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Best General Dentists in Durham, NC (2026)

129 clinics offering general dentistry, rankedUpdated 0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for general dentistry: Local Start Dental, ranked #1 of 129 by service score; ranked on access and profile data; Google ratings not yet collected.

Rankings can't be bought. Booking through us earns you a $60 gift card and doesn’t affect order. How we rank

129 Durham clinics list general dentistry and are ranked here by service score. 2 offer same-day or emergency visits and 9 open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 44 of them.

Top 10 general dentistry dentists in Durham at a glance

Top 10 general dentistry dentists in Durham at a glance
RankClinicService scoreRating (reviews)Same-day
1Local Start Dental73——
2Smile Design73——
3Trophy Smiles of Durham73——
4CarolinasDentist715.0★ (169)—
5New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry705.0★ (404)—
6Dr. Carl Hudson Emergency Dental Service691.0★ (1)Yes
7TriPoint Dental695.0★ (66)—
8Durham Dental Studio684.8★ (493)—
9Desiree Palmer685.0★ (1)—
10Emergency Dentist Durham Always Open685.0★ (1)—

The 129 best general dentistry dentists in Durham, ranked

Ordered by service score: the DR Score plus bonuses for a specialist on staff, reviews that mention the service and same-day care where it applies.

  2. #2 Smile Design

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #2 for general dentistry in Durham on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Smile DesignFull profile
    In their words

    Welcome to Smile Design - Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, where total patient comfort is our highest priority. Dr. Erfan Imeni and our team cater to our patients’ needs by offering a wide range of dentistry and state-of-the-art dental technology in a friendly and modern environment. When you visit our office, we will greet you with a smile and a complimentary beverage and invite you to enjoy our comfortable amenities, including Netflix and massage chairs.

    From Smile Design's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  13. #13 Lane & Associates Family Dentistry

    67/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #13 for general dentistry in Durham on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Lane & Associates Family DentistryFull profile
    In their words

    Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile! Lane & Associates Family Dentistry was founded 40 years ago and is a North Carolina born and bred company. Our founder, Dr. Don Lane, started the company in Fuquay-Varina, NC in 1980 and the company has since grown to over 40 locations and 60 doctors throughout NC! Our services include General and Family Dentistry with specialties such as Endodontics, Periodontics, Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign®, Sleep Apnea…

    From Lane & Associates Family Dentistry's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  14. #14 Lane & Associates Family Dentistry - Durham Miami Blvd

    67/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #14 for general dentistry in Durham on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Lane & Associates Family Dentistry - Durham Miami BlvdFull profile
    In their words

    Welcome to Lane & Associates, where we love to make you smile! Lane & Associates Family Dentistry was founded 40 years ago and is a North Carolina born and bred company. Our founder, Dr. Don Lane, started the company in Fuquay-Varina, NC in 1980 and the company has since grown to nearly 30 locations and 60 doctors throughout NC! Our services include General and Family Dentistry with specialties such as Endodontics, Periodontics, Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign®, Sleep Apnea…

    From Lane & Associates Family Dentistry - Durham Miami Blvd's own description. Not part of the ranking.

All 129 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #129, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

RankClinicDR ScoreRating (reviews)Evenings / weekends
26Durham Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics615.0★ (439)
27North Durham Pediatric Dentistry615.0★ (122)
28Southpoint Pediatric Dentistry614.8★ (816)
29HPU Health - Hillandale Dental614.8★ (146)
30Duke Forest Dental615.0★ (27)
31Dr. John Wardsworth594.9★ (102)
32Robinson, Todd DDS595.0★ (6)
33Santa Mckibbins Family Dentistry594.1★ (11)
34Dental Care at Ellis Crossing584.4★ (420)
35Negash Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry585.0★ (67)
36Coffey Paula M DDS575.0★ (2)
37Frank W. Shelton, D.D.S.575.0★ (2)
38Research Triangle Dental - Durham Dentist57Evenings · Sat
39Johnson Family Dentistry564.9★ (114)
40Addison Rhonda DDS565.0★ (1)
41Alam Sadaf DDS565.0★ (1)
42Dr. Octavio R Rodriguez, DDS565.0★ (1)
43Thompson James C DDS565.0★ (1)
44Turning Point Dental & Aesthetics554.6★ (79)
45AllSmiles DentalCare554.5★ (79)
46Cherry Family Dentistry545.0★ (29)
47Smith Carlos DDS542.0★ (1)
48Dr. Stephanie Q. Jenkins, DDS544.7★ (33)
49Night & Day Dental53Evenings · Sat
50Grooms Beth DDS535.0★ (9)
51Eastowne Family Dentistry Durham535.0★ (23)
52Dr. Edward J. Clemons Jr, DDS535.0★ (14)
53Matthews Kevin P DDS534.9★ (14)
54Nelson Dentistry525.0★ (4)
55Ying Wang Family Dentistry513.9★ (14)
56Grunert Brian H DDS515.0★ (7)
57Dr. Charles S. Willis II, DDS, PA485.0★ (1)
58Dr. Kwame Gyampo47Sat
59Durham Dental Group47Sat
60Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry: Erika Graham, DDS47Evenings
61Lumina Dental Smail LLC44Evenings · Sat · Sun
62Durham General Dentist43Evenings
63Perry L Jeffries DDS and Associates PA - Durham431.9★ (42)
64Park Place Dental of Durham37
65Bull City Smiles37
66Friendly Dental Group of Durham37
67O2 Dental Group of Durham37
68Willowdaile Family Dentistry37
69Carolina Smiles37
70Campus Smiles Dental at Duke37
71Access Family Dental Care37
72Dr. Adam Spriggs37
73H&L Dentistry; Drs. Hernández & Lasanta37
74DurhamDDS, Office of Dr. Bill Argersinger37
75Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry37
76Stead Willis DMD37
77Johanna Lerzundy, DDS, PA37
78Carolina Cosmetic Dental Care | Durham37
79Dr. Nicole Messenger - Messenger Family Dentistry37
80Robinson Family Dentistry37
81Dr. Alicia Ramos, DDS - Durham Dentist37
82Southpoint Family Dentistry37
83Durham Dentistry37
84Durham Family Smiles - Dr. Alisha F Humble DMD37
85McDuffie Dentistry37
86Ninth Street Dental37
87Thomas S. Clifton, DDS37
88Bull City Dental37
89LP Dental Group37
90Next Step Dental of Durham37
91Triangle Park Dental37
92Better Dentistry37
93Sunrise Dental33
94Lincoln Community Dental Department33
95Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry33
96Donner, Scott M DDS33
97Royal Oak Dental Group - Durham33
98Carolina dental arts - Durham33
99Smiles by JB33
100Beyond Dental33
101Fleming Stanley L DDS27Evenings · Sat
102Croasdaile Dental Arts17
103Clayton Tina15
104Collins & Santiago15
105David M. Haas Lambert, DDS, PA15
106Dr. Amy Farrar15
107Dr. lysimachus M. mindy, DDS15
108Dr. Mary B. Duffy, DDS15
109Dr. Nirmi Patel15
110Dr. Phyllis Chiang, DDS15
111Duke Oral Surgery15
112Emergency Dentist Durham 24Hr15
113Farrar Amy Taborn DDS15
114Franklin George W DDS15
115King Orthonc15
116Kirkland George DDS15
117Larry Moray Dos15
118Lewis James R DDS15
119Mc Graw Thomas a DDS15
120Robert Mason DDS15
121Suzan Smiles15
122Urgent Dentist Finder15
123Wang15
124Bridgers Shannitta DDS8
125Dr. Tanya E. Ashe, DDS8
126King Mary w DDS8
127Smith Clayton MD8
128Mark Lendyl N Trinidad, DMD7
129Emerge-A Child's Place: Serrano Madeline J DDS7

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Durham, NC

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What is general dentistry?

General dentistry covers routine care: checkups, cleanings, x-rays, fillings and basic treatment of gum disease. A general dentist is usually the first stop for any dental problem and refers patients to specialists when a case needs it.

General dentistry: specialist or general dentist?

General dentists (DDS or DMD) provide this care themselves. There is no specialist for general dentistry; a general dentist may refer you to an endodontist, periodontist, orthodontist or oral surgeon for complex work.

How much does general dentistry cost in Durham?

Typical ranges in USD for Durham, NC. Your price depends on the tooth, the case and the clinic.

How much does general dentistry cost in Durham?
TypeTypical range (USD)BasisAs of
Checkup exam$55–$170DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—
Exam, cleaning and x-rays$170–$400DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—

Estimates, not quotes. Ask the clinic for a written estimate. Full general dentistry cost guide for Durham

What to expect from general dentistry

Typical ranges for most patients. Your dentist's plan may differ.

General dentistry: visits, chair time and recovery
FactTypically
Typical visits1 visit for a checkup; follow-up visits if treatment is needed
Chair timeAbout 30–60 minutes for an exam and cleaning
RecoveryNone for a routine checkup
When to see a specialistWhen your dentist finds a problem outside routine care, such as a complex root canal, advanced gum disease or bite problems

How we ranked Durham general dentistry dentists

We scored 129 Durham clinics offering general dentistry on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. Data from Google listings and clinic websites, refreshed October 21, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Featured clinics are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

DR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Durham data
Reputation45%Bayesian-adjusted Google star ratingMeasured
Review volume15%log10(review count) against the city maximumMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews in the last 12 monthsMeasured
Access15%Evenings, Saturday, Sunday, same-day/emergency, accepting new patientsMeasured
Services10%Services offered out of 17Measured
Profile completeness5%Named dentists, years open, languages, insurance, photosMeasured

General dentistry in Durham: frequently asked questions

Who is the best general dentistry dentist in Durham?

Local Start Dental ranks #1 of 129 Durham clinics offering general dentistry by DentistsRanked service score. Smile Design ranks #2. The score weighs reputation, access, services and profile data.

How much does general dentistry cost in Durham, NC?

General dentistry in Durham typically costs $102–$306 USD. By type: checkup exam $55–$170; exam, cleaning and x-rays $170–$400. These are estimates, not quotes. Basis: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Is general dentistry covered by insurance or Medicaid in North Carolina?

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive checkups and cleanings, often twice a year, with little or no cost share. Medicaid covers dental care for children in every state; adult dental benefits vary by state. Confirm your benefits before booking.

Does a dental checkup hurt?

A routine checkup is usually not painful. Most patients feel only mild pressure or scraping during the cleaning. People with sensitive teeth or gum inflammation may feel some discomfort, and dentists can often use numbing gel or adjust their technique if you tell them.

Which Durham general dentistry dentists are open on Saturday?

9 of 129 Durham clinics offering general dentistry list Saturday hours, including Dr. Carl Hudson Emergency Dental Service, TriPoint Dental and Trophy Smiles Dental of Durham. Hours come from each clinic's listing; check with the clinic before you go, since holiday and summer hours can change.

How many dentists offer general dentistry in Durham?

129 Durham clinics list general dentistry in our data. 9 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 44 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Durham

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 172 clinics.

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