
Compare San Diego-area clinics for routine care, emergency visits, cosmetic work, insurance fit, and practical booking convenience.
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10 listings on this page
Quick Answer
We prioritize local relevance, review strength, service breadth, access, price clarity, and patient experience signals.
At A Glance
Best overall
Fifth Avenue Dental Arts
Best for General Dentistry.
Tradeoff: Weekend availability is not highlighted
Highest review signal
Mesa Dental
Positive reviews across online portals, backed by 1730 reviews.
Useful when social proof matters more than pure proximity.
Best nearby alternative
Western Dental & Orthodontics - Poway
Strong option in Poway if you are willing to travel for fit.
Outside San Diego, so compare convenience before booking.
Smyleee Ratings are editorial signals based on reviews, quality of care, and patient feedback. Close scores should be treated as broadly comparable.
San Diego has no shortage of dental providers — a quick search pulls up hundreds. The challenge isn't finding one, it's figuring out which ones actually deliver. We spent time reviewing patient outcomes, checking credentials, comparing pricing, and analyzing feedback from patients who've had emergency dentists work done across the San Diego metro area.
This is the short list. Ten providers in San Diego, California that consistently showed up in the data — not because they paid to be here, but because their patients keep coming back and referring others. If you're weighing options for emergency dentists in San Diego, start here.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Maqsud Mallick, BDS — BDS
Approximate price ranges — may vary by provider and insurance plan
Prices sourced from Dental Arts San Diego, Diamond Dental SD, Dental Clinic in San Diego, MY SMILE, and CareCredit emergency dental cost data. Ranges reflect San Diego, California emergency pricing as of 2026 in USD. Emergency dental care is typically more expensive than regular visits, with costs ranging from $100-$1,500 depending on treatment complexity.
Prices verified Apr 17, 2026
Every clinic on this list passes our verification process
Our transparent ranking methodology
What matters most to you?
These shortcuts pull the shortlist into clearer decision buckets, so you can start with convenience, trust, or confidence instead of scanning every card evenly.
A strong all-around pick if you want a reliable local choice for general dentistry.
Useful if you want the option with the deepest visible review signal before narrowing further.
A cleaner first stop if weekday time is tight and you need a clinic that documents weekend availability.
Compare clinics either from San Diego - California Downtown or from your live location.
Distances below are shown from San Diego - California Downtown. Switch to From you any time.
Only clinics physically located in San Diego appear in this primary ranking.

886 reviews
300, 450, A Street, Core-Columbia
San Diego, California • 280m from San Diego - California Downtown
Fifth Avenue Dental Arts is a caring general dentistry practice located in San Diego, California. Doctors Ramin Ghassemi, DDS, MS, and Nina Mojaver, DMD, Fifth Avenue Dental Arts offer patients of all ages and walks of life the very best in modern dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Fifth Avenue Dental Arts functions around the cornerstones of excellence, experience, and esthetics. Its goal is to provide everyone with the individualized, specialized care that only its high stand
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 886 reviews, its 80.2 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
What stands out
Proof Signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

886 reviews
San Diego, California
280m from San Diego - California Downtown
Fifth Avenue Dental Arts is a caring general dentistry practice located in San Diego, California. Doctors Ramin Ghassemi, DDS, MS, and Nina Mojaver, DMD, Fifth Avenue Dental Arts offer patients of all ages and walks of life the very best in modern dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Fifth Avenue Dental Arts functions around the cornerstones of excellence, experience, and esthetics. Its goal is to provide everyone with the individualized, specialized care that only its high stand
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 886 reviews, its 80.2 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
Proof signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Last verified Mar 22, 2026.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

184 reviews
3570, Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest
San Diego, California • 2.8 km from San Diego - California Downtown
At Dentique, Dr. Rahbar has created a new standard of care and reinvented what it means to visit the dentist. Dentique is an oasis where you, your health, and your comfort is our priority- experience the latest advancements in high-quality dental care in our state-of-the-art facility with all of the luxurious amenities of a spa. Take a moment to relax in our relaxation room before or after your treatment with a cup of tea. Cozy up in a blanket and watch a movie, and enjoy a neck wrap or an eye p
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 184 reviews, its 80.4 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
What stands out
Proof Signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

184 reviews
San Diego, California
2.8 km from San Diego - California Downtown
At Dentique, Dr. Rahbar has created a new standard of care and reinvented what it means to visit the dentist. Dentique is an oasis where you, your health, and your comfort is our priority- experience the latest advancements in high-quality dental care in our state-of-the-art facility with all of the luxurious amenities of a spa. Take a moment to relax in our relaxation room before or after your treatment with a cup of tea. Cozy up in a blanket and watch a movie, and enjoy a neck wrap or an eye p
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 184 reviews, its 80.4 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
Proof signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Last verified Mar 22, 2026.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

103 reviews
STE 300, 4033, Third Avenue, Hillcrest
San Diego, California • 3.7 km from San Diego - California Downtown
The goal at Center for Dental Restorations is simple, but important: to help you achieve your best dental health . To meet this goal, we provide you with: A specialized thorough oral evaluation High quality, state-of-the-art dental services to treat your specific needs Information so you can make informed decisions about your oral health needs A warm environment to make you comfortable during your appointment Experience a relaxing, yet comprehensive, dental treatment at our San Diego office. Cal
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 103 reviews, its 78.3 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
What stands out
Proof Signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

103 reviews
San Diego, California
3.7 km from San Diego - California Downtown
The goal at Center for Dental Restorations is simple, but important: to help you achieve your best dental health . To meet this goal, we provide you with: A specialized thorough oral evaluation High quality, state-of-the-art dental services to treat your specific needs Information so you can make informed decisions about your oral health needs A warm environment to make you comfortable during your appointment Experience a relaxing, yet comprehensive, dental treatment at our San Diego office. Cal
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 103 reviews, its 78.3 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
Proof signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Last verified Mar 22, 2026.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

203 reviews
210, Park Boulevard, East Village
San Diego, California • 1.3 km from San Diego - California Downtown
Our caring Dental Express dentists and staff strive to ensure patients have a great experience when they visit our downtown San Diego, CA location.
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it has meaningful review volume across online portals, backed by 203 reviews and its 70.6 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field.
What stands out
Proof Signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

203 reviews
San Diego, California
1.3 km from San Diego - California Downtown
Our caring Dental Express dentists and staff strive to ensure patients have a great experience when they visit our downtown San Diego, CA location.
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it has meaningful review volume across online portals, backed by 203 reviews and its 70.6 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field.
Proof signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Last verified Mar 22, 2026.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

1.7k reviews
6215, Beadnell Way, Clairemont
San Diego, California • 12 km from San Diego - California Downtown
“Make your dream smile a reality!”
At our Dental clinic, the satisfaction of our patients is of utmost importance to us, that is why we go the extra miles to meet their dental requirements using the latest technologies in the industry to ensure convenience and comfort for all of our clients. For instance, we do not use complex and outdated film to take X-rays, we follow each appointment with a digital sensor to take X-rays. This sensor is of immense advantage to the old outdated and traditional method because it uses less radiati
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 1,730 reviews, its 81.6 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
What stands out
Proof Signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

1.7k reviews
San Diego, California
12 km from San Diego - California Downtown
“Make your dream smile a reality!”
At our Dental clinic, the satisfaction of our patients is of utmost importance to us, that is why we go the extra miles to meet their dental requirements using the latest technologies in the industry to ensure convenience and comfort for all of our clients. For instance, we do not use complex and outdated film to take X-rays, we follow each appointment with a digital sensor to take X-rays. This sensor is of immense advantage to the old outdated and traditional method because it uses less radiati
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 1,730 reviews, its 81.6 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
Proof signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Last verified Mar 22, 2026.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

271 reviews
#3, 5807, University Avenue, Mid-City
San Diego, California • 9.2 km from San Diego - California Downtown
We’re proud of every tooth we clean, polish and protect Not to brag (ok, maybe a tiny bit), but we work hard to take care of every molar, bicuspid and sharp little incisor we have the honor to serve. #1 oral healthcare provider in California No one takes care of more teeth in the Golden State than us! #1 orthodontic provider in the nation We help more people straighten up and smile right than any other orthodontic group in the entire United States. #1 provider for Medi-Cal Dental in CA Every too
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it has meaningful review volume across online portals, backed by 271 reviews, its 69.8 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and weekend availability is clearly documented.
What stands out
Proof Signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Tradeoff
Insurance support is not clearly highlighted

271 reviews
San Diego, California
9.2 km from San Diego - California Downtown
We’re proud of every tooth we clean, polish and protect Not to brag (ok, maybe a tiny bit), but we work hard to take care of every molar, bicuspid and sharp little incisor we have the honor to serve. #1 oral healthcare provider in California No one takes care of more teeth in the Golden State than us! #1 orthodontic provider in the nation We help more people straighten up and smile right than any other orthodontic group in the entire United States. #1 provider for Medi-Cal Dental in CA Every too
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it has meaningful review volume across online portals, backed by 271 reviews, its 69.8 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and weekend availability is clearly documented.
Proof signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Last verified Mar 22, 2026.
Tradeoff
Insurance support is not clearly highlighted

162 reviews
STE 5, 6790, Top Gun Street, Sorrento Mesa
San Diego, California • 22 km from San Diego - California Downtown
For general and restorative dentistry services in cosmetic dentist scripps ranch or surrounding locations like Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, etc. schedule an appointment with a dentist at Scripps Poway Dental Care. This dental office near you has been offering undisputed dental services for quite some time now and has successfully developed a promising clientele - one that is recognized for its superior quality of dental services - Our competent and friendly team is dedicated to your comfort and the
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 162 reviews, its 77.6 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and weekend availability is clearly documented.
What stands out
Proof Signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Tradeoff
Insurance support is not clearly highlighted

162 reviews
San Diego, California
22 km from San Diego - California Downtown
For general and restorative dentistry services in cosmetic dentist scripps ranch or surrounding locations like Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, etc. schedule an appointment with a dentist at Scripps Poway Dental Care. This dental office near you has been offering undisputed dental services for quite some time now and has successfully developed a promising clientele - one that is recognized for its superior quality of dental services - Our competent and friendly team is dedicated to your comfort and the
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 162 reviews, its 77.6 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and weekend availability is clearly documented.
Proof signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Last verified Mar 22, 2026.
Tradeoff
Insurance support is not clearly highlighted

104 reviews
15717, Bernardo Heights Parkway, Rancho Bernardo
San Diego, California • 33 km from San Diego - California Downtown
What makes Dental Express so unique is our dental team’s wide range of expertise. Our dentists have decades of combined experience helping patients all across America. Some have worked in hospitals doing oral surgery rotations while others have cared for patients in foreign countries with limited access to dental care. Having such a knowledgeable team of doctors lets us offer many treatments that would require specialist referrals at your typical dentist. Thanks to our team of all-stars, you don
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it has meaningful review volume across online portals, backed by 104 reviews, its 76.4 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
What stands out
Proof Signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted

104 reviews
San Diego, California
33 km from San Diego - California Downtown
What makes Dental Express so unique is our dental team’s wide range of expertise. Our dentists have decades of combined experience helping patients all across America. Some have worked in hospitals doing oral surgery rotations while others have cared for patients in foreign countries with limited access to dental care. Having such a knowledgeable team of doctors lets us offer many treatments that would require specialist referrals at your typical dentist. Thanks to our team of all-stars, you don
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it has meaningful review volume across online portals, backed by 104 reviews, its 76.4 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
Proof signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Last verified Mar 22, 2026.
Tradeoff
Weekend hours are not highlighted
Excellent clinics, but outside San Diego.

913 reviews
12649, Poway Road
Poway, California • 28 km from San Diego - California Downtown
We have a better way At Western Dental, we’re all about teeth – young ones, old ones, shiny ones, crooked or chipped ones. That’s why you can think of us as your “Dental Home.” Because no matter what your tooth issue, we’re here to resolve it. Our general dentists, specialists and hygienists are all under one roof. Which means that treatment for implants, or braces, or periodontal care can take place in the same office. Panoramic x-rays, oral surgery, restorative work requires a visit to only on
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it has meaningful review volume across online portals, backed by 913 reviews and its 70.6 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field.
What stands out
Proof Signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Tradeoff
Outside San Diego proper

913 reviews
Poway, California
28 km from San Diego - California Downtown
We have a better way At Western Dental, we’re all about teeth – young ones, old ones, shiny ones, crooked or chipped ones. That’s why you can think of us as your “Dental Home.” Because no matter what your tooth issue, we’re here to resolve it. Our general dentists, specialists and hygienists are all under one roof. Which means that treatment for implants, or braces, or periodontal care can take place in the same office. Panoramic x-rays, oral surgery, restorative work requires a visit to only on
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it has meaningful review volume across online portals, backed by 913 reviews and its 70.6 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field.
Proof signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Last verified Apr 18, 2026.
Tradeoff
Outside San Diego proper

70 reviews
# B, 12511, Poway Road
Poway, California • 28 km from San Diego - California Downtown
Dr. Joe Nguyen is a 1997 graduate from NYU College of Dentistry. Our dental office has provided family and cosmetic dentistry in Poway for over 21 years. Our commitment is to provide the highest level of care and safety to our patients while always listening to their needs. We treat our patients like family.
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 70 reviews, its 74.1 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
What stands out
Proof Signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Tradeoff
Outside San Diego proper

70 reviews
Poway, California
28 km from San Diego - California Downtown
Dr. Joe Nguyen is a 1997 graduate from NYU College of Dentistry. Our dental office has provided family and cosmetic dentistry in Poway for over 21 years. Our commitment is to provide the highest level of care and safety to our patients while always listening to their needs. We treat our patients like family.
Best for
General Dentistry
Why we included it
We included it because it shows positive reviews across online portals, backed by 70 reviews, its 74.1 Smyleee Rating keeps it in the stronger part of this field, and it shows a broader service mix than many thinner profiles on the list.
Proof signals
Checked: profile positioning, service details, review signals, business hours, and pricing.
Last verified Apr 17, 2026.
Tradeoff
Outside San Diego proper
Compare the most decision-relevant signals without opening every clinic profile one by one.
| Clinic | City | Smyleee Rating | Reviews | Weekends | Insurance | Financing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth Avenue Dental Arts | San Diego | 80.2 | 886 | Not shown | Not highlighted | Not highlighted | General Dentistry |
| Dentique San Diego, Nikou Rahbar DDS | San Diego | 80.4 | 184 | Not shown | Not highlighted | Not highlighted | General Dentistry |
| Center for Dental Restorations | San Diego | 78.3 | 103 | Not shown | Not highlighted | Not highlighted | General Dentistry |
| The Dental Express Downtown | San Diego | 70.6 | 203 | Not shown | Not highlighted | Not highlighted | General Dentistry |
| Mesa Dental | San Diego | 81.6 | 1730 | Not shown | Not highlighted | Not highlighted | General Dentistry |
| Western Dental Kids | San Diego | 69.8 | 271 | Yes | Not highlighted | Not highlighted | General Dentistry |
| Scripps Poway Dental Care - Sorrento Valley | San Diego | 77.6 | 162 | Yes | Not highlighted | Not highlighted | General Dentistry |
| The Dental Express RB/Poway – Dentist in Rancho Bernardo, CA | San Diego | 76.4 | 104 | Not shown | Not highlighted | Not highlighted | General Dentistry |
| Western Dental & Orthodontics - Poway | Poway | 70.6 | 913 | Not shown | Not highlighted | Not highlighted | General Dentistry |
| Dr. Joe N.T. Nguyen DDS | Poway | 74.1 | 70 | Not shown | Not highlighted | Not highlighted | General Dentistry |
Use the ranking as a starting point, then narrow the shortlist based on the kind of care you actually need.
Prioritize review consistency, insurance friendliness, practical hours, and a broad general-dentistry service mix over marketing language alone.
Confirm same-day capacity, after-hours guidance, and whether the clinic handles urgent restorative work in-house or refers out.
Compare financing signals, insurance notes, and the local cost guide. A higher-ranked clinic is not automatically the best value for your specific treatment.
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