The best dental clinic in Kansas City for you is one that is easy to reach from your part of town, covers the care your family needs and has a strong reputation with local patients. Below, we look at 8 well-reviewed dental clinics in Kansas City, Missouri, from the Country Club Plaza and Brookside to the Crossroads and the Northland, with a short summary of what each practice offers.
Key takeaways
- Kansas City has well-reviewed family and cosmetic practices on both sides of the Missouri River, so Northland residents rarely need to cross into the city for routine care.
- Several clinics on this list offer same-day crowns or same-day emergency appointments.
- Comfort options such as nitrous oxide sedation can make a big difference if dental visits make you anxious.
- Missouri dentists are licensed by the Missouri Dental Board, and you can check a license before booking.
How We Chose These Dental Clinics
Each practice here was selected using publicly available information: the strength of its patient review profile, the general, family and cosmetic services it lists, and how clearly its own website describes its team, location and approach to care. We also looked for a fair spread across Kansas City neighborhoods. No practice paid to be included, the list is not ranked in any order, and readers should confirm hours, services and insurance details directly with each practice before making an appointment.
8 Well-Reviewed Dental Clinics in Kansas City
1. Lee Plaza Dental
Lee Plaza Dental is the family practice of Dr. Jodie Wing Lee, located in St. Luke’s Medical Plaza on Wornall Road, between the Country Club Plaza and Westport. The office describes its approach as gentle and personal, and it treats patients of all ages. Same-day crowns and same-day emergency appointments are both listed, along with early and late hours on some days.
- Location: 4320 Wornall Rd., Suite 446, Country Club Plaza area, Kansas City
- Services include: cleanings and oral cancer screening, fillings, same-day crowns, implants, teeth whitening, Invisalign
- Website: leeplazadental.com
2. Perry Plaza Dental
Perry Plaza Dental sits at the northwest corner of the Country Club Plaza on Nichols Road and calls itself relaxed, tech-friendly and kid-friendly. The practice is mercury-free, offers same-day emergency care, and covers a wide menu of general, cosmetic and restorative treatment. It also serves nearby areas such as Westport, Mission Hills and Fairway.
- Location: 411 Nichols Rd., Suite 231, Country Club Plaza, Kansas City
- Services include: preventive care, crowns and bridges, veneers, teeth whitening, Invisalign, sleep apnea appliances
- Website: perryplazadental.com
3. Brookside Dental Center
Brookside Dental Center is on East 63rd Street in the heart of Brookside and is led by Dr. Sam E. Hayes and Dr. Emily E. Hayes. The practice offers a broad range of care, from cleanings and gum treatment to dentistry for young children. Nitrous oxide sedation is provided at no extra charge, and every treatment room has cable television to help patients relax.
- Location: 101 East 63rd Street, Brookside, Kansas City
- Services include: teeth cleaning, periodontal treatment, children’s dentistry, root canals, implant restorations, veneers
- Website: brooksidedentalcenter.com
4. The Brookside Dentist
The Brookside Dentist is the practice of Dr. Jay M. Hodge on Brookside Boulevard. It provides care from infancy through adulthood, so one office can look after the whole family. Patients can call or text the office and book online, which suits busy households.
- Location: 6247 Brookside Blvd, Suite 207, Brookside, Kansas City
- Services include: family checkups, cleanings, children’s dental care, restorative dentistry
- Website: thebrooksidedentist.com
5. Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry of Kansas City
Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry of Kansas City is based on Charlotte Street near the Crossroads and Crown Center. Despite the name, it covers far more than cosmetic work, including exams, gum treatment, TMJ care, children’s dentistry and emergencies. Patients can use massage chairs and choose their own music, and uninsured patients can join the practice’s Smile Club discount program.
- Location: 2101 Charlotte St, Suite 330, downtown Kansas City
- Services include: exams and cleanings, dental implants, porcelain veneers, bonding, teeth whitening, emergency dentistry
- Website: cosmeticimplantdentistrykc.com
6. Evers & Gardner Dental
Evers & Gardner Dental serves the Northland from NW Barry Road and is led by Dr. Brent Evers, a UMKC School of Dentistry graduate, and Dr. Caleb Gardner. The practice treats patients of all ages and covers family, cosmetic and restorative dentistry along with orthodontic and gum care. Its website puts strong emphasis on a calm environment and on patient education.
- Location: 5815 NW Barry Rd, Northland, Kansas City
- Services include: family and preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, periodontal care, restorative dentistry
- Website: kcnorthdentist.com
7. Zona Rosa Dental
Zona Rosa Dental is a family-focused practice near the Zona Rosa district, led by Dr. Kirby Kavanaugh. The team aims to put children, teens and adults at ease, and its CEREC technology lets it make and place ceramic crowns in a single visit. Cosmetic options include ZOOM! whitening and veneers.
- Location: 4103 NW Barry Road, Northland, Kansas City
- Services include: dental cleanings, pediatric dentistry, CEREC same-day crowns, implant restorations, ZOOM! whitening, emergency treatment
- Website: zonarosadental.com
8. Cochran Dental
Cochran Dental is a long-established family practice on North Oak Trafficway, just north of Kansas City proper in Gladstone, run by Dr. Douglas Cochran and Dr. Garret Cochran. It describes itself as a full-service practice with a family feel, often caring for several generations of the same household. Free parking makes visits easy for Northland residents.
- Location: 7101 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone (Northland, metro Kansas City)
- Services include: cleanings and exams, teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, dental implants, root canals
- Website: cochrandental.com
Should You Pick a Small Neighborhood Practice or a Larger Clinic?
Kansas City has both small, owner-led offices and larger multi-dentist clinics, and each has advantages. A small neighborhood practice, like several in Brookside and the Northland, often means you see the same dentist and hygienist at every visit. That continuity helps your dental team notice gradual changes in your teeth and gums, and many patients simply feel more comfortable with familiar faces. Smaller offices can also feel calmer, which matters if you get nervous in a dental chair.
Larger clinics may offer longer opening hours, more appointment slots and a wider range of treatments under one roof, such as implants, aligners and same-day crowns. The trade-off can be less continuity if you see different providers. Neither model is better for everyone. Think about what matters most to you, whether that is flexible scheduling, a long-term relationship with one dentist or access to particular treatments, and choose accordingly.
What Dental Technology Is Worth Asking About?
Modern technology does not replace a skilled dentist, but it can make care faster and more comfortable. Digital X-rays use less radiation than older film and show images instantly on a screen. Intraoral cameras let you see exactly what your dentist sees, which makes it easier to understand why a filling or crown is recommended. Same-day crown systems such as CEREC, offered by some Kansas City clinics, can replace the usual two-visit process and the temporary crown in between.
When you call a new practice, it is reasonable to ask which of these tools it uses and how they affect your treatment. If you are considering implants, ask whether the office has 3D imaging or refers out for scans. If you dislike traditional impressions, ask about digital scanning. The answers will help you understand how the practice works, but remember that a dentist‘s judgment, communication and care matter more than any single machine.
How Can You Fit Dental Visits Into a Busy Kansas City Schedule?
Between commuting on I-35, I-29 or Ward Parkway and juggling school runs, it is easy to let checkups slide. One practical approach is to choose a clinic near work rather than home if you spend most weekdays downtown or near the Plaza, and book the first appointment of the morning to avoid delays. Some practices on this list open as early as seven, which helps you get in and out before the working day starts.
Families can save time by booking back-to-back appointments for everyone on the same day. Ask the front desk about this when you schedule, as many family practices are happy to arrange it. Text reminders and online booking also help. Finally, book your next cleaning before you leave each visit. It takes seconds and makes it much more likely that your six-monthly checkups actually happen.
What If You Haven’t Seen a Dentist in Years?
Many adults put off dental care for years because of cost, anxiety or simply a busy life. If that is you, try not to let embarrassment stop you from booking. Dental teams see returning patients all the time, and a good practice will focus on getting you healthy again rather than on how long it has been. Be honest about your last visit and any worries when you call, so the office can allow enough time.
Your first appointment will usually include a full exam and X-rays to give a clear picture of your oral health. If there is significant tartar build-up or gum inflammation, you may need a deeper cleaning spread over more than one visit. Ask your dentist to prioritize treatment, separating what needs attention now from what can be planned over the coming months. If anxiety is a barrier, ask about comfort options such as nitrous oxide, which some Kansas City clinics provide.
How Do You Check a Dentist’s Credentials in Missouri?
Every dentist practicing in Missouri must be licensed by the Missouri Dental Board. The board offers an online license search where you can confirm that a dentist’s license is current. This takes only a minute and gives you peace of mind, particularly when you are choosing a dentist for complex work such as implants or extensive cosmetic treatment. A practice’s own website should also tell you where its dentists trained and which professional associations they belong to.
Beyond formal credentials, look at how a dentist communicates. Do they explain options clearly, including the pros and cons of each? Do they answer questions without rushing? Reviews from other Kansas City patients can give you a sense of this, especially comments about honesty and explanation. Trust your instincts at the first visit too. If you feel pressured or unsure, it is perfectly reasonable to seek a second opinion before agreeing to major treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good dental clinics in the Kansas City Northland?
Yes. The Northland has several well-reviewed family practices, including clinics along NW Barry Road and North Oak Trafficway, so residents north of the river can get routine and cosmetic care without driving downtown.
Can I get a crown in one visit in Kansas City?
Some Kansas City clinics use in-office systems such as CEREC to design and place ceramic crowns in a single appointment. Ask the practice whether same-day crowns are suitable for your tooth, as not every case qualifies.
Do Kansas City dentists offer options for nervous patients?
Many do. Options include nitrous oxide sedation, extra time to explain each step, and relaxing extras such as music or television. Tell the office about your anxiety when you book so the team can prepare.
What should I bring to my first dental appointment?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, a list of current medications and any recent dental X-rays or records. Arriving a little early gives you time to complete new-patient forms.
How can I confirm a Kansas City dentist is licensed?
Use the Missouri Dental Board’s online license search to check that a dentist holds a current Missouri license. The practice’s website will usually list each dentist’s training as well.
