5 Steps to Choosing the Best Dentist in Singapore (2026)

Summary: Here’s how to choose the best dentist in Singapore, based on the factors that matter most.

Choosing the best dentist in Singapore goes beyond glossy ads or paid Google listings. Start by asking trusted family, friends, or colleagues which dentist truly listens, explains clearly, and makes them feel at ease. Then assess the dentist’s experience, technology, and philosophy of care—especially if you have complex needs or dental anxiety. Look for clinics that combine years of clinical practice with gentle techniques, advanced tools like digital scanners, and a calm environment. Check third-party reviews on platforms like Google for consistent feedback over time. Finally, ensure fees are transparent, itemised, and aligned with your budget, including any CHAS, Medisave, or insurance options. The “best dentist” is ultimately the one you feel safe and understood with.

TL;DR – 5 steps to choosing the best dentist in Singapore

• Don’t rely on sponsored ads alone—focus on trust signals, not just ad spend.

• Start with word-of-mouth referrals and consistent third-party reviews.

• Prioritise experience, communication, and modern technology over flashy marketing.

• Choose a clinic that takes comfort and anxiety seriously, from design to anaesthesia.

• Look for transparent, itemised pricing and clear CHAS / Medisave / insurance guidance.

The best dentist in Singapore is the one who is recommended, experienced, calm, transparent with fees, and makes you feel genuinely safe and heard.

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Finding the best dentist in Singapore can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of clinics, glossy advertisements, and paid listings—the challenge often isn’t finding a dentist — it’s choosing one you can trust.

Beyond qualifications, you’re choosing someone who will look after your long-term oral health, guide you through major decisions, and help you feel calm in the chair.

This guide breaks down five practical steps to choosing the right dentist in Singapore, so you can make a confident, informed decision.

What Should You Look For When Choosing a Dentist in Singapore?

At a glance, your ideal dentist in Singapore is someone who:

• Comes recommended by people you trust

• Has solid clinical experience and uses up-to-date technology

• Communicates clearly and does not rush through appointments

• Takes dental anxiety seriously and designs for comfort

• Is transparent about pricing, subsidies, and payment options

• Has consistently strong, verifiable community reviews

The rest of this guide explains how to evaluate each of these areas.

Step 1: Why You Shouldn’t Choose a Dentist Based on Sponsored Ads Alone

When you search “dentist Singapore” or “best dentist near me,” the first few results are often sponsored Google ads —positions that clinics pay for.

High visibility in the paid section reflects marketing budget, not necessarily:

• Clinical experience

• Gentleness or chairside manner

• Long-term patient outcomes

Large dental groups can outspend small or boutique clinics anytime, which means the “top result” isn’t necessarily the most experienced, gentle, trustworthy, or suitable dentist for you.

Sponsored listings are a useful starting point, but they shouldn’t make the decision for you. Use them to shortlist options, then dig deeper using the steps below.

Better indicators include:

• Real patient word-of-mouth recommendations

• Verifiable third-party reviews

• Transparent pricing and policies

• A clinic’s philosophy of care

Let’s go deeper.

Step 2: Why Word-of-Mouth Referrals Still Matter Most

What is the most reliable way to find a good dentist in Singapore?

Usually: someone you trust who has already seen them — The Most Trusted Endorsement

A personal referral is gold. When you seek a recommended dentist, you rely on someone else’s real experience—how the dentist speaks, listens, explains, and makes them feel—something no advertisement or website can match.

Ask family, friends, or colleagues you trust:

• Who is your dentist in Singapore?

• What do you like about them?

• Do they explain things clearly?

• Do you feel rushed or well-cared for?

Personal stories reveal how the dentist speaks, listens, and makes patients feel — insights no advertisement can provide. These lived experiences are far more reliable than sponsored content or paid rankings.

Step 3: How to Assess a Dentist’s Experience, Compassion, and Technology

What should you look for in a dentist’s professional background?

Credentials are expected; experience is earned. A seasoned dentist:

• Recognises subtle problems earlier

• Stays calm under pressure

• Knows how to personalise treatment plans, especially for complex or aesthetic cases

• Understands facial harmony when crafting a smile transformation for you

Compassion is just as important. The best dentists:

• Listen without rushing

• Explain options in everyday language

• Respect your preferences and concerns

At Dentalis, our practice is led by Dr. Jonathan Liu a dentist in Singapore with over 25 years of clinical experience in general and aesthetic dentistry. His approach blends:

• Gentle, patient-centred care

• Digital dentistry and minimally invasive techniques where appropriate

• An eye for facial harmony in smile design

• Evidence-based planning for predictable, accurate results

This combination allows every treatment at Dentalis to be delivered with precision, intention, and long-term stability in mind.

Which technologies should a modern dental clinic in Singapore have?

While not every clinic needs every device, systems such as:

• Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) for precise, comfortable cleaning

• Digital intraoral 3D scanners (e.g., iTero) for more accurate fit and fewer retakes

• Class B autoclaves for high-standard sterilisation

• Adjunctive technologies like photobiomodulation lasers to accelerate, support healing and reduce inflammation

can enhance comfort, accuracy, and safety when used appropriately.

Step 4: How Important Is Comfort and Anxiety-Free Care?

Many Singaporeans delay dental visits because of fear or past negative experiences. If this sounds familiar, comfort should be non-negotiable when choosing your dentist.

Ask yourself:

• Does the clinic feel calm or clinical and rushed?

• Are appointments long enough for discussion, or do they feel compressed?

• Does the dentist explain each step before starting?

At Dentalis, our clinic was intentionally designed as an art-inspired sanctuary—a calm, non-clinical space in a heritage shophouse in Tanjong Pagar CBD. Our anxiety-sensitive care includes:

• Gentle, step-by-step treatment protocols

• A spacious, unhurried initial consultation

• Clear explanation of findings and options

• Computer-assisted anaesthesia (Caleject) for a painless numbing

• A sensory, design-led environment that helps patients feel grounded rather than overwhelmed

If you live with dental anxiety, you are not alone. Choosing a team that acknowledges this and designs around it can transform how you experience dental care.

Step 5: How to Use Third-Party Ratings and Pricing to Check for Transparency

Verifiable third-party patient reviews

Under Singapore’s Healthcare Services Act, dental clinics must follow strict advertising rules, including limitations on using influencers or testimonials in their own social marketing channels. This protects patients from manipulated or misleading reviews. (Note: Clinics are allowed to publish reviews that are given directly by patient to the clinic)

However, public platforms like Google Business Profile allow patients to leave feedback directly. When assessing reviews:

• Look for consistent comments over time (not just one or two extremes)

• Read how the clinic responds to feedback

• Focus on mentions of communication, comfort, and clarity—not only aesthetics

Dentalis currently maintains a strong track record of 5.0/5.0 rating on Google Reviews, reflecting our ongoing commitment to patient experience and communication.

Transparent and upfront pricing

A reputable clinic should provide:

• Clear, itemised cost breakdowns before treatment starts

• Explanation of alternatives and their fee ranges

• Guidance on CHAS, Medisave (for eligible procedures), and any dental insurance panels

At Dentalis, for example, our Dentalis Reset  for first-time patients includes consultation, examination, scaling, polishing, and an X-ray at a nett fee published on our website. Fees may vary over time, so please refer to our latest price list or contact us to confirm.

Transparent pricing helps you plan, avoid surprises, and choose care that aligns with both your health needs and your budget.

So, How Do You Know If You’ve Found the Best Dentist in Singapore for You?

You’re likely in the right place if your chosen dentist:

• Comes recommended by people you trust

• Combines experience with genuine compassion

• Uses appropriate technology to improve comfort and precision

• Gives you time to ask questions and never rushes through procedures

• Is transparent about fees, subsidies, and payment options

• Has consistently positive, verifiable community reviews

• Feels aligned with your values and comfort needs

• And isn’t simply the highest bidder on Google Ads

Ultimately, the “best dentist in Singapore” is personal. It’s the dentist and team who make you feel safe, understood, and well-informed—before, during, and after treatment. Choose one who makes you feel safe, understood, and cared for, a clinic that adheres to these five tips.

For a dental experience shaped by calm design, considered care, and clinical precision, you can contact Dentalis to explore whether we might be the right fit for you. Call +65 6425 9395 or Whatsapp +65 9192 3138

Frequently Asked Questions about Choosing a Dentist in Singapore

1. How do I choose the best dentist in Singapore?

Start with trusted word-of-mouth referrals, then review the dentist’s experience, communication style and clinic environment. Look for modern technology, transparent pricing and consistent third-party reviews. The best dentist is the one you feel safe, understood and well-informed with.

2. Are Google ads a reliable way to find a dentist?

Google ads can be a useful starting point, but they mainly reflect marketing budget, not clinical quality. Use them to shortlist clinics, then evaluate each one based on referrals, reviews, experience and how clearly they explain your options.

3. What technology should a good dental clinic in Singapore have?

Many clinics now use digital scanners for more precise impressions, Guided Biofilm Therapy for gentle cleaning and advanced sterilisation equipment. These tools, when combined with an experienced dentist, can improve comfort, accuracy and safety.

4. How important is clinic design and ambience?

If you feel anxious at the dentist, the environment matters. A calm, non-clinical space with enough time for discussion can make each visit feel more manageable and less stressful.

5. What does transparent pricing look like?

Transparent pricing means clear, itemised estimates before treatment, explanation of alternatives and guidance on CHAS, Medisave and insurance where applicable, so you can plan confidently.

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is for general educational purposes and does not replace an in-person consultation with a qualified dentist who can assess your specific condition.

About the author

Jennifer Choi, Marketing Director, Dentalis

With over 20 years in marketing and communication—including leadership roles at Ogilvy and Samsung — Jennifer brings deep expertise in simplifying complex information for everyday audiences. At Dentalis, she partners with the clinical team to develop accurate, patient-centred educational content that supports clarity, comfort and trust throughout the care journey.