Design a Smile by Dr.Ricardo Romay, DMD

Great experience. He was very thorough and took the time to explain everything clearly. I really appreciated that he used an intraoral camera to show me exactly where my cavities were located—super helpful and reassuring. Highly recommend!

Dr. Romay and his staff are just simply a pleasure to work with. His caring and gentle ways paired with his expertise and state of the art equipment are simply unmatched. I highly recommend Dr. Romay for all your dental needs.

This is the dentist a colleague recommended after I moved to Miami. Now I have left them because of various reasons. First, I have never had any cavity in my life, and my previous dentist in CA who I visited twice a year for almost 5 years has never suggested any cavity. But in my first visit here, Dr. Romay said I had 4 pit and fissure cavities and recommended fillings. I was shocked because how can there suddenly be 4 new cavities in only 6 months. He said although nothing could be seen from the X-rays, he saw stains, the darker the stain, the deeper the cavity, and he could feel the "catch" in these stains, which means they are cavities. I mentioned my dental history and asked if we could wait for 6 months first and see. He said he would not do anything if he thinks it's not necessary, but now it's nessasary; because they are still in the enamel layer, it will need very minor drill and no anesthesia. He also said that some dentists may wait but he thinks it's stupid. The second visit, after cleaning, they asked me to wait for Dr. Romay to show me the cavities because I was suspicious. This time, one of the 4 cavities was "gone" because the cleaning and polishing "removed it". And Dr. Romay said we may wait on this one. So how can a real cavity be removed by regular dental cleaning? At this point, I got more suspicious, and then found another dentist for a second opinion because Dr. Romay refused to talk to my CA dentist. I didn't say anything about the previous diagnosis to avoid bias, and the new dentist did not mention cavity either. I then told him about the cavities, but he still says there's no cavity. What he suggested about my short roots etc. are consistent with my CA dentist, which Dr. Romay didn't mention. I understand doctors can have different diagnosis criteria and focus, but I don't like Dr. Romay's aggressive approach. Even if both other dentists are wrong and I have shallow cavity, there are cavities called arrested caries which stopped progressing and do not need immediate filling, because filling requires removal of the enamel, and no matter what material is used, it won't be as strong as your own enamel. Once the filling material is worn, it may create gaps that catch bacteria and cause secondary cavities, and you will need another filling, removing more of your own teeth. And that's why I'm hesitant. BTW, he used probe to poke the stains aggressively, which is actually bad if there are mild cavities because it can make them worse. He also mentioned he wanted to treat now because he doesn't want to wait until patients lost their insurance. And the first time when I was questioning the cavities, he also suggested to see the estimated cost first and decide. This also doesn't align with my values. If I really have a cavity where filling is the best choice, I will do it regardless of the cost. However, if filling is not the best choice for the situation, even you do it for free or pay me money, I won't do it. Second, the staff got insurance coverage wrong, and the manager is rude. After cleaning, the hygienist said fluoride treatment would cost $25 out-of-pocket, I questioned, and she said staff told her my insurance doesn't cover it. Then I checked my plan while waiting for Dr. Romay (in another room) to show me the cavities, and it does cover it. So I went to the front desk to show them, then the manager got very unhappy and asked me to go back to the room while she checks it. It was already late, and I saw my hygienist begin to do housekeeping (in the original room). I was afraid she could leave anytime because she didn't see me showing the staff plan coverage, so I went to the front desk again (as hygienist's English is not very good). The manager got mad when she saw me and asked me to go back. I don't understand why going to front desk would make her mad. Third, I don't feel as clean after the cleaning as I do with my CA hygienist. Fourth, in my first visit, I waited for almost an hour to see the doctor without any explanation, so it's normal here? Front desk has been nice though.

I’ve been coming here for years and I really love the staff. Especially Mile!!! She always goes above and beyond and truly cares for her patients.

Absolutely amazing experience at Design A Smile Miami! Dr. Richard Romay and his team are professional, friendly, and truly care about their patients. the results speak for themselves. Highly recommended.