Skip to content

Best General Dentists in Merced, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for general dentistry: Ajay R. Patel, DDS, ranked #1 of 55 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

55 Merced clinics list general dentistry and are ranked here by service score. 4 open Saturdays. Google ratings are not yet collected for these clinics.

Top 10 general dentistry dentists in Merced at a glance

The 55 best general dentistry dentists in Merced, 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.

  1. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #4 for general dentistry in Merced 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

    In their words

    We provide advanced care Dental services which include cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and all kind of dental prosthesis including dentures, fixed dentures, partials, crowns, bridges, veneers, etc. Dr. Mishra is a specialist in advanced dentistry and truly believes in our motto of ‘Beautiful Smiles through Exceptional Dentistry’

    From Mishra DDS Inc's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  2. #25 El Portal Dental Group

    3393 G St ste b, Merced, CA 95340

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #25 for general dentistry in Merced: Saturday hours.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri closed · Sat 8 AM–2:30 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    YOUR SOLUTION TO A BETTER SMILE! At El Portal Dental Group, our team provides state-of-the-art dental care for you and your family. We offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, and emergency dentistry services to adults and children in Merced, California, in a comfortable and caring environment. In addition, we speak English, Spanish, Hmong, and Vietnamese. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a sense of well-being by enhancing your oral health…

    From El Portal Dental Group's own description. Not part of the ranking.

Find the right dentist in Merced

Answer 2 quick questions and we'll help you find a dentist that fits your needs, location and availability.

Merced, CA

Book through DentistsRanked and get a $60 Amazon gift card. Terms

Step 1 of 2

What service are you looking for?

  • 100% free for patients
  • No commitment

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 Merced?

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

How much does general dentistry cost in Merced?
TypeTypical range (USD)BasisAs of
Checkup exam$80–$230DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—
Exam, cleaning and x-rays$230–$540DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—

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

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 Merced general dentistry dentists

We scored 55 Merced clinics offering general dentistry on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 2 were excluded (2 duplicate listings). Google ratings are not yet collected, so each score is renormalised over the factors we measured. 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 Merced data
Reputation45%Bayesian-adjusted Google star ratingNot yet collected
Review volume15%log10(review count) against the city maximumNot yet collected
Recency10%Share of reviews in the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
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 Merced: frequently asked questions

Who is the best general dentistry dentist in Merced?

Ajay R. Patel, DDS ranks #1 of 55 Merced clinics offering general dentistry by DentistsRanked service score. Castle Family Dental: Bachour M G DDS ranks #2. The score weighs reputation, access, services and profile data.

How much does general dentistry cost in Merced, CA?

General dentistry in Merced typically costs $140–$420 USD. By type: checkup exam $80–$230; exam, cleaning and x-rays $230–$540. These are estimates, not quotes. Basis: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Is general dentistry covered by insurance or Medicaid in California?

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 Merced general dentistry dentists are open on Saturday?

4 of 55 Merced clinics offering general dentistry list Saturday hours, including Evershine Dental Group, Swetha Nadipally DDS, El Portal Dental Group and El Portal Dental Group: Khang C. Nguyen, DDS. 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 Merced?

55 Merced clinics list general dentistry in our data. 4 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for none of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Merced

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 59 clinics.
  2. : 2 duplicate listings merged.