Dugan J. Lamar DDS in Chattanooga: General Dentistry with FAGD Credentials
Dugan J. Lamar DDS is a general dentistry practice in Chattanooga offering preventive and restorative care under a dentist credentialed as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). FAGD designation signals completion of advanced continuing education hours beyond licensure, placing it above the minimum state requirement. The practice handles routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, and crown work, serving both established and new patients in the Chattanooga area.
Services and pricing
The practice provides standard preventive services (exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments), restorative care (fillings, crowns), and extractions. Pricing varies by procedure. A routine cleaning and exam typically costs between $100 and $200, depending on the extent of imaging and periodontal assessment needed. Composite fillings range from $150 to $300 per surface, and crowns run $800 to $1,200 depending on material and laboratory. Confirm current rates when you call; dental fees shift with material costs and lab pricing.
Insurance is accepted, though plans handled vary. The practice processes most major carriers, but out-of-pocket responsibility depends on your individual policy's deductible, coinsurance, and annual maximum. If you carry dental insurance through an employer, employer group plans are often processed directly. Call ahead to verify coverage before scheduling, particularly if your insurance is less common or regional.
For patients without insurance, some dental practices in Chattanooga offer fee-for-service discounts or payment plans. Ask whether Dugan J. Lamar offers a cash discount or in-house payment arrangement at the time of booking.
How it compares to other Chattanooga general dentists
Chattanooga's general dentistry landscape includes both large multi-provider offices and solo or small-group practices. A dentist with FAGD credentials has completed hours of postgraduate education, making them distinct from a licensed dentist meeting only state minimums. If you prioritize demonstrated advanced training, FAGD certification is one marker.
Many other solo and small-group practices in Chattanooga serve the same population, with varying fee structures and insurance participation. Some charge more aggressively for elective cosmetic work; others focus on value and high-volume preventive care. If your primary concern is cost transparency and straightforward restorative work, call multiple offices in your insurance network to compare actual fees for your needed procedure. If you need complex restorative or surgical work, ask whether a practice refers out to specialists or handles it in-house; some solo practitioners refer extractions to an oral surgeon, while others perform them directly.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
This practice is well-suited to patients seeking preventive care, routine fillings, basic restorations, and general dental maintenance in Chattanooga. Adults with stable insurance or cash resources, and patients comfortable with a more traditional general dentistry environment, fit the typical patient profile.
The practice is less appropriate for patients seeking cosmetic-focused services like teeth whitening, veneers, or cosmetic bonding; while Dugan J. Lamar may offer whitening, cosmetic specialists in Chattanooga provide more depth in that category. Patients requiring extensive orthodontics, implant surgery, or complex periodontal therapy should ask whether Dugan J. Lamar provides referrals to appropriate specialists or coordinates care.
What the first visit involves
Your first appointment typically includes a full clinical exam, baseline X-rays (digital or intraoral), and a periodontal assessment. The dentist will review your medical and dental history and discuss any current concerns. If you have active decay or gum disease, treatment planning and estimates will follow. Expect 60 to 90 minutes for the initial visit. Bring your insurance card and a list of current medications.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Standard business hours for general dental practices in Chattanooga typically run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some offices offering limited Saturday availability. Verify exact hours and whether the practice offers early morning, evening, or same-week appointments, as availability varies widely. Parking is usually on-site or street-accessible for solo and small-group practices. Call ahead to confirm location, exact hours, and whether same-day appointments are available for urgent care.
Dugan J. Lamar DDS offers the depth of training and general restorative scope most Chattanooga residents need for routine and moderately complex care, making it a practical choice if insurance and scheduling align with your needs.
