you work with World Bank, IMF, and Embassy plans?
Yes. We have extensive experience working with the specific plans used by DC’s international community, including:
- Henner
- Aetna International
- Cigna Global
- Global Excel
- World Bank MIP/RMIP
Our team understands the specific “superbill” and coding requirements these carriers demand, ensuring your claim is processed correctly the first time. For a full breakdown of our policies, please visit our Payments & Insurance page.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We believe finances should not be a barrier to world-class health. We offer:
- In-House Financing: Interest-free payment plans for up to 6 months for qualified patients.
- Cherry (Preferred): We partner with Cherry to offer flexible monthly payments with instant approval and no hard credit check.
- TuaPay: We also offer financing through TuaPay for extended repayment plans.
Scheduling & Concierge Access
How do I schedule an appointment?
We respect your time and offer a seamless digital booking experience. You can view our real-time availability and book your exclusive slot immediately using our online portal.
Do you run on time?
Absolutely. In our practice, your appointment time is reserved only for you. We do not double-book. This ensures you are seen exactly when scheduled and have Dr. Slate’s undivided attention for the duration of your visit.
How quickly can Dr. Slate accommodate emergency appointments?
Dr. Slate reserves dedicated time every single day specifically for same-day emergency dental appointments in our Foxhall Square office. Whether you have a broken tooth, a lost crown, or sudden pain, our team works to provide immediate, concierge-level relief for our DC neighbors as quickly as possible. Please call us at 202-686-5222.
Do you accept emergency patients who are not currently active in the practice?
Yes. We welcome new patients seeking a higher standard of emergency care. We frequently accommodate same-day visits for urgent restorative needs, providing a calm and private alternative to high-volume clinics for patients in Spring Valley, Wesley Heights, and American University Park.
Clinical Excellence & Second Opinions
I was told I need a tooth extracted. Can you save it?
Saving “hopeless” teeth is one of Dr. Slate’s specialties. Before you proceed with an extraction, we strongly recommend a consultation to see if advanced restorative techniques can preserve your natural tooth.
Read more about our approach to Second Opinions.
Do you restore dental implants?
Yes. Dr. Slate specializes in custom implant restoration. We coordinate the entire process by teaming up with specialists who have been hand-selected by Dr. Slate based on their expertise, skill, and location. This ensures the surgical phase is handled by the absolute best specialist for your needs, while Dr. Slate designs and places your final custom crown or bridge.
Why do you require a comprehensive exam for new patients?
We require a comprehensive exam mostly to ensure we start off on the right fit. By taking the time to identify all possible data points—from your complete dental history to your personal goals—we ensure we are making the best recommendations for your custom-tailored treatments and dental experience.