Best Dentists 2025

Find Top Dentists by City

Browse by Specialty

What Makes a Great Dental Practice?

After evaluating hundreds of dental practices, we've identified key factors that distinguish exceptional care from average. Our ranking methodology assesses practices across these dimensions:

How to Choose the Right Dentist

Verify Credentials and Training

All dentists must be licensed, but specializations matter. Check:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree
• State dental board license (verify at state board website)
• Specialty certifications for advanced procedures
• Continuing education participation
• Professional association memberships (ADA, specialty boards)

Assess Technology and Facilities

Modern equipment improves outcomes and patient comfort. Look for:

• Digital X-rays: Reduce radiation exposure by up to 90%
• Intraoral cameras: Help you see what dentist sees
• CAD/CAM systems: Same-day crowns and restorations
• Laser dentistry: Less invasive procedures, faster healing
• 3D imaging: Precise implant planning and complex case analysis

Understand Pricing and Insurance

Dental costs vary widely. Before committing:

• Verify insurance acceptance and in-network status
• Request written estimates for major procedures
• Ask about payment plans for expensive treatments
• Compare quotes from 2-3 practices for major work
• Understand what's included (e.g., post-op visits, adjustments)

Evaluate Communication Style

A great dentist educates and involves you in decisions. Red flags include:

• Rushing through explanations
• Pressuring you into expensive treatments immediately
• Not discussing treatment alternatives
• Dismissing your concerns or questions
• Unclear pricing or surprise charges

Dental Procedure Pricing Guide

Procedure	Typical Range	Insurance Coverage	Notes
Routine Cleaning	$75 – $200	Usually 100% covered	Twice yearly preventive care
Filling (per tooth)	$150 – $450	80% typical coverage	Composite costs more than amalgam
Crown	$800 – $2,500	50% typical coverage	Material affects price (porcelain > metal)
Root Canal	$700 – $1,500	80% typical coverage	Molars cost more than front teeth
Dental Implant	$3,000 – $6,000	Often not covered	Includes implant, abutment, crown
Invisalign	$3,500 – $8,000	Varies (orthodontic benefit)	Duration affects cost
Teeth Whitening	$300 – $1,000	Rarely covered	In-office vs. take-home trays

Pricing based on 2025 U.S. averages. Costs vary significantly by region and practice.

Red Flags to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you verify dentist credentials?

We verify all dentists through state dental board databases, check for disciplinary actions, confirm specialty certifications with relevant boards (e.g., American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry), and review continuing education records where publicly available. Full methodology.

Do you accept payment from dentists for rankings?

No. Rankings are based entirely on our evaluation criteria. Dentists cannot pay for inclusion, favorable placement, or score modifications. Our independence is fundamental.

How often do you update rankings?

Quarterly reviews for each city. If a dentist's license is suspended, practice closes, or major quality issues emerge, we update within 72 hours of verification.

What if my dentist isn't listed?

We can't list every practice. If you believe we've missed an exceptional dentist, suggest them for review. Note: Suggestion doesn't guarantee inclusion—they must meet our criteria and score competitively.

Should I always choose the #1 ranked dentist?

Not necessarily. Consider proximity, insurance acceptance, specialty needs, and personal comfort. A #5 ranked dentist who takes your insurance and is 5 minutes away may be better for routine care than a #1 ranked specialist 45 minutes away.

How do you handle patient reviews?

We consider verified patient feedback but weight it carefully—online reviews can be manipulated. We prioritize objective measures (credentials, technology, outcomes) while noting consistent patterns in patient feedback.