Discover top-rated dentists in Norfolk who are nearby, aligned with your needs, and committed to delivering a great experience.
Last Reviewed: April 26, 2026
A practicing dentist and entrepreneur, Dr. Kyle Gernhofer is committed to advancing dental navigation within the broader healthcare landscape. Years spent in private practice, the military, and dental consulting have given him the insights needed to help DenScore build a solution that meets the needs of patients, providers, insurers, and employers.
Get to know our Top 3 Norfolk dental practices and discover why so many patients trust them with their smiles
Drs. Carroll, Casteen & Lawrence Family Dentistry
Address: 3410 County St, Portsmouth, VA 23707
Phone: 757-393-2568
DenScore evaluates dentists using a proprietary AI algorithm focused on the indicators most strongly tied to high-quality care, trust, and patient experience. The system aggregates thousands of online reviews and surfaces patterns reflective of clinical capability, communication, and satisfaction. Affordability and accessibility data is also factored in – insurance acceptance, hours of operation, location, hygienist staffing, and other practice attributes – because each shapes whether patients can access timely, affordable, high-quality care. The framework is also designed to incorporate claims-based dental metrics, providing further insight into treatment outcomes and clinical philosophy. Together, these inputs help patients find top dentists and make better decisions.
While these dentists didn’t make our Top 3, we still rate them highly and believe they may be worth considering.
Leibowitz Dentistry: Dr. Lawrence Leibowitz DDS
Address: 1932 Kempsville Rd #101, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Phone: 757-424-3555
Look for a dentist who displays their credentials, uses digital X-rays, and provides itemized estimates before treatment, or you can search for a trusted dentist in your area to compare options. In Norfolk, VA, many top-rated practices like Monleudy Bracken, DDS emphasize continuing education and modern technology. Patient reviews can reveal patterns in wait times and billing transparency, not just star ratings. Red flags include pressure for immediate treatments or vague cost estimates. Always ask what’s included in a new patient exam and how emergencies are handled.
Focus on whether the plan is a PPO or HMO, its annual maximum, and the 100/80/50 coverage rule. In Norfolk, many dentists accept PPO plans, which offer more provider flexibility but higher out-of-pocket costs. HMO plans are cheaper but restrict you to a network. Typical annual maximums are $1,000-$2,000, after which you pay full price. Also check for waiting periods on major work. Norfolk patients can consider dental savings plans as an alternative, and remember that original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental – Medicare Advantage often does. For additional assistance, browse these tips for finding the best dentist to match your insurance with a quality provider.
Yes, a $200 cleaning can prevent a $2,000 crown, making preventive care highly cost-effective. In Norfolk, you can also reduce costs by visiting dental schools for 50-70% reduced fees or Federally Qualified Health Centers with sliding-scale fees. Always request an itemized estimate and insurance pre-authorization before major procedures. Payment plans like CareCredit are widely accepted. Geographic price variation exists, so comparing costs among Norfolk practices is wise. To lower your costs further, look into affordable dental insurance in Virginia that covers preventive services. If you’re open to traveling, also check out the best dentists in Richmond, VA for quality care options.
Always get an itemized estimate before agreeing to any treatment, and feel free to seek a second opinion for procedures over $500. In Norfolk, some practices are booked weeks out, so look for those actively accepting new patients. Dental anxiety is common, so ask about sedation options like nitrous oxide. Good practices explain why treatment is needed and show you findings. If you encounter pressure or vague costs, consider it a red flag. DenScore reviews can highlight patterns in communication and billing transparency among Norfolk dentists. To further safeguard your budget, review Virginia dental insurance options that may cover elective treatments like teeth whitening. For additional choices, check out highly rated Newport News dentists who might offer more availability or different pricing.
DenScore aggregates thousands of patient reviews to detect patterns in clinical quality, communication, wait times, and billing transparency across Norfolk practices. We also evaluate accessibility factors like insurance acceptance, office hours, location, and new patient availability. Beyond online reputation, DenScore incorporates claims-based metrics to give a fuller picture of treatment philosophy and outcomes. This helps Norfolk residents identify practices that consistently deliver positive experiences and clear pricing, reducing the guesswork in selecting a dentist. You can also use DenScore to compare dental insurance in Virginia, ensuring your plan has a high annual maximum. Additionally, our directory features trusted dentists in Alexandria if you’re exploring options beyond Norfolk.
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The information provided on DenScore, including our website and web application, is for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your dentist or healthcare provider with any questions about your oral health or specific treatment needs.