Robert Bouffard, DDS in Baltimore: A General Dentistry Practice with Direct Pricing Transparency
Robert Bouffard, DDS operates a general dentistry practice in Baltimore that handles preventive care, restorations, and routine procedures without network affiliation constraints, allowing him to set transparent fees upfront rather than negotiate with insurance carriers.
What This Practice Actually Is
Bouffard's office provides comprehensive general dentistry for adults and adolescents. The practice does not accept dental insurance; instead, it operates on a cash-pay model with published prices for standard procedures. This structure means patients know their exact cost before treatment begins, without surprise balance bills or insurance-dependent fee variations. The practice is small-scale, designed to limit daily patient volume and build longer appointment blocks for complex work.
Services and Pricing
Preventive visits (cleaning and exam) run $150 to $200 per visit. Fillings range from $200 to $400 depending on size and material (composite vs. amalgam). Root canal therapy costs $900 to $1,200. Extractions are priced from $250 to $600 based on tooth position and complexity. Crown work (including lab) runs $1,000 to $1,400 per tooth. Verify current fees before scheduling, as material and lab costs fluctuate; call the practice directly for exact pricing on your specific treatment plan.
The practice accepts payment in full at the time of service. Unlike insurance-based offices that defer payment to claim processing, this model requires upfront commitment but eliminates the administrative delay and frequent insurance denials that plague networked practices.
How Bouffard Compares to Other Baltimore General Dentistry Options
Baltimore has several network-affiliated general practices (such as those operating under Chesapeake Dental Care or independent practices in Canton, Fells Point, and Federal Hill) that accept most insurance plans but charge variable out-of-pocket costs depending on your specific plan and deductible status. Choosing Bouffard makes sense if you have a high deductible, distrust insurance claim processing, or need transparent pricing before committing to care. It does not suit patients whose insurance benefit is their primary payment mechanism or those seeking pre-treatment approval workflows.
A second comparison: practices that employ dental therapists or hygienists for preventive care can price cleanings lower (sometimes $80 to $120) by delegating exams; Bouffard's model keeps the dentist involved in all visits, raising preventive cost but ensuring continuity of clinical assessment.
Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not
Bouffard's practice works best for patients who are cash-pay by choice or necessity, have a strong relationship with a single dentist, and prefer predictability over insurance navigation. It also suits people with high-deductible health plans (HDHP) who would pay out-of-pocket for routine care anyway and value knowing costs upfront.
It does not suit patients who depend on insurance coverage to make dentistry affordable, need payment plans or financing, or benefit from in-network negotiation discounts. Patients accustomed to "no charge" cleanings under their plan's preventive benefit will find the direct fee structure a departure.
What the First Visit Involves
New patients should expect a comprehensive exam, X-rays (full-mouth series on initial visit), a periodontal assessment, and discussion of findings and recommended treatment. This typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The dentist will provide a written treatment plan with itemized costs. Payment is expected at the appointment conclusion; confirm payment methods (cash, check, card) when scheduling.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Hours and specific address details require confirmation directly with the practice, as dental scheduling and location changes affect printed information reliability. Contact the office before your first visit to confirm current operating hours, parking availability, and whether same-day or walk-in appointments are available. Most general practices in Baltimore operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours; Bouffard's specific schedule should be verified by phone.
Robert Bouffard's practice fills a distinct role in Baltimore dentistry for patients seeking clarity on costs and continuity with one provider, even if it requires moving outside the insurance ecosystem.
