Auslander Bruce D in Baltimore: General Dentistry with Early-Morning Hours and Direct Insurance Billing
Bruce D. Auslander operates a solo general dentistry practice in Baltimore that handles preventive and restorative care, including cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions. The practice distinguishes itself by opening at 7 a.m. on weekdays, earlier than most Baltimore-area general dentists, and by billing insurance directly on behalf of patients at the time of service rather than requiring out-of-pocket payment upfront.
What the practice actually is
A single-dentist general practice serving Baltimore patients who need routine preventive care, cavity treatment, and tooth extraction. Auslander does not offer orthodontics, cosmetic procedures, or implant surgery. The setting is a private office, not a group practice, meaning patients typically see the same dentist at each visit and can expect shorter scheduling delays than at larger clinics.
Services and pricing
Preventive care, including exams and cleanings, typically costs $150 to $200 per visit, depending on whether X-rays are needed. Fillings range from $150 to $350 per tooth based on size and material (composite resin vs. amalgam). Root canal therapy runs $800 to $1,200 per tooth. Simple tooth extractions cost $100 to $300; surgical extractions are $300 to $600. Prices are consistent with Baltimore general dentistry averages. The practice accepts all major dental insurance plans and bills carriers directly; patients pay their copay or coinsurance at the appointment, not later. Ask at scheduling whether your specific insurance plan is contracted.
How it compares to other Baltimore general dentists
Auslander's main competitive advantage is opening at 7 a.m., which suits working professionals and parents who struggle to book mid-day appointments. Practices such as Penn Dental Medicine (a University of Pennsylvania teaching clinic with Baltimore patients) offer sliding-scale fees and student dentist care, making them cheaper for uninsured or low-income patients but involving longer appointment times and less privacy. Associates at large group practices like Meadowbrook Dental often see patients within days rather than weeks. Auslander's solo practice means longer scheduling lead times for non-urgent care but continuity with a single clinician and no staff handoffs. Choose Auslander if early morning availability and one-on-one care are priorities; choose a group practice if you need rapid appointment access; choose a teaching clinic or sliding-scale provider if cost is the primary constraint.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
This practice suits patients already insured by a dental plan and those with a stable work schedule who can book appointments in advance. The early hours appeal to shift workers and parents managing school drop-off. Patients requiring same-day emergency extraction may be turned away if no slot opens. The practice does not accept Medicaid; confirm this before scheduling if you rely on Medicaid coverage. Those needing cosmetic work (whitening, bonding, veneers) or implants should be referred out and must find a cosmetic or oral surgeon separately.
What the first visit involves
New patients complete a brief health history and consent form, then receive an intraoral exam and, usually, bitewing X-rays to assess for cavities. Auslander discusses findings, outlines treatment options if decay or gum disease is present, and estimates insurance coverage for proposed work. The full appointment typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. Insurance information and ID should be brought; ask in advance whether your plan requires a referral or pre-authorization for any planned treatment.
Hours, location, and parking
The practice opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. on weekdays, with no evening or weekend hours. Street and lot parking are available near the office. Call to confirm current hours, as dental practices sometimes adjust seasonally or for continuing education.
Why this practice is listed
Auslander fills a specific gap for Baltimore patients seeking early-morning preventive and restorative care with insurance convenience and provider continuity, not a full-service dental clinic.
