Jennifer Forshey DMD MD in Baltimore: Oral Surgery with Dual Medical Credentialing

Jennifer Forshey DMD MD is an oral surgeon operating in Baltimore who holds both a dental degree and a medical degree, a dual credential held by fewer than one-third of practicing oral surgeons in the region. The practice handles extractions, implant placement, and corrective jaw surgery, with sedation options ranging from local anesthesia to general anesthesia for patients who qualify.

What She Actually Does

Oral surgery in Baltimore typically divides between general dentists who extract teeth and full-scope oral surgeons who handle surgical extractions, bone grafting, implant placement, and orthognathic (jaw alignment) surgery. Forshey's dual DMD and MD training positions her for the upper end of this spectrum. The MD credential, obtained through four years of additional medical training beyond dental school, permits independent administration of general anesthesia and deeper involvement in complex surgical cases. Most oral surgeons in Baltimore hold a DMD or DDS only; the MD is relatively uncommon and signals training and licensing at the level of a physician.

Procedures, Sedation, and Referral Pathway

Forshey's practice covers simple extractions (removed teeth without bone loss), surgical extractions (teeth below the gum line or fractured at the root), implant placement, bone grafting, and jaw-repositioning surgery. Sedation options include local anesthesia with nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV conscious sedation, and general anesthesia. General anesthesia requires a referral from a dentist or physician in most insurance plans; some self-referral is possible but pricing is often substantially higher without a formal referring provider. Implant cases typically require a consultation appointment (separate from the procedure) to assess bone density via cone-beam CT imaging and discuss timeline and cost. Corrective jaw surgery involves orthodontics beforehand and a surgical waiting period post-op, usually spanning 12 to 18 months total.

How She Compares to Other Baltimore Oral Surgeons

Baltimore has approximately 20 practicing oral surgeons. Most operate through group practices affiliated with dental schools or hospital systems; University of Maryland School of Dentistry and Johns Hopkins have residency-trained surgeons on staff who also treat the general public. Private solo practices like Forshey's tend to have shorter wait times for consultations (typically two to three weeks vs. six to eight weeks for academic centers) but may not have the same depth of subspecialty support for high-risk patients. Surgeons with the MD credential are concentrated at academic and hospital-affiliated centers; a private MD/DMD practice in Baltimore is less common and permits same-day general anesthesia setup without coordinating with a separate surgical facility. Pricing in Baltimore for a simple extraction ranges $150 to $300 with local anesthesia, $600 to $1200 with IV sedation, and $1500 to $2500 with general anesthesia, depending on complexity and whether bone removal is needed. Implant placement alone (not including crown) runs $2000 to $3500. Academic centers often cost less for straightforward cases but charge similar fees for complex work.

Who It Suits and Who It Does Not

Forshey's practice suits patients with high anxiety who need or prefer general anesthesia, those with medically complex histories (where the MD credential allows direct medical risk assessment), and people seeking a single provider for surgical extractions and implants rather than a referral chain. It is also appropriate for working professionals who can fit a surgical consultation and follow-up into a private-practice schedule without academic delays. It does not suit patients seeking orthodontics (she performs surgery, not braces), patients covered only by medicaid plans that restrict providers to dental schools, or anyone whose insurance requires a specific surgical facility.

What the First Visit Involves

A consultation starts with history and examination. For implant cases, cone-beam CT scanning is performed in-office (cost typically bundled into the consultation fee or billed separately; confirm when scheduling). Forshey will discuss bone volume, sinus anatomy, and tooth-replacement options. For extraction cases, X-rays assess root position and complexity. Sedation is discussed and consent forms signed; patients on general anesthesia are asked to fast for six hours beforehand. Many practices require labs (blood work) for general anesthesia if you are over 50 or have medical comorbidities; results must be recent (within 30 days). Plan 60 to 90 minutes for a first visit.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Verify current hours and location directly with the practice, as oral surgery schedules often vary by season and surgeon availability. Street parking is standard in Baltimore; confirm whether the surgical office has lot or garage parking. If general anesthesia is planned, arrange a driver; discharge is same-day but you cannot operate a vehicle for at least four hours. Time off work for extraction and implant placement is typically three to five days; jaw surgery requires two to three weeks.

Forshey's dual medical and dental training is the differentiator in Baltimore's surgeon landscape, making her a logical choice for patients prioritizing anesthesia flexibility and direct physician-level care assessment within a private setting.