Christopher McTavish DMD in Baltimore: General Dentistry with Direct Pricing
Christopher McTavish DMD is a general practice dentist in Baltimore offering preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services to new and established patients, with a published fee schedule and no insurance requirement.
What the practice actually is
This is a solo general dentistry practice focusing on adult patients seeking routine care, fillings, cleanings, and treatment planning without the overhead structures of large group practices. McTavish operates independently, meaning patients deal directly with the same provider rather than rotating among multiple dentists, a meaningful distinction in Baltimore where multisite chains and DSOs (dental service organizations) have expanded significantly over the past decade.
Services and pricing
The practice provides:
- Preventive care: exams, cleanings, X-rays ($150–$250 per routine visit depending on imaging)
- Restorative treatment: composite fillings ($200–$350 per tooth), crowns ($800–$1,200 per unit)
- Root canal therapy ($900–$1,200)
- Extractions ($250–$500 depending on complexity)
- Cosmetic bonding and whitening ($300–$600)
These figures reflect typical pricing in Baltimore for solo practices; confirm current fees directly. McTavish does not bill insurance but provides itemized receipts patients can submit to their plans for reimbursement. This approach favoids contracted rates and allows the practice to post transparent pricing upfront, a practical advantage for uninsured or high-deductible patients.
How it compares to other Baltimore dentists
Solo independent practices like McTavish differ fundamentally from DSO-affiliated offices (Aspen Dental, Smile Direct) and hospital-affiliated clinics (like those within University of Maryland Medical Center). Independent practices typically allow longer appointment slots and direct access to the same dentist over time; DSOs prioritize volume and offer lower upfront costs but often employ treatment plans more aggressively. Hospital-based clinics serve populations with complex medical histories and Medicaid coverage but have longer waitlists and less flexibility for routine care.
For patients seeking consistent relationships and transparent out-of-pocket costs without insurance friction, solo practices fit better. For those with severe anxiety requiring sedation or medically complex needs, hospital or multi-provider settings are more appropriate. For lowest headline pricing, DSO chains undercut independent practices, but total out-of-pocket cost often depends on treatment scope.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
McTavish's model suits established adults (roughly age 18+) with stable health histories, access to cash or credit, and consistent insurance or none. It does not suit pediatric patients (no indication of child-focused training or sedation), acutely medically fragile patients needing coordinated hospital care, or those requiring ongoing payment plans beyond simple invoice arrangements. Patients with active Medicaid or those needing in-network verification with insurance should call ahead, as the self-pay model limits some reimbursement coordination.
What the first visit involves
New patients should expect a standard comprehensive examination including full-mouth X-rays (if not done within the past year), intraoral inspection, periodontal screening, and a treatment needs discussion. McTavish provides a written treatment plan with itemized costs before beginning work. This appointment typically runs 60 minutes and includes the exam fee listed above; subsequent visits focus on the planned treatment. Patients bring photo ID and existing dental records if available.
Hours and logistics
Call the practice directly to confirm current hours and parking details. Most Baltimore solo practices operate four days per week (commonly Monday through Thursday), with limited Friday or Saturday availability. Street or lot parking is typical in urban neighborhoods; office location determines accessibility.
McTavish represents a working model still present in Baltimore dentistry: the independent provider with direct pricing and continuity. For patients fatigued by insurance processing or seeking relationships over high-volume efficiency, it remains a functional choice.
