Skip to content

Best General Dentists in Monterey, CA (2026)

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for general dentistry: Adriana Lalinde, DDS, ranked #1 of 62 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

62 Monterey clinics list general dentistry and are ranked here by service score. 1 opens Saturdays. Google ratings are not yet collected for these clinics.

Top 10 general dentistry dentists in Monterey at a glance

The 62 best general dentistry dentists in Monterey, 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. Ranked #1 for general dentistry in Monterey

    #1 Adriana Lalinde, DDS

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #1 for general dentistry in Monterey 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

    I am a practicing family dentist with 38 years of experience. I have a background that includes periodontal health, TMJ rehabilitation and proudly hold a Diplomate Certificate from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine to treat sleep disorders including snore and sleep apnea. I have devoted my career to developing a compassionate, gentle, high-quality approach with an evidence based technique to master the art of dentistry. My devotion to superior dentistry has also…

    From Adriana Lalinde, DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  2. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #4 for general dentistry in Monterey 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

    Dr. Lagier received her baccalaureate degree in Biology from the University of the Pacific and in Dental Hygiene from the University of California at San Francisco, both with honors. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific. While studying at UCSF she did research on calcium content of saliva in relationship to calcium levels produced by the parathyroid gland. Dr. Lagier is a member of the Monterey Bay Dental Society and has served on the…

    From Dr. Lois Lagier, DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  3. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #6 for general dentistry in Monterey 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

    If you've been referred to us, or are looking for a periodontist, be assured every member of my team and I are dedicated to providing the finest care you can receive. Our office is warm, friendly, and each of us strive to create a positive experience for every patient. I've devoted my career to providing my patients conservative, predictable, cutting-edge treatment that comfortably restores health, function and form.

    From Monterey Periodontics Center's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  4. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #7 for general dentistry in Monterey 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

    Dr. Ryan Lehr received his degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry. Dr. Lehr has clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment planning, preventative care, as well as restorative and prosthodontic dentistry. Dr. Lehr believes the responsibility of a dentist is to educate and guide patients so they can make their own decisions on oral health care. When recommending treatment options, Dr. Lehr explains the how and why, ensuring each patient gains a comprehensive…

    From Ryan Lehr, D.D.S.'s own description. Not part of the ranking.
  5. #24 Alta Mesa Family Dentistry

    335 El Dorado St #1, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #24 for general dentistry in Monterey on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  6. #25 Alta Mesa Family Dentistry: Kroll Darcie M DDS

    335 El Dorado St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #25 for general dentistry in Monterey on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

Find the right dentist in Monterey

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

Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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

How much does general dentistry cost in Monterey?
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 Monterey

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 Monterey general dentistry dentists

We scored 62 Monterey clinics offering general dentistry on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 12 were excluded (12 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 Monterey 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 Monterey: frequently asked questions

Who is the best general dentistry dentist in Monterey?

Adriana Lalinde, DDS ranks #1 of 62 Monterey clinics offering general dentistry by DentistsRanked service score. Brian D. Lackey, DDS ranks #2. The score weighs reputation, access, services and profile data.

How much does general dentistry cost in Monterey, CA?

General dentistry in Monterey 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 Monterey general dentistry dentists are open on Saturday?

1 of 62 Monterey clinics offering general dentistry lists Saturday hours, including Monterey County Dentistry Services. 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 Monterey?

62 Monterey clinics list general dentistry in our data. 1 is open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for none of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Monterey

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 62 clinics.
  2. : 12 duplicate listings merged.