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Dentists · Wilmington, NC/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Dentists in Wilmington, NC

Finding a dentist in Wilmington can be overwhelming. Our ranking highlights both trusted names and promising newcomers.

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

Choosing a dentist is a significant decision, especially in Wilmington, where dental health can directly impact your overall well-being. With a range of options available, from budget-friendly practices to highly rated providers, understanding the landscape is key to finding the right fit for your needs.

We evaluated ten dental practices in the Wilmington area based on their ratings and review counts. The result is a list that highlights both the most trusted names in the field and those that are emerging with promising service records.

10dentists evaluated in Wilmington
4.86average rating across the field
8.5Kcustomer reviews analyzed

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

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

Our top picks

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

Atlantic Dental Group

★★★★★5.0(1,086 reviews)

With a perfect 5-star rating from 1,086 reviews, Atlantic Dental Group consistently impresses patients with their attentive care and friendly staff.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
95Score

CarolinasDentist

★★★★★4.9(1,648 reviews)

CarolinasDentist holds an impressive 4.9 rating from 1,648 reviews, showcasing their popularity in Wilmington.

Read full review
Best for Comfort
94Score

Live Oak Dental

★★★★★4.9(953 reviews)

Live Oak Dental enjoys a 4.9 rating from 953 reviews, with many patients highlighting the comfort of their visits.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Atlantic Dental Group
Atlantic Dental Group
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
1,086Families seeking comprehensive dental care
2
CarolinasDentist
CarolinasDentist
Most Reviewed
95Score
4.9★★★★★
1,648Cosmetic dentistry and preventative care
3
Live Oak Dental
Live Oak Dental
Best for Comfort
94Score
4.9★★★★★
953Patients with dental anxiety
4
92Score
4.9★★★★★
826Cosmetic procedures
5
91Score
4.9★★★★★
814Family dental care
6
90Score
4.9★★★★★
672Pediatric care and family dentistry
7
89Score
4.8★★★★★
864Cosmetic and restorative services
8
88Score
4.8★★★★★
548Implant dentistry
9
84Score
4.6★★★★★
1,087Emergency dental services
10
78Score
4.9★★★★★
38Personalized dental care
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 dentists.

To create this ranking, we analyzed each dental provider's rating and the volume of reviews. Our methodology is rooted in transparency; no practice pays for placement, ensuring that the rankings reflect genuine customer experiences.

We refresh our evaluations monthly to maintain accuracy and relevance. This process helps you make informed decisions based on the most current data available in Wilmington's dental market.

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

Atlantic Dental Group

★★★★★5.0(1,086 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect 5-star rating from 1,086 reviews, Atlantic Dental Group consistently impresses patients with their attentive care and friendly staff. Many praise the thoroughness of their treatments and the welcoming atmosphere. They are particularly well-regarded for family dental care. However, some have noted longer wait times during peak hours.

Pros

  • Highly rated staff
  • Family-friendly environment
  • Comprehensive services

Cons

  • Possible longer wait times
  • Limited evening hours
Best forFamilies seeking comprehensive dental care
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$100 to $300
2
Most Reviewed

CarolinasDentist

★★★★★4.9(1,648 reviews)
95Score

CarolinasDentist holds an impressive 4.9 rating from 1,648 reviews, showcasing their popularity in Wilmington. Patients appreciate the modern facilities and the professionalism of the dental team. They excel in cosmetic dentistry and preventative care. On the downside, some clients have mentioned higher pricing compared to other local options. 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 cosmetic dentistry and preventative care. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher pricing and occasional scheduling issues.

Pros

  • Modern technology
  • Skilled cosmetic services
  • High patient satisfaction

Cons

  • Higher pricing
  • Occasional scheduling issues
Best forCosmetic dentistry and preventative care
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
3
Best for Comfort

Live Oak Dental

★★★★★4.9(953 reviews)
94Score

Live Oak Dental enjoys a 4.9 rating from 953 reviews, with many patients highlighting the comfort of their visits. The staff is noted for being gentle and accommodating, making it an excellent choice for those with dental anxiety. However, some reviews indicate that appointment availability can be limited at times.

Pros

  • Gentle care
  • Comfort-focused approach
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Limited appointment availability
  • Occasional delays
Best forPatients with dental anxiety
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$120 to $350
4

The Dental Studio of Wilmington

★★★★★4.9(826 reviews)
92Score

The Dental Studio of Wilmington has a solid 4.9 rating from 826 reviews. Patients appreciate the personalized care and thorough explanations from the dentists. They are especially known for their cosmetic procedures. However, a few reviews mention longer wait times for appointments, which may be a consideration for some. 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 cosmetic procedures. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are longer wait times and limited parking.

Pros

  • Personalized care
  • Skilled in cosmetic procedures
  • Friendly environment

Cons

  • Longer wait times
  • Limited parking
Best forCosmetic procedures
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
5

Wrightsville Dental

★★★★★4.9(814 reviews)
91Score

Wrightsville Dental holds a 4.9 rating from 814 reviews, with patients frequently praising the friendly staff and efficient service. They are known for their family dental care and preventive services. However, some clients have expressed dissatisfaction with the billing process, indicating a need for clearer communication. 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 family dental care. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $100 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are billing communication issues and occasional scheduling conflicts.

Pros

  • Efficient service
  • Family-oriented care
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Billing communication issues
  • Occasional scheduling conflicts
Best forFamily dental care
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$100 to $300
6

Family Dental Care of Wilmington

★★★★★4.9(672 reviews)
90Score

Family Dental Care of Wilmington has a strong 4.9 rating from 672 reviews. Patients often highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the thoroughness of examinations. They excel in family dentistry and pediatric care. However, a few reviews indicate that the office can get crowded, leading to longer wait times. 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 pediatric care and family dentistry. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $100 to $250 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are crowded office and longer wait times.

Pros

  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • Thorough examinations
  • Good for children

Cons

  • Crowded office
  • Longer wait times
Best forPediatric care and family dentistry
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$100 to $250
7

Cape Fear Smiles

★★★★★4.8(864 reviews)
89Score

Cape Fear Smiles has a solid 4.8 rating from 864 reviews. Patients appreciate the friendly staff and the quality of care provided. They are particularly known for their cosmetic and restorative services. Some reviews, however, mention that appointment availability can be an issue. 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 cosmetic and restorative services. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $150 to $350 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are appointment availability issues and higher prices.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Quality care
  • Cosmetic expertise

Cons

  • Appointment availability issues
  • Higher prices
Best forCosmetic and restorative services
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $350
8

Coastal Smiles General and Implant Dentistry

★★★★★4.8(548 reviews)
88Score

Coastal Smiles General and Implant Dentistry has a 4.8 rating from 548 reviews. Patients commend the expertise in implant dentistry and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. They are a good option for those needing specialized dental implants. However, some clients report longer wait times for procedures. 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 implant dentistry. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $200 to $500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are longer wait times and limited evening hours.

Pros

  • Expertise in implants
  • Friendly staff
  • Comprehensive services

Cons

  • Longer wait times
  • Limited evening hours
Best forImplant dentistry
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$200 to $500
9

O2 Dental Group of Wilmington

★★★★★4.6(1,087 reviews)
84Score

O2 Dental Group of Wilmington has a 4.6 rating from 1,087 reviews. Patients appreciate the modern facilities and the variety of services offered. They are particularly known for their emergency dental services. However, some reviews express concerns about the high cost of treatments. 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 emergency dental services. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are high costs and mixed reviews on staff interactions.

Pros

  • Modern facilities
  • Variety of services
  • Emergency care

Cons

  • High costs
  • Mixed reviews on staff interactions
Best forEmergency dental services
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
10

Miles and Michael Dentistry

★★★★★4.9(38 reviews)
78Score

Miles and Michael Dentistry has a 4.9 rating from just 38 reviews. While patients appreciate the personalized attention, the limited review base makes it a less proven option compared to others. They are best for those seeking one-on-one care. However, their lack of a broader track record raises some concerns.

Pros

  • Personalized attention
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Limited review base
  • Less proven option
Best forPersonalized dental care
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$100 to $300
Before you book

How to choose a dentist in Wilmington

Selecting the right dentist involves balancing reputation, services offered, and cost. Here are three key factors to consider.

Review Ratings

Look for dentists with high ratings and substantial reviews. Providers like Atlantic Dental Group and CarolinasDentist have established trust with patients.

Services Offered

Consider what services you need. Some practices specialize in family dentistry, while others focus on cosmetic procedures or implants.

Cost vs. Quality

Weigh the cost of services against the quality reflected in reviews. Sometimes, the cheapest option may not provide the best care.

What it costs

What dental services cost in Wilmington

Understanding dental costs can help you budget effectively. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay for common services in Wilmington.

Routine Checkup$75 to $200, depending on the provider and any additional services included.
Dental Cleaning$80 to $150, with variations based on the complexity of the cleaning required.
Fillings$150 to $300, influenced by the material used and the specific tooth affected.
Root Canals$700 to $1,500, varying by tooth location and the complexity of the procedure.

Frequently asked questions

How much does dental care cost in Wilmington?

Dental care costs in Wilmington can vary, but expect to pay between $100 to $300 for a routine check-up, depending on the provider.

What should I look for in a dentist in Wilmington?

Consider factors such as patient reviews, the range of services offered, and the dentist's experience to find the best fit for your needs.

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 Wilmington residents: <strong>Atlantic Dental Group</strong>

Atlantic Dental Group is the best overall choice for its perfect 5-star rating over 1,086 reviews. For those seeking great value, CarolinasDentist offers a stellar 4.9 rating with 1,648 reviews. If you're willing to splurge, Live Oak Dental provides excellent service with a 4.9 rating from 953 reviews.