2026 · Published
Top Practices 2026
Independent practices where the structure of the business is visibly organized around the patient in the chair.
- Year
- 2026
- Honorees
- 6
- Selection
- Editorial · no fee
The 2026 list
Space City Smiles
Cosmetic Dentistry · OrthodonticsHouston, Texas
Six-day availability including Saturdays, most PPO plans accepted, and financing offered to uninsured patients.
River District Dental
Prosthodontics · Restorative DentistryPortland, Oregon
A three-month diagnostic period before any irreversible treatment on full-arch cases.
Cumberland Oral Surgery
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery · ImplantologyNashville, Tennessee
An opioid-free post-operative pathway, published openly, with a next-morning call made by the surgeon.
Alamo Kids Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry · Preventive CareSan Antonio, Texas
Free first visits, doors on every operatory, and rooms configured for patients with sensory sensitivities.
Emerald Periodontics
Periodontics · Implant SurgerySeattle, Washington
A capped caseload that protects re-evaluation appointments, and written reasoning addressed to the patient.
Bayfront Endodontics
Endodontics · MicrosurgeryMiami, Florida
A third of daily capacity held for same-day referrals, released only after noon.
Methodology
Top Practices recognizes the office rather than the individual. We look at scheduling, staffing, fee transparency, and the decisions a practice makes when they are expensive.
Selection is editorial. There is no submission fee and no paid placement.
We prioritize practices whose distinguishing choices are structural — visible in how the day is built — rather than cosmetic.
What we look for
- Scheduling and staffing designed around care rather than throughput
- Transparency about cost and alternatives
- Retention of staff and of patients
- Independence from external ownership pressure
