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2024

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Best Dentists in Santa Cruz, CA

Our Recommended Top 12

We did the research for you!

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Santa Cruz Dentists on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

27Reviewed

21Curated

12Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

550 Water St. Bldg. J-2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (27)

Why choose this provider?

Santa Cruz Pacific Dental is a general and specialized dental office located in Santa Cruz, California, and provides care to patients throughout Santa Cruz County. Drs. Marylinn Reinhardt and Steve Kerba each bring over a decade of professional dentistry experience to their well-reviewed practice. Among the specialty dentistry procedures expertly performed by Santa Cruz Pacific Dental are root canals, implants, periodontics, facial dental reconstruction, orthodontics, and treatment for teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and jaw disorders. Santa Cruz Pacific Dental offers Care Credit to assist those patients without insurance. New patients are always welcome and can easily register online through their website.

6940 California Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Rod Blenderman, DDS and Grace Montero, DDS are two dentists running a California-based practice with high professional standards. Located in Felton, the house-turned-office features a scenic forest view, conveying a relaxing atmosphere. The doctors themselves are highly skilled with a wide range of procedures, including tooth restorations, orthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Blenderman and Dr. Montero both strive to build trusting relationships with their patients through a high standard of individualized care. They have earned a loyal patient base and many testimonials praising their diligent hygienists, pleasant scenery, and compassionate care. Some patients that are usually afraid of dental practices speak highly of Dr. Blenderman and Dr. Montero.

1016 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Sea Bright Dental is a modern dentistry facility in Santa Cruz, California. They use the latest, most conservative and least invasive dental procedures to provide durable cosmetic treatments, with minimal pain, to their patients. Their services include cosmetic dentistry, preventive dentistry, Invisalign, minimally invasive dentistry, dental implants and metal-free dentistry. The head dentist, Dr. Tim Znamirowski, has over 25 years of training and experience in all modern dental techniques to deliver comfortable, quality dental care to his patients.

617 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Capitola Dental is a dental office located in Capitola, California. The office is headed by Robert Schellentrager, who has a Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree and is supported by a team of qualified personnel. Each member of the staff continues their education by attending lectures, meetings, and dental conventions to stay updated on new techniques and technologies. Capitola Dental offers same-day service for ceramic crowns, veneers, and onlays by using Cerec technology. They also provide cleaning, preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. These procedures include dental exams, cleanings, dental x-rays, composite fillings, teeth whitening, and root canal treatment. Capitola Dental accepts all dental insurances but is contracted providers for the Delta Dental Network.

783 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos, CA 95003

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (18)
Google
4.9 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Dr. Brian Del Core finished his education in 1986 and specializes in preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures. He pursues ongoing education to remain up to date with new developments in the industry and retains membership in professional organizations such as the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the Dientes Community Dental Clinic. Dr. Del Core and his professional staff offer many different services, including items and procedures like thorough teeth cleaning, implant-supported bridges, the creation of complete and partial dentures, and the application of sealants to protect teeth from damage and decay. The practice treats residents of Aptos and the nearby communication.

6230 Gushee Street, Felton, CA 95018

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Felton Dental Center has been providing general and family dental care in Santa Cruz since 1961. It offers a range of dental solutions, including preventative, restorative, periodontal, and cosmetic dental care. Additionally, the clinic aims to strictly maintain sterilization and cross-contamination processes using recommended standards. The clinic is owned by Jono Reksoatmodjo, who had been in the practice for more than 30 years. He underwent continuing education courses in CEREC as well as implant surgery.

706 Frederick Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
3.5 (21)
Facebook
4.8 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Dr. Aura Marcela Torres, D.D.S offers her professional dental services at her office in Santa Cruz, CA. Her office is equipped to handle cosmetic dentistry, tooth-colored fillings, dentures, porcelain crown and fillings, implant restorations, gum rejuvenation, gum treatments, extractions, teeth whitening, veneers, teeth cleaning, mouth guard fitting and snore guards. The office has the latest dental equipment to provide the highest level of comfort to her patients. They can produce digital x-rays, provide laser treatments, and intra-oral digital photos. Dr. Torres’s has professional memberships with the American Dental Association, the California Dental, and the Monterey Bay Dental Society.

1505 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Tina-Lise Curtis provides family and cosmetic dentistry services to clients in the Santa Cruz area and the nearby communities. She also practices pediatric dentistry, helping children maintain and care for their baby teeth to foster good chewing habits and proper speech production. Generally, her dental office performs bridges, composite fillings, crowns, dentures, extractions, veneers, and inlays or onlays. In addition, it partners with independent and locally owned dental laboratories to accurately diagnose and treat patients with any dental problem.

550 Water Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (16)

Why choose this provider?

Kai Family Dentistry is a clinic located in Santa Cruz. It specializes in general dentistry. The clinic offers dental procedures, preventive dental care, and gum diseases treatment. Treatment for sleep apnea and snoring prevention procedures are also available in the clinic. Its chief dentist, Lynda Tran, has advanced training in restorative implant, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry. She is associated with the Academy of General Dentists, American Health Council, Academy for Sports Dentistry, and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national dental honor society.

525 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (38)

Why choose this provider?

Santa Cruz, California is the home of New Street Dental, the personal practice of Dr. Gavin McClure. A member of the ADA, CDC, and the Academy of General Dentistry Dr. McClure has been practicing since the early 90’s. His expansive knowledge of dental hygiene has made patient care and education a primary concern. Clients are given an individual consultation and exam to best determine their options. Afterwards, Dr. Gavin provides personalized suggestions and in depth financial insights so that each client can make an informed decision about their care. When it comes to cleanliness, Dr. McClure and staff follow strict ADA, OSHA, and CDC guidelines to avoid cross contamination and poorly sterilized equipment.

5276 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (26)
Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Brett A. Johnson, DDS has been providing high quality preventative and restorative dental care to the Scotts Valley, California community for over 18 years. Dr. Johnson and his exceptionally qualified, professional staff specialize in family dental services for patients of all ages, from tooth whitening, cleaning, and exams, to root canals, bridges, and veneers. Dr. Johnson earned his degree from the University of California, San Francisco, School Of Medicine, and patients describe Dr. Johnson and his staff as friendly, professional and attentive. Dr. Johnson accepts most major forms of insurance, as well as Care Credit, and also offers a senior discount for senior citizens without dental insurance.

2820 Daubenbiss Avenue, Soquel, CA 95073

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (29)
Google
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Jim Alderete, DDS is a dental office serving the community of Soquel, California. Dr. James Alderete started his academic career at Bellarmine College Prep. He then enrolled at UC Santa Barbara, and finally at The University of the Pacific Dental School. Dr. Alderete served as a Dental Officer in the US Navy and completed a one-year residency program in General Dentistry at Camp Pendleton Hospital. Jim Alderete, DDS offers restorative and cosmetic dentistry along with surgical, periodontal, and endodontic services. Their procedures include tooth colored fillings, crowns and bridges, TMD treatment, implant restorations, composite bonding, teeth whitening, veneers, tooth extractions, root canal therapy, and digital x-rays.

Compare our Top Dentists

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Santa Cruz Pacific Dental
550 Water St. Bldg. J-2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Rod Blenderman, DDS | Grace Montero, DDS
6940 California Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018
Seabright Dental Studio
1016 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Capitola Dental
617 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
Brian Del Core, DDS
783 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos, CA 95003
Felton Dental Center
6230 Gushee Street, Felton, CA 95018
Aura Marcela Torres, D.D.S.
706 Frederick Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Tina-Lise Curtis, DDS
1505 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Kai Family Dentistry
550 Water Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
New Street Dental
525 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Brett A. Johnson, DDS
5276 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Dr Jim Alderete
2820 Daubenbiss Avenue, Soquel, CA 95073

FAQs

  • Introduction

    Dentists are medical professionals who diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that occur with the teeth, oral mucosa, and disorders of the jaw, such as TMJ. There are several areas of dentistry that include orthodontics, pediatric, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and cosmetics.

    People visit the dentist for basic wellness check-ups and exams, dental treatments for issues such as gum disease and periodontitis, and restorative cosmetic procedures. Dentists help patients with various issues, ranging from filling cavities and straightening teeth with braces to tooth extractions and treatment for conditions such as bruxism, also known as teeth grinding.

    When left untreated, conditions such as cavities and damaged or cracked teeth can lead to abscesses and infections, and dentists help by treating and preventing further damage.
  • Is it safe to go to the dentist?

    It's safe to go to the dentist, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the strict infection control guidelines that dentists have followed for many decades. At all times, dentists follow ADA and CDC protocols to ensure patient safety.

  • When should a baby go to the dentist?

    The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises parents to schedule the first dental visit within six months of the first tooth erupting and one year of age for all infants. Babies should also visit the dentist for emergencies, such as cracked or broken teeth.

  • Why does a child need sealants?

    Pediatric dental sealants are applied to the teeth to work as a barrier and provide protection from decay and bacteria. Sealants also work to prevent small food particles from settling in the grooves of the teeth, which can lead to the development of cavities.

  • Can you go to the dentist while pregnant?

    It's safe for women to continue with regular dental visits while pregnant. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can affect the gums and teeth, leading to inflammation and gingivitis. Regular cleanings and checkups can help keep hormonal dental issues at bay.

  • How do dentists pull teeth?

    Dentists pull teeth through simple and surgical extractions. Simple extractions are performed at the dentist's office with local anesthetic and forceps. Surgical removal is required for broken teeth and teeth that have not erupted, such as wisdom teeth. Surgical procedures require stronger anesthetic or sedation, and forceps are used to remove the teeth.

  • What kind of dentists are there? 

    There are seven primary areas of dentistry.

    1. General dentistry covers a wide scope, with procedures ranging from general exams and X-rays to deep cleanings and simple extractions.
    2. Pedodontists, or pediatric dentists, have a primary focus on infants and children.
    3. Orthodontists handle braces and other procedures that straighten the teeth.
    4. Periodontists treat the gums and structures that support the teeth, such as bone and ligaments.
    5. Endodontists perform dental pulp treatments, such as root canals.
    6. Oral pathologists, or oral surgeons, focus on surgical procedures that include wisdom teeth extraction and dental implants.
    7. Prosthodontists handle highly complex restorative dental procedures, including bridge and denture placements. 

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