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Best Dentists in Athens, GA (2026)

42 clinics ranked by DR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Athens: CS Dental Care, DR Score 67/100 and 17 of 17 services.

  2. 11

    Best for evenings and weekends: Smith Dental Care of Athens, open 7 days until 8 PM; ranked #11 of 42.

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

42 Athens clinics are ranked here by DR Score. 2 are open Saturdays, 1 on Sundays and 3 after 6 PM, based on posted hours. Google ratings are not yet collected, so scores use hours, services and profile data.

Top 10 dentists in Athens at a glance

Top 10 dentists in Athens at a glance
RankClinicDR ScoreBest for
1CS Dental Care67Overall, Implants
2Dawson Karen67—
3Dr. John Leffert, DMD67—
4Dr. Joshua D. Zaleski, DMD67—
5Dr. Rachel Clay67—
6Dr. Whitney Swann67—
7Hardy Wolanda P DDS67—
8Linder Jr w Emory DDS67—
9Madison Dental Center LLC67—
10Padgelek Fred a DDS67—

The 42 best dentists in Athens, ranked

Ordered by DR Score, a 0–100 score from 6 published factors. Scores refresh weekly.

  1. #11 Smith Dental Care of Athens

    910 Highway 29 N, 910 US-29, Athens, GA 30601

    63/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #11 because of services and access: 17 of 17 services offered, open 7 days until 8 PM.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Sun 8 AM–8 PM

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Here at Smith Dental Care, we pride ourselves on not being just like every other dentist in Athens. Our dedication to the community goes beyond just caring for teeth. We view ourselves as part of a vital network of caretakers who look after the health & well-being of our friends & neighbors in Athens & surrounding communities. Locally owned & part of a tradition of exceptional general dentistry. We're located north of Kroger & Athens Technical College.

    From Smith Dental Care of Athens's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  2. #12 Matthew McRae, D.M.D

    995 Baxter St, Athens, GA 30606

    57/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #12 because of services and access: 17 of 17 services offered, open evenings until 7 PM and Saturdays until 2 PM.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Tue 7 AM–5 PM · Wed–Fri 7 AM–7 PM · Sat 8 AM–2 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  3. #13 Tyler Lipham

    1805 Epps Bridge Pkwy Ste 101, Athens, GA 30606

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #13 because of services and access: 17 of 17 services offered, open evenings until 7 PM.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 7 AM–7 PM · Fri 7 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Tyler Lipham practices in Athens, GA for Aspen Dental. With years of valuable dental experience, Tyler Lipham and the rest of the Aspen Dental team are proud to offer services like dentures, gum diseases, root canals, crowns, and bridges with the best lab technicians. To see a dentist near you book online or call anytime Monday – Friday 6:30am –11:00pm, Saturday 7:00am – 9:00pm, or Sunday 7:00am – 5:30pm EST. We are taking proactive steps so that patients, care teams, and…

    From Tyler Lipham's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  4. #15 David H. Hulsey, DDS, PC

    1761 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #15 because of services: 17 of 17 services offered.

    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

    In their words

    Welcome! The dental professionals at David H. Hulsey, D.D.S. are pleased to welcome you to our practice. We want all our patients to be informed decision makers and fully understand any health issues you face. That's why we've developed a web site loaded with valuable information about dentistry and dental problems and treatments. We encourage you to visit this site whenever you have concerns about your teeth.

    From David H. Hulsey, DDS, PC's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  5. #16 McRae Family Dental - Trail Creek

    680 US Hwy 29 N #240, Athens, GA 30601, United States

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #16 because of services: 17 of 17 services offered.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 7 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    At McRae Family Dental at Trail Creek, you and your loved ones will receive high-quality dental care from a team of compassionate professionals. At our practice, you’ll enjoy benefits including: Efficient, effective care with advanced technology Comfortable treatments with sedation dentistry A variety of services and convenient hours

    From McRae Family Dental - Trail Creek's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  6. #17 McRae Family Dental - Athens - Epps Bridge

    1720 Epps Bridge Pkwy #110, Athens, GA 30606

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #17 because of services: 17 of 17 services offered.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Inside any of our three friendly locations, you’ll find compassionate, gentle dentistry delivered with a personal touch. We love taking care of our patients, and it shows in everything we do. As one of our valued patients, you’ll always receive the highest level of care possible.

    From McRae Family Dental - Athens - Epps Bridge's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  7. #20 Dr. William Rice DDS

    140 Hawthorne Park, Athens, GA 30606

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #20 because of services: 17 of 17 services offered.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    William Rice, DDS, Cosmetic Dentistry in Athens GA, offers a variety of services to help improve the look, function, and feel of your smile. From teeth whitening to veneers, we work to give you a brighter and whiter smile. We also offer both dental bridges, removable dental bridges, and dental implants to fix missing teeth and improve your speech and ability to chew. Enjoy your best smile today! Dr. Rice provides cosmetic dental services, preventative dental care, dental…

    From Dr. William Rice DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  8. #22 Lane V. Barker, DMD

    1165 Mitchell Bridge Rd suite a, Athens, GA 30606

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #22 because of services: 17 of 17 services offered.

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

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Dr. Lane Barker graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1998. He launched Magnolia Dental Spa with a vision of bringing comfortable care and spa amenities to his patients. Dr. Barker has completed advanced training in the placement of dental implants, Invisalign and CEREC same-day crown technology. Our patients enjoy our soothing and relaxed atmosphere with aromatherapy, warm or cold herbal neck wraps, noice cancellation headphones, fully stocked beverage station…

    From Lane V. Barker, DMD's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  9. #24 Timothy Road Dental Care

    2065 Timothy Rd, Athens, GA 30606

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #24 because of services: 17 of 17 services offered.

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

    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–5 PM · Tue–Wed 8 AM–4 PM · Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    At Timothy Road Dental Care we focus on delivering the highest standard of care in dentistry. Your health and comfort are of utmost importance to us, so we strive to provide the best treatment available to keep you healthy and feeling your best. We keep your best interest in mind so that you can maintain your health now and in the years to come. Timothy Road Dental Care is your go-to practice for comfortable, caring dental treatment. For questions about what we can do for…

    From Timothy Road Dental Care's own description. Not part of the ranking.

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Best dentists in Athens by need

One pick per need, with the clinic that comes next. Every pick names the condition it wins on.

Best for emergency in Athens

No Athens clinic lists emergency or same-day care in our data yet.

Best for kids in Athens

No Athens clinic lists kid-friendly care in our data yet.

Best for implants in Athens

1

CS Dental Care

Highest-ranked of 42 Athens clinics offering dental implants: #1 for implants and #1 overall by DR Score.

Runner-up: Dawson Karen (#2 overall)

Dental Implants in Athens →

Best for invisalign & braces in Athens

1

CS Dental Care

Highest-ranked of 38 Athens clinics offering Invisalign or braces: #1 for invisalign and #1 overall by DR Score.

Runner-up: Dawson Karen (#2 overall)

Invisalign in Athens →

Best for root canal in Athens

1

CS Dental Care

Highest-ranked of 38 Athens clinics offering root canals: #1 for root canal and #1 overall by DR Score.

Runner-up: Dawson Karen (#2 overall)

Root Canal in Athens →

Best for cosmetic in Athens

1

CS Dental Care

Highest-ranked of 42 Athens clinics offering cosmetic dentistry: #1 for cosmetic and #1 overall by DR Score.

Runner-up: Dawson Karen (#2 overall)

Cosmetic Dentistry in Athens →

Best for dentures & seniors in Athens

1

CS Dental Care

Highest-ranked of 38 Athens clinics offering dentures: #1 for dentures and #1 overall by DR Score.

Runner-up: Dawson Karen (#2 overall)

Dentures in Athens →

Best for budget & insurance in Athens

No Athens clinic lists Medicaid or insurance in our data yet.

How much does a dentist cost in Athens?

Typical prices before insurance, in USD. Each row names its source.

How much does a dentist cost in Athens?
ServiceTypical price (USD)Basis
General Dentistry$105–$315DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Teeth Cleaning$79–$210DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Emergency Care$105–$525DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Root Canal$735–$1,470DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Tooth Extraction$210–$735DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Wisdom Teeth Removal$210–$735DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Dental Implants$1,575–$6,300DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Invisalign$3,675–$7,875DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Braces$3,150–$7,350DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Dental Crowns$840–$1,890DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Dentures$1,050–$3,150DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Veneers$945–$2,625DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Teeth Whitening$210–$630DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Dental Bonding$315–$630DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Cosmetic Fillings$315–$630DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Cosmetic Dentistry$525–$5,250DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia
Full Restoration$15,750–$52,500DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia

Emergency and weekend dentists in Athens

Clinics that list same-day or emergency care, or post Saturday, Sunday or after-6 PM hours. Severe swelling or bleeding: go to a hospital.

How we ranked Athens dentists

We scored 42 Athens clinics on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 1 was excluded (1 duplicate listing). 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 Athens 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

Dentists in Athens: frequently asked questions

Who is the best dentist in Athens?

By DR Score, the top-ranked dentist in Athens, GA is CS Dental Care (DR Score 67/100). Dawson Karen (#2) and Dr. John Leffert, DMD (#3) follow. We ranked 42 clinics on 6 factors, last updated October 21, 2026.

Which dentists in Athens are open on Saturday?

2 of 42 Athens dental clinics post Saturday hours. The highest-ranked are Smith Dental Care of Athens (until 8 PM) and Matthew McRae, D.M.D (until 2 PM). 1 is also open on Sunday. Hours come from each clinic's listing as of October 2026, so call ahead on holidays.

Where can I find an emergency dentist in Athens?

No Athens clinic lists emergency care, but 3 are open after 6 PM, led by Smith Dental Care of Athens (#11) and Matthew McRae, D.M.D (#12). For facial swelling, trouble breathing or uncontrolled bleeding, go to a hospital emergency department.

How much is a dental cleaning in Athens?

A dental cleaning in Athens typically costs $79–$210 (USD) without insurance. Source: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for Georgia. Exams and X-rays are often billed separately, and insurance or Medicaid can cover part of the cost.

How many dentists are there in Athens?

DentistsRanked lists 42 dental clinics in Athens, GA, and 42 are ranked by DR Score. 2 post Saturday hours and 3 are open after 6 PM. The most common listed service is general dentistry, at 42 clinics. Counts are as of October 2026.

Update log for Athens

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 42 clinics.
  2. : 1 duplicate listing merged.