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Best Teeth Cleaning Dentists in Durham, NC (2026)

122 clinics offering teeth cleanings, rankedUpdated 0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for teeth cleanings: Local Start Dental, ranked #1 of 122 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

122 Durham clinics list teeth cleanings and are ranked here by service score. 2 offer same-day or emergency visits and 9 open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 40 of them.

Top 10 cleaning dentists in Durham at a glance

Top 10 cleaning dentists in Durham at a glance
RankClinicService scoreRating (reviews)Same-day
1Local Start Dental73——
2Smile Design73——
3Trophy Smiles of Durham73——
4New Leaf Pediatric Dentistry705.0★ (404)—
5Dr. Carl Hudson Emergency Dental Service691.0★ (1)Yes
6TriPoint Dental695.0★ (66)—
7Durham Dental Studio684.8★ (493)—
8Desiree Palmer685.0★ (1)—
9Dr. Mary Gaddis67——
10Kitt Creek Family Dentistry67——

The 122 best cleaning 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 teeth cleanings 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.

  11. #11 Lane & Associates Family Dentistry

    67/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #11 for teeth cleanings 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.

  12. #12 Lane & Associates Family Dentistry - Durham Miami Blvd

    67/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #12 for teeth cleanings 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 122 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #122, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

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

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Durham, NC

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What is a teeth cleaning?

A professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and hardened tartar that brushing and flossing miss. A routine cleaning works above the gumline. A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, treats gum disease below the gumline.

Teeth cleaning: specialist or general dentist?

Dental hygienists and general dentists do routine cleanings. A periodontist (gum specialist) may be recommended when gum disease is advanced or keeps coming back after deep cleanings.

How much does a teeth cleaning cost in Durham?

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

How much does a teeth cleaning cost in Durham?
TypeTypical range (USD)BasisAs of
Routine adult cleaning$75–$200DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—
Cleaning with exam and x-rays$170–$340DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), per quadrant$170–$390DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina—

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

What to expect from a teeth cleaning

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

A teeth cleaning: visits, chair time and recovery
FactTypically
Typical visits1 visit for a routine cleaning; deep cleanings are often split over 2 visits
Chair timeAbout 30–60 minutes routine; 1–2 hours for a deep cleaning
RecoveryNone for a routine cleaning; gums can feel tender for a few days after a deep cleaning
When to see a specialistWhen gum pockets are deep, bone loss shows on x-rays, or gum disease persists after treatment

How we ranked Durham cleaning dentists

We scored 122 Durham clinics offering teeth cleanings 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

Teeth cleanings in Durham: frequently asked questions

Who is the best teeth cleaning dentist in Durham?

Local Start Dental ranks #1 of 122 Durham clinics offering teeth cleanings by DentistsRanked service score. Smile Design ranks #2. The score weighs reputation, access, services and profile data.

How much does a teeth cleaning cost in Durham, NC?

A teeth cleaning in Durham typically costs $77–$204 USD. By type: routine adult cleaning $75–$200; cleaning with exam and x-rays $170–$340; deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), per quadrant $170–$390. These are estimates, not quotes. Basis: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for North Carolina. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Is a teeth cleaning covered by insurance or Medicaid in North Carolina?

Most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings, usually twice a year. Deep cleanings are often covered at a lower rate as basic care. Medicaid covers cleanings for children; adult coverage varies by state.

Does a teeth cleaning hurt?

A routine cleaning is usually not painful. Most patients feel pressure and scraping, and sensitive spots can twinge. A deep cleaning is typically done with local anesthetic, so the treated area is numb. Gums may feel tender for a few days afterward.

Which Durham teeth cleaning dentists are open on Saturday?

9 of 122 Durham clinics offering teeth cleanings 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 teeth cleanings in Durham?

122 Durham clinics list teeth cleanings in our data. 9 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 40 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for Durham

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 172 clinics.

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