Around Town

Expanding boutique dentistry chain prepares to open in Pentagon City

A dentistry chain that claims to have reimagined the dentist’s office experience is preparing to open a second Arlington location.

Tend, which plans to open in February at 1421 S. Hayes Street, offers general dentistry, orthodontics, cosmetic services and more with a self-described “spa-like” ambience. Part of the recent ‘medtail‘ trend, Tend opens in retail spaces and refers to its locations as soothing “studios” that patients look forward to visiting.

Tend leans heavily into convenience and modernity, with Instagrammable interior design and “state-of-the-art technology.” An appointment-booking app allows patients to select a toothpaste flavor and queue a television show to watch during their appointment.

The Nashville-based chain has expanded quickly across the D.C. area since its 2019 founding, with new seven locations over the past three years, including one at 4201 Wilson Blvd in Ballston.

“We’re so excited to expand our presence in the DMV and especially further into the dynamic retail and residential communities of Northern Virginia, where we’re continuing to see increasing demand for Tend’s reimagined version of dentistry,” Nicholas Breunig, Tend’s director of real estate, said in a statement. “We can’t wait to begin serving patients in Pentagon City and look forward to joining such a vibrant neighborhood.”

The chain is continuing to grow its East Coast presence in cities like New York and Boston, and raised $72 million in equity funding in August to support those plans.

Tend is currently hiring staff, including dentists, hygienists and assistants in the D.C. area, according to signs posted in the future Pentagon City practice’s windows

This story has been updated to include a statement from Tend, which was sent in after publication. 

About the Author

  • Katie Taranto is a reporter at Local News Now, primarily covering business, public safety and the city of Falls Church. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 2024, where she previously covered K-12 education at The Columbia Missourian. She is originally from Macungie, Pennsylvania.