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5Top5Dentist

Top 5 Dentists in Durham, North Carolina (2026)

Independently rated by patient reviews, credentials, and care quality.

5 Dentists ReviewedUpdated MonthlyPublic Google ReviewsLast updated August 27, 2026

Quick answer

Our top ranked dental practice in Durham, North Carolina is Dr. Sindhura Citineni, DDS, rated 4.9 out of 5 across 1,246 public reviews. Other top choices include Dr. Mark Donoway, DDS and Dr. Jason Butler, DMD. Durham has a population of about 245,475, and the 5 strongest local practices are compared on this page.

Sorting the standout dental offices in Durham from the rest takes real comparison, which is what this page is for. We measured what patients actually experience, from review scores to the depth of services on offer. That gives you a clear, trustworthy starting point for booking care nearby.

5
Practices listed
2
Services available
19
Avg years in practice

Across the 5 top practices we highlight in Durham, patients can access general dentistry and pediatric dentistry. 1 of these practices on this page offers pediatric dentistry. The Durham practices on this list average 19 years in practice, with Dr. Mark Donoway, DDS among the most established at 21 years. Listed offices serve several parts of the city, including the 27707, 27713, 27705 ZIP areas. Together these practices hold 3,913 public Google reviews, led by Dr. Sindhura Citineni, DDS with 1,246. The average rating across the list is 4.9 out of 5.

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Practice names, credentials, and specialties are verified against the US National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry, the official record of licensed healthcare providers. Listings were last reviewed on August 27, 2026.

Dentists in Durham on the map

Explore where the top rated dental practices in Durham, North Carolina are located.

Understanding Dental Care in Durham

Teeth and gums need steady care, not just emergency fixes. General dentists in Durham provide checkups, fillings, crowns, and preventive care for the whole family. They refer you to specialists such as orthodontists or oral surgeons when you need advanced work.

Types of dental care available in Durham

General Dentistry5 of 5 listed practices

General dentists are your first stop for everyday care: checkups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and preventive advice. Most families see a general dentist twice a year.

Pediatric Dentistry1 of 5 listed practices

Pediatric dentists focus on the dental care of infants, children, and teens, with a gentle approach built around growing smiles.

Dental care keeps advancing, from same day crowns to clear aligners and AI assisted diagnostics. See what is new in dentistry and what to ask your Durham dentist.

How We Rate Dentists

Our Durham ranking is editorial, not paid. Each practice is scored on patient reviews and review volume, verified credentials from the national provider registry, years in practice, and online presence. Sponsored placements are always labeled and never change how the organic list is ranked.

Read our full ranking methodology

How to Choose the Right Dentist in Durham

Check credentials and experience

Confirm the dentist is licensed and look at how long the practice has served Durham. Years in practice and clear credentials such as DDS or DMD are a strong signal of consistent care.

Read recent patient reviews

Reviews reveal what it is really like to be a patient, from wait times to how comfortable procedures feel. Look for a steady pattern of positive feedback rather than a single glowing note.

Match services to your needs

If you want cosmetic work, implants, or braces, choose a Durham practice that offers those services in house so your care stays coordinated under one roof.

Ask about insurance and payment

Call ahead to confirm the office accepts your plan and offers payment options. Many Durham practices work with major insurers and provide financing for larger treatments.

Visit for a first appointment

A cleaning or consultation is the best way to judge cleanliness, technology, and how well the team listens. Trust your comfort level with both the dentist and the staff.

What to Expect at Your First Visit in Durham

Knowing what happens at a first visit in Durham takes the nerves out of booking one. Most offices start with photos or X rays, a gum health check, and a conversation about any concerns you have. A good office will explain everything in plain language before anything is scheduled.

Dental Costs and Insurance in Durham

Dental costs in Durham vary by treatment and by whether you have insurance. A routine checkup and cleaning is usually the most affordable visit, while crowns, implants, and orthodontics cost more and are often spread over several appointments. Most practices accept major dental insurance and many offer payment plans or membership options for patients without coverage, so it is worth asking about pricing before you book.

Questions to Ask a Durham Dentist

A short list of questions saves time and money when choosing a dentist in Durham.

  • Do you accept my dental insurance, and can you estimate my out of pocket cost before treatment?
  • What are your options for patients without insurance, such as membership plans or financing?
  • How do you handle dental emergencies and after hours care?
  • Which services do you provide in house, and what would you refer out to a specialist?
  • What technology do you use for X rays, and how do you keep radiation exposure low?
  • Can you walk me through the treatment plan and any alternatives before we start?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you choose the top dentists in Durham?

We rank practices using a transparent scoring system that weighs patient reviews, review volume, verified credentials from the national provider registry, years in practice, and online presence. The result is an editorial shortlist of the 5 strongest dental practices in Durham, North Carolina.

What dental services are available in Durham?

Beyond general dentistry, the top practices in Durham offer pediatric dentistry. That means most routine and specialist needs can be met locally without traveling out of the area.

How often is this list updated?

We refresh our data on a regular cycle and show the last updated date at the top of this page. Practice details can change, so we recheck sources and re rank listings to keep Durham current.

Can dentists pay to be listed?

Practices can purchase a sponsored position, which is always clearly marked with a Sponsored label. Sponsored placement never changes how we evaluate or rank the organic listings, which stay based purely on our objective criteria.

What should I look for when choosing a dentist in Durham?

Look for verified credentials, strong and recent patient reviews, the specific services you need such as implants or orthodontics, accepted insurance, and a first visit that leaves you comfortable with the team. Location and office hours in Durham matter too.

How do I report incorrect information?

Every listing has a Report an issue link. If a phone number, address, or other detail is out of date, let us know and we will verify and correct it.

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