CityVettedCityvetted
Independent. Never pay-to-play.
Dentists · San Diego, CA/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Dentists in San Diego, CA

San Diego's dental scene features a competitive market, with Mesa Dental leading the pack. Learn how to choose the right dentist for your needs.

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

In San Diego, a healthy smile is essential, making access to quality dental care a priority for residents. The city is home to a competitive field of dentists, with 10 providers evaluated and ranked based on their ratings and review counts.

At the top is Mesa Dental, holding a remarkable 4.9-star rating from 1,859 reviews. This sets a high bar in a market where the combined reviews of all ranked dentists reach 5,511, showcasing the importance of reading a provider's review record thoroughly.

10dentists evaluated in San Diego
4.66average rating across the field
5.5Kcustomer reviews analyzed

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

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

Our top picks

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

Mesa Dental

★★★★★4.9(1,859 reviews)

With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 1,859 reviews, Mesa Dental receives high marks for its friendly staff and modern facilities.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Farshin Farokhian, DDS

★★★★★4.9(679 reviews)

Rated at 4.9 with 679 reviews, Dr.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Brighton Dental

★★★★★4.9(565 reviews)

Brighton Dental holds a solid rating of 4.9 from 565 reviews.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Mesa Dental
Mesa Dental
Editor's Choice
96Score
4.9★★★★★
1,859Families seeking comprehensive dental care
2
95Score
4.9★★★★★
679Patients looking for value and personalized care
3
Brighton Dental
Brighton Dental
Most Reviewed
94Score
4.9★★★★★
565Cosmetic dental treatments
4
88Score
4.8★★★★★
940Specialized dental services
5
86Score
4.8★★★★★
356Anxiety-prone patients
6
82Score
5.0★★★★★
41Personalized consultations
7
80Score
4.7★★★★★
131Local community members
8
78Score
4.4★★★★★
469Routine dental care
9
79Score
4.1★★★★★
155Budget-conscious families
10
78Score
4.1★★★★★
316Urban residents needing convenient care
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 dentists.

To create this ranking, we evaluated 10 dental providers in San Diego, focusing on customer ratings and the number of reviews. Our methodology ensures that no business pays for placement, providing an unbiased look at the best options available.

We refresh our rankings monthly, taking into account new reviews and ratings to keep the list current. This way, you can trust that you're getting the most accurate and up-to-date information when choosing a dentist.

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

Mesa Dental

★★★★★4.9(1,859 reviews)
96Score

With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 1,859 reviews, Mesa Dental receives high marks for its friendly staff and modern facilities. Patients appreciate the thoroughness of the exams and the gentle approach to treatments. This practice is ideal for families looking for a dentist who can cater to all ages. However, due to its popularity, securing an appointment might take some time.

Pros

  • Highly rated staff
  • Modern facilities
  • Family-friendly

Cons

  • Long wait times for appointments
  • Busy schedule
Best forFamilies seeking comprehensive dental care
Service areaSan Diego, CA
Typical pricing$100 to $300 per visit
2
Best Value

Farshin Farokhian, DDS

★★★★★4.9(679 reviews)
95Score

Rated at 4.9 with 679 reviews, Dr. Farshin Farokhian is celebrated for his attentive care and clear communication. Patients commend his ability to explain procedures in detail, making them feel at ease. This practice is perfect for those who prioritize value without sacrificing quality. Some reviewers mention occasional delays during busy hours.

Pros

  • Clear communication
  • Attentive care
  • Value pricing

Cons

  • Occasional delays
  • Limited office hours
Best forPatients looking for value and personalized care
Service areaSan Diego, CA
Typical pricing$90 to $250 per visit
3
Most Reviewed

Brighton Dental

★★★★★4.9(565 reviews)
94Score

Brighton Dental holds a solid rating of 4.9 from 565 reviews. Patients appreciate the friendly atmosphere and efficient service. The practice is known for its cosmetic dentistry options, making it an excellent choice for those seeking aesthetic improvements. However, some clients noted that the office can feel crowded at peak times.

Pros

  • Friendly atmosphere
  • Efficient service
  • Cosmetic dentistry expertise

Cons

  • Crowded during peak hours
  • Limited parking
Best forCosmetic dental treatments
Service areaSan Diego, CA
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per visit
4

Fifth Avenue Dental Arts

★★★★★4.8(940 reviews)
88Score

Fifth Avenue Dental Arts has a solid rating of 4.8 based on 940 reviews. Patients value the comprehensive care and advanced technology used in treatments. This practice is well-suited for those seeking specialized services. However, some reviews mention that the costs can be higher than average. 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 specialized dental services. It serves San Diego, CA, with $150 to $350 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher costs and limited appointment availability.

Pros

  • Advanced technology
  • Comprehensive care
  • Specialized services

Cons

  • Higher costs
  • Limited appointment availability
Best forSpecialized dental services
Service areaSan Diego, CA
Typical pricing$150 to $350 per visit
5

Coastal Dental Arts

★★★★★4.8(356 reviews)
86Score

Coastal Dental Arts has a rating of 4.8 from 356 reviews. Patients commend the friendly staff and relaxed environment. It is particularly good for those who may feel anxious about dental visits. On the downside, some patients noted longer wait times for services. 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 anxiety-prone patients. It serves San Diego, CA, with $100 to $300 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are long wait times and limited services offered.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Relaxed environment
  • Good for anxious patients

Cons

  • Long wait times
  • Limited services offered
Best forAnxiety-prone patients
Service areaSan Diego, CA
Typical pricing$100 to $300 per visit
6

Double Peak Dental

★★★★★5.0(41 reviews)
82Score

With a perfect rating of 5 from just 41 reviews, Double Peak Dental shows promise with its personalized care and attention to detail. Patients appreciate the thorough consultations and the gentle approach to dental work. However, the limited review base makes it a less proven choice. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized consultations. It serves San Diego, CA, with $120 to $320 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and newer practice.

Pros

  • Personalized care
  • Attention to detail
  • Gentle approach

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Newer practice
Best forPersonalized consultations
Service areaSan Diego, CA
Typical pricing$120 to $320 per visit
7

Dentists at North Park

★★★★★4.7(131 reviews)
80Score

Dentists at North Park holds a rating of 4.7 from 131 reviews. Patients often highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the staff's professionalism. This practice is suitable for those looking for a local dentist in a vibrant neighborhood. However, some clients reported that appointment scheduling can be challenging. 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 local community members. It serves San Diego, CA, with $90 to $250 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are challenging appointment scheduling and fewer specialties.

Pros

  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • Professional staff
  • Community-oriented

Cons

  • Challenging appointment scheduling
  • Fewer specialties
Best forLocal community members
Service areaSan Diego, CA
Typical pricing$90 to $250 per visit
8

Mission Valley Dentists

★★★★★4.4(469 reviews)
78Score

Mission Valley Dentists has a rating of 4.4 based on 469 reviews. Patients appreciate the convenient location and friendly staff. It is a good option for those needing routine dental care. However, some reviews mention that the office could benefit from modern updates. 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 San Diego, CA, with $100 to $250 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are outdated facilities and long wait times.

Pros

  • Convenient location
  • Friendly staff
  • Routine care

Cons

  • Outdated facilities
  • Long wait times
Best forRoutine dental care
Service areaSan Diego, CA
Typical pricing$100 to $250 per visit
9

People's Dentistry of Escondido

★★★★★4.1(155 reviews)
79Score

People's Dentistry of Escondido holds a rating of 4.1 from 155 reviews. Patients often mention the caring approach and affordability. This practice is ideal for budget-conscious individuals. However, the lower rating reflects some inconsistencies in service quality. 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 budget-conscious families. It serves San Diego, CA, with $80 to $200 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent service quality and limited advanced services.

Pros

  • Caring approach
  • Affordable services
  • Family-friendly

Cons

  • Inconsistent service quality
  • Limited advanced services
Best forBudget-conscious families
Service areaSan Diego, CA
Typical pricing$80 to $200 per visit
10

Downtown SD Modern Dentistry

★★★★★4.1(316 reviews)
78Score

Downtown SD Modern Dentistry has a rating of 4.1 from 316 reviews. Patients appreciate the modern technology and convenient downtown location. This practice is best for urban dwellers seeking easy access to dental care. However, some clients reported issues with appointment availability. 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 urban residents needing convenient care. It serves San Diego, CA, with $120 to $300 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are appointment availability issues and higher pricing.

Pros

  • Modern technology
  • Convenient location
  • Urban accessibility

Cons

  • Appointment availability issues
  • Higher pricing
Best forUrban residents needing convenient care
Service areaSan Diego, CA
Typical pricing$120 to $300 per visit
Before you book

How to choose a dentist in San Diego

Choosing the right dentist is key to maintaining oral health. Here are some tips to guide your decision-making process.

Check the review count

Look for dentists with a substantial number of reviews. A higher count often indicates a well-established practice.

Consider the star rating

Compare ratings among providers. A slight difference in stars can reveal significant differences in service quality.

Assess patient feedback

Read through patient reviews to get insights on staff professionalism, office environment, and treatment outcomes.

What it costs

What dentists cost in San Diego

The cost of dental services can vary significantly based on the type of treatment and provider. Here's a breakdown of what to expect.

Routine check-up$75 to $200 depending on the provider and any additional services included.
Fillings$150 to $300 per filling, based on the material used and complexity.
Root canals$700 to $1,500, influenced by tooth location and treatment difficulty.
Teeth whitening$300 to $800, varying by technique and provider.

Frequently asked questions

How much does dental work cost in San Diego?

Prices for dental services in San Diego can vary widely, but basic check-ups typically range from $100 to $300, while more extensive procedures like crowns or implants can range from $1,000 to $3,500.

What should I look for in a dentist?

Consider their ratings, number of reviews, and services offered. A high number of positive reviews, like those for Mesa Dental and Farshin Farokhian, DDS, often indicates reliable care.

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 San Diego residents: <strong>Mesa Dental</strong>

The evidence clearly favors Mesa Dental as the leader, with an impressive 4.9 rating from 1,859 reviews, indicating consistent patient satisfaction. Close behind is Farshin Farokhian, DDS, also at 4.9 but with fewer reviews, suggesting a solid practice but less established reliability. Rounding out the top three is Brighton Dental, which, while still rated at 4.9, has a smaller review base of 565, making it promising but unproven compared to the top two. If you want the best, start with Mesa Dental.