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Dentists · Columbia, SC/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Dentists in Columbia, SC

Finding a reliable dentist in Columbia can prevent costly dental issues and ensure your oral health remains a top priority.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceElmtree Family Dental
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Columbia-metro dentists businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

A dentist visit can make or break your oral health. In Columbia, choosing the wrong provider can lead to inadequate care and costly procedures down the line. Quality dental care is essential, especially in a city where competition is high, and reviews matter.

We've evaluated ten dental practices in Columbia based on their ratings, number of reviews, and overall reputation. Each dentist on this list has demonstrated a commitment to patient satisfaction, making them worthy of your trust.

10dentists evaluated in Columbia
4.74average rating across the field
5.0Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does dentists cost in Columbia? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Elmtree Family Dental

★★★★★5.0(772 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 772 reviews, Elmtree Family Dental is consistently praised for its friendly staff and comprehensive care.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Forest Drive Dental Care

★★★★★5.0(267 reviews)

Forest Drive Dental Care has earned a solid 5-star rating from 267 reviews, highlighting its affordability and quality dental services.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Elite Smiles Dental

★★★★★4.9(1,049 reviews)

Elite Smiles Dental stands out with a rating of 4.9 stars from 1,049 reviews.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Elmtree Family Dental
Elmtree Family Dental
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
772Families seeking comprehensive dental care
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
267Budget-conscious patients
3
Elite Smiles Dental
Elite Smiles Dental
Most Reviewed
94Score
4.9★★★★★
1,049Cosmetic dentistry and routine care
4
89Score
4.9★★★★★
426Families looking for personalized dental care
5
88Score
4.9★★★★★
180Patients looking for a comfortable dental experience
6
87Score
4.8★★★★★
465Thorough dental examinations
7
86Score
4.8★★★★★
177Cosmetic procedures
8
84Score
4.7★★★★★
419General dental care
9
82Score
4.6★★★★★
214Routine dental care
10
78Score
3.8★★★★★
1,010Budget-conscious patients seeking variety
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 dentists.

To rank the best dentists in Columbia, we analyzed data from 10 providers, focusing on their Vetted Scores, patient reviews, and overall ratings. No business pays for placement on our list, ensuring you receive unbiased information.

Our evaluations are refreshed monthly, taking into account new reviews and any changes in service quality. This way, you can be confident that our recommendations reflect the most current landscape of dental care in the city.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Elmtree Family Dental

★★★★★5.0(772 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 772 reviews, Elmtree Family Dental is consistently praised for its friendly staff and comprehensive care. Patients appreciate the thoroughness of the dental exams and the clear communication about treatment options. However, as a busy practice, appointment availability can be limited during peak times.

Pros

  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff
  • Comprehensive dental care
  • Clear treatment explanations

Cons

  • Limited appointment availability
  • Busy practice
Best forFamilies seeking comprehensive dental care
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$100 to $300
2
Best Value

Forest Drive Dental Care

★★★★★5.0(267 reviews)
95Score

Forest Drive Dental Care has earned a solid 5-star rating from 267 reviews, highlighting its affordability and quality dental services. Patients often commend the gentle approach of the dentists, making it ideal for those with dental anxiety. Still, the smaller review base may leave some potential clients cautious. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is budget-conscious patients. It serves Columbia, SC, with $80 to $250 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited advanced services.

Pros

  • Affordable services
  • Gentle dental care
  • Patient-focused environment

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited advanced services
Best forBudget-conscious patients
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$80 to $250
3
Most Reviewed

Elite Smiles Dental

★★★★★4.9(1,049 reviews)
94Score

Elite Smiles Dental stands out with a rating of 4.9 stars from 1,049 reviews. Patients rave about the modern facility and the professionalism of the staff. This practice excels in cosmetic dentistry and routine care alike. However, some reviews mention longer wait times during busy periods, which could be a drawback for those in a hurry.

Pros

  • Modern facility
  • Highly professional staff
  • Strong cosmetic dentistry focus

Cons

  • Longer wait times during peak hours
  • Can be busy
Best forCosmetic dentistry and routine care
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
4

Family Dental Health of Harrison Road

★★★★★4.9(426 reviews)
89Score

Family Dental Health of Harrison Road holds a rating of 4.9 stars from 426 reviews, with many patients appreciating the family-friendly atmosphere and personalized care. The staff is known for being attentive and accommodating. However, some patients report inconsistent appointment scheduling, which can be frustrating. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is families looking for personalized dental care. It serves Columbia, SC, with $90 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent appointment scheduling and occasional wait times.

Pros

  • Family-friendly environment
  • Personalized care
  • Attentive staff

Cons

  • Inconsistent appointment scheduling
  • Occasional wait times
Best forFamilies looking for personalized dental care
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$90 to $300
5

Forest Acres Dentistry

★★★★★4.9(180 reviews)
88Score

With a rating of 4.9 stars from 180 reviews, Forest Acres Dentistry is well-regarded for its friendly staff and comfortable environment. Patients often comment on the gentle approach to dental care. However, the smaller number of reviews might lead some to question the consistency of experiences. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is patients looking for a comfortable dental experience. It serves Columbia, SC, with $90 to $280 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited advanced treatments.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Comfortable environment
  • Gentle care

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited advanced treatments
Best forPatients looking for a comfortable dental experience
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$90 to $280
6

David M Lovit, DMD, LLC

★★★★★4.8(465 reviews)
87Score

David M Lovit, DMD, LLC has a solid rating of 4.8 stars from 465 reviews. Patients appreciate the dentist's thoroughness and the welcoming atmosphere of the practice. However, some clients have mentioned issues with appointment availability, which could be a concern for those needing urgent care. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is thorough dental examinations. It serves Columbia, SC, with $100 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are appointment availability issues and limited hours.

Pros

  • Thorough and knowledgeable dentist
  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • Good patient communication

Cons

  • Appointment availability issues
  • Limited hours
Best forThorough dental examinations
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$100 to $300
7
86Score

Crescent Family and Cosmetic Dentistry of Columbia has a rating of 4.8 stars from 177 reviews. Reviewers often highlight the quality of cosmetic work and the friendly demeanor of the staff. However, the limited number of reviews may not fully represent the overall patient experience. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is cosmetic procedures. It serves Columbia, SC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base and potentially longer wait times.

Pros

  • Quality cosmetic dentistry
  • Friendly staff
  • Comfortable environment

Cons

  • Limited review base
  • Potentially longer wait times
Best forCosmetic procedures
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
8

South Carolina Dental Center

★★★★★4.7(419 reviews)
84Score

South Carolina Dental Center holds a 4.7-star rating from 419 reviews. Patients appreciate the professionalism of the staff and the range of services offered. However, some reviews indicate that the office can be busy, leading to longer wait times for appointments. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is general dental care. It serves Columbia, SC, with $90 to $250 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are busy practice and longer wait times.

Pros

  • Professional staff
  • Wide range of services
  • Good patient care

Cons

  • Busy practice
  • Longer wait times
Best forGeneral dental care
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$90 to $250
9

Total Dental Care of South Carolina

★★★★★4.6(214 reviews)
82Score

Total Dental Care of South Carolina has a rating of 4.6 stars from 214 reviews. Patients often commend the thoroughness of the staff and the cleanliness of the office. However, a smaller review base means that experiences may vary more widely than at other practices. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is routine dental care. It serves Columbia, SC, with $80 to $250 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and inconsistent experiences.

Pros

  • Thorough staff
  • Clean office
  • Good patient care

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Inconsistent experiences
Best forRoutine dental care
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$80 to $250
10

Family Dental

★★★★★3.8(1,010 reviews)
78Score

Family Dental has a rating of 3.8 stars from 1,010 reviews. While some patients appreciate the affordability and variety of services, others have raised concerns over wait times and the quality of care. This practice may be suitable for those on a tight budget, but experiences can be hit or miss.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Variety of services
  • Accessible location

Cons

  • Inconsistent quality of care
  • Long wait times
Best forBudget-conscious patients seeking variety
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$60 to $200
Before you book

How to choose a dentist in Columbia

Selecting the right dentist is crucial for your oral health. Consider these factors to make an informed decision.

Check Reviews

Look for dentists with a high number of positive reviews. Practices like Elmtree Family Dental and Forest Drive Dental Care have consistently high ratings, indicating satisfied patients.

Evaluate Services Offered

Consider what services you need. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic procedures, while others focus on general dentistry. Make sure the practice aligns with your specific needs.

Office Atmosphere

Visit the office if possible. A welcoming and professional environment can greatly enhance your experience, making routine visits more pleasant.

What it costs

What dental services cost in Columbia

Routine Checkup$75 to $200, depending on the provider and included services.
Teeth Cleaning$85 to $250, based on the complexity of the cleaning and insurance coverage.
Fillings$150 to $400 per filling, influenced by the material used and the tooth's location.
Cosmetic Procedures$500 to $3,000, varying widely based on the type of procedure and the dentist's expertise.

Frequently asked questions

How much does dental care cost in Columbia?

Prices for dental services in Columbia generally range from $100 to $300 per visit, depending on the type of treatment needed.

What factors should I consider when choosing a dentist in Columbia?

Consider the dentist's ratings, number of reviews, services offered, and location relative to your home or work.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Columbia residents: <strong>Elmtree Family Dental</strong>

Call Elmtree Family Dental first for top-notch care with a perfect 5-star rating from 772 reviews. If you want a more personalized experience, Forest Drive Dental Care is ideal with its same 5-star rating, but fewer reviews. For those who prioritize extensive options and a wealth of patient feedback, Elite Smiles Dental is a solid choice with 4.9 stars from 1,049 reviews.