Questions?
We've Got Answers.

Everything you want to know before your first visit — or your fiftieth. If you don't see yours here, just call us.

Your First Visit
7 questions
Q
How long will my first appointment take?
Plan for 60–90 minutes. This covers your health history review, a professional cleaning, digital X-rays, and a full exam with Dr. Mak. Follow-up visits are usually 45–60 minutes.
Q
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your completed patient forms (you can download them here), your dental insurance card if you have coverage, a list of any current medications, and a photo ID. X-rays or records from a previous dentist are helpful but not required.
Q
Can I fill out my forms at the office instead of beforehand?
Absolutely — just plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early so there's plenty of time before your appointment begins. We'll have everything ready for you at the front desk.
Q
Will I get a cleaning at my first visit?
Most first visits include a full cleaning. If we discover that your gums need more attention — for example, if there are signs of gum disease — Dr. Mak may recommend a deeper cleaning as a separate appointment. She'll explain why and walk you through your options before anything happens.
Q
I haven't been to the dentist in years. Will I be judged?
Absolutely not. Dr. Mak and her team are genuinely known for their non-judgmental, compassionate approach. Many of their most loyal patients came back after years — or even decades — away from the dentist. What matters is that you're here now. Dr. Mak's goal is to understand where you are and help you move forward, not make you feel bad about the past.
"What matters is that you're here now." — Dr. Mak's approach in a nutshell.
Q
How often should I come in for cleanings?
For most patients, every six months is ideal. Patients with a history of gum disease or frequent cavities may benefit from visits every 3–4 months. Dr. Mak will recommend what's right for you based on your specific situation.
Q
What if the X-rays find a problem?
Dr. Mak will walk you through exactly what she found, explain your treatment options clearly, and help you decide what makes sense for your health and budget. There's no pressure to start treatment immediately — you have time to think it over. She'll also give you an honest picture of what happens if you choose to wait.
Insurance & Payment
5 questions
Q
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major dental insurance plans. The best way to confirm is to call us at 301-695-9446 — we can verify your coverage in just a few minutes and let you know exactly what your plan covers before your appointment.
Q
Will I know my costs before treatment starts?
Always. We verify your insurance benefits ahead of your appointment and provide honest cost estimates before any treatment begins. What we tell you is what you pay — no surprise bills after the fact.
Q
What if I don't have dental insurance?
No problem at all. We offer an in-house dental membership plan that covers preventive care at an affordable annual fee — no deductibles, no waiting periods, and no paperwork. It's a simple, stress-free alternative to traditional insurance. Call us to learn more about enrollment and current pricing.
Q
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes — we accept CareCredit, which offers flexible financing including no-interest promotional periods for qualifying applicants. Our front desk team can walk you through how it works and help you apply before or after your appointment.
Q
Does insurance cover routine cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings per year at little or no out-of-pocket cost to you. We verify your benefits before every appointment so you know exactly what's covered. No insurance? Ask about our in-house plan — it includes two cleanings per year.
Family & Kids
4 questions
Q
Do you see children?
Yes — we welcome patients of all ages, from young children to seniors. Dr. Mak and her team are warm and patient with kids, and they work hard to make dental visits feel positive from the very first one. We recommend a child's first visit around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.
Q
Can my whole family come to the same practice?
Absolutely — in fact, this is one of the things patients love most about our practice. We see the whole family under one roof, which makes scheduling easier and means Dr. Mak knows your family's dental history. Many of our patients have been bringing their families here for decades.
Q
Does my child need to be present for a consultation, or can I come first?
You're welcome to call ahead and speak with us before bringing your child in — we're happy to answer any questions and help you feel prepared. When your child does come in for their first visit, a parent or legal guardian must be present and will be welcome to stay throughout the appointment.
Q
Do you see elderly patients or patients with special needs?
Yes. Dr. Mak has extensive experience with senior patients and those who need extra patience, accommodation, or a slower pace. Our practice has always taken pride in treating every patient as an individual. If your family member has specific needs, please call us ahead of time so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Services
5 questions
Q
What services do you offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including general and preventive care (cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns), cosmetic dentistry (whitening, veneers, smile makeovers), restorative dentistry (crowns, bridges, dentures), implant restorations including All-on-4, family and senior care, and nitrous oxide sedation. We're also introducing in-office whitening and Botox soon — ask us about upcoming availability.
Q
Do you do teeth whitening?
Yes — we offer professional in-office teeth whitening and can also provide custom take-home whitening trays for more gradual results. In-office whitening is faster and typically more effective than over-the-counter products. Ask us about it at your next appointment or when you call to schedule.
Q
Do you offer dental implants?
We offer implant restorations — including single-tooth and All-on-4 restorations. The surgical placement of implants is handled by a trusted specialist we refer to; Dr. Mak then completes the restoration (the crown or prosthetic on top). We'll coordinate with the specialist throughout your care to make the process seamless.
Q
Can you handle a dental emergency?
Yes — we do our best to accommodate urgent dental needs as quickly as possible. If you're a patient experiencing a dental emergency, call us right away at 301-695-9446 and we'll fit you in as soon as we can. Same-day appointments are available when our schedule allows.
Q
Do you offer Botox?
Botox is coming soon to Modern Dentistry of Frederick! Call us or check back for availability — we'll let current patients know as soon as we're ready to start offering treatments.
Billing & Costs
4 questions
Q
How does billing work if I have insurance?
We handle insurance claim submission directly on your behalf. We verify your benefits before your appointment, so at checkout you pay your estimated patient portion only. If the insurance pays differently than estimated, we'll contact you afterward — but we work hard to make sure there are no surprises.
Q
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. We also accept CareCredit for patients who need financing options. If you have questions about payment before your visit, just give us a call.
Q
What is the in-house dental membership plan?
Our in-house membership plan is a simple annual plan that covers preventive dental care for patients without insurance — or for those who prefer a no-fuss alternative to traditional dental insurance. It includes your routine cleanings and exams with no deductibles, no waiting periods, and no paperwork. Call us at 301-695-9446 for current pricing and full plan details.
Q
Will I receive an itemized bill after my visit?
Yes — we provide a clear, itemized breakdown of all services at checkout. If you ever have a question about a charge, just call us and we'll walk you through everything. Transparency is something we take seriously.
Still have a question?

Didn't Find Your Answer?
Just Ask Us.

Our team is happy to answer anything before you come in — no pressure, no commitment. Give us a call or send a message and we'll get back to you within one business day.

Ready to Schedule Your Visit?

We're accepting new patients of all ages. Call us or schedule online — the whole team is looking forward to meeting you.