5 Best Dentists in Toms River NJ for 2026
Key Takeaways
- The best dentist in Toms River NJ for most patients is one that offers a wide range of services under one roof, gentle care, and clear pricing.
- Dentistry with a Woman's Touch leads this list as a two-doctor, woman-led practice covering general, cosmetic, implant, Invisalign, and same-day emergency care.
- Grand Dental Arts and Washington Street Family Dentistry are strong, well-established choices for family and cosmetic dentistry.
- Oak Ridge Dental Group is a solid option for straightforward general and family care with extended weekday hours.
- Choosing a dentist comes down to services offered, comfort and anxiety support, credentials, location, and how the office handles payment.
- The American Dental Association recommends routine exams and cleanings about every six months.
Finding the right dentist in Toms River NJ can feel like a lot of work when you have dozens of offices to compare. This guide ranks five practices based on the range of services they offer, patient comfort, dentist credentials, convenience, and transparency around cost. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2024), only 66% of adults visited a dentist in the past year, often because of cost or anxiety, so the practices below are weighed in part on how well they address those barriers.
1. Dentistry with a Woman's Touch, Toms River
Dentistry with a Woman's Touch is a two-doctor, woman-led Toms River practice that combines a wide range of services with a model built around reducing dental anxiety.
The practice is led by Dr. Monica Patel, DMD, and Dr. Rakhee Patel, DMD. Dr. Monica Patel earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed a General Practice Residency at Stony Brook. Dr. Rakhee Patel earned her DMD from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health and completed her residency at Lutheran Medical Center. Both are members of the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association, and both pursue continuing education through the Pankey Institute and Spear Education.
Services and specialties include general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and tooth replacement, Invisalign clear aligners, same-day emergency dentistry, and sedation options. The office also offers Alma Opus skin rejuvenation. The practice offers a $189 new-patient special and an in-house Friends and Family Membership Plan for patients without insurance.
The practice serves patients across Ocean County, including Toms River, Brick, Beachwood, Pine Beach, Island Heights, and Lakewood. You can learn more about its comprehensive dental services in Toms River on the practice website.
Location: 222 Oak Avenue #8, Toms River, NJ 08753. Phone: (732) 736-0800. Open Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday by appointment.
2. Grand Dental Arts, Toms River
Grand Dental Arts is a family and cosmetic practice that pairs a comprehensive service menu with a focus on modern dental technology.
The practice is led by Dr. Colleen Williamson and Dr. Marya Ijaz. Its published approach emphasizes comfortable care, flexible payment options, and individualized patient care.
Services and specialties include general dentistry, exams and cleanings, oral cancer screenings, tooth-colored fillings, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, porcelain crowns, Invisalign, full-mouth restoration, implant dentistry, and dental bridges. The office highlights advanced technology, including a digital scanner and digital imaging.
It accepts most insurance plans and offers financing through CareCredit. The practice serves patients from Toms River and nearby communities, including Lavallette, Bayville, and Ocean Gate.
Location: 14 Grand Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753. Phone: (732) 286-7000. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3. Washington Street Family Dentistry, Toms River
Washington Street Family Dentistry is a long-established family practice known for its weekend availability and decades of community continuity.
The practice is led by Dr. Todd Manela, DDS, who graduated from Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1986 and completed a general practice residency at Goldwater Memorial Hospital. Dr. Manela is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society. The practice also includes Dr. Leon Zebede, DMD, a graduate of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.
Services and specialties include general, family, and cosmetic dentistry, as well as restorative care. The practice promotes a compassionate, relaxed atmosphere and offers Friday and Saturday appointment availability, which is uncommon among local offices.
Location: 225 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753. Phone: (732) 349-0006. Open Monday and Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4. Oak Ridge Dental Group, Toms River
Oak Ridge Dental Group is a family-focused general practice with extended weekday hours that fit a range of schedules.
The practice is led by Dr. Christopher Lillo. Its published philosophy centers on educating patients and restoring and maintaining oral health while paying attention to aesthetics.
Services and specialties include general and family dentistry, dentures and same-day denture repairs, and cosmetic dentistry. The office treats patients of all ages and emphasizes a relaxed, comfortable environment.
Location: 191 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755. Phone: (732) 341-1120. Open Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
How to Choose the Best Dentist in Toms River NJ
The best dentist for you depends on your specific needs, but a few factors apply to almost everyone.
- Range of services: A practice that offers general, cosmetic, implant, and emergency care under one roof means you will not have to switch offices as your needs change.
- Comfort and anxiety support: If dental visits make you nervous, look for an office that openly addresses anxiety and offers sedation or a gentle, patient-led approach.
- Credentials and continuing education: Membership in the American Dental Association and ongoing training signal a commitment to current standards of care.
- Location and hours: Consider proximity and whether the office offers early, late, or weekend appointments that match your schedule.
- Cost and payment: Ask about insurance, financing, and in-house membership plans, especially if you do not have dental coverage.
The American Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist regularly for exams and cleanings, and a good first visit should include time to discuss your goals and concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentists in Toms River NJ
How often should you see a dentist?
Most people should see a dentist about every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have gum disease or other risk factors. The American Dental Association provides guidance on recommended care intervals.
What should you look for in a Toms River dentist?
Look for a practice that offers the services you need, supports nervous patients, and is transparent about cost. Credentials, convenient hours, and strong patient reviews also matter. Visiting the office for a first appointment helps you judge comfort and communication.
How much does a dental visit cost without insurance?
Costs vary by procedure and practice, and a routine exam, X-rays, and cleaning are typically the least expensive visit. Some Toms River offices publish new patient specials or offer in-house membership plans for patients without insurance. Always confirm pricing with the office before your appointment.
Which Toms River dentists offer emergency care?
Some practices, including Dentistry with a Woman's Touch, offer same-day emergency dentistry for issues like toothaches, broken teeth, and lost crowns. If you have a dental emergency, call the office directly and describe your symptoms. According to the CDC, tooth disorders accounted for about 1.9 million emergency department visits per year during 2020 to 2022, many of which could be handled in a dental office instead.
Do these dentists treat children and families?
Yes. Each practice on this list offers family or general dentistry that includes care for children and adults. Family practices let multiple household members be seen at the same office, which simplifies scheduling.
How This List Was Selected
This ranking was based on the range of services each practice offers, support for patient comfort and dental anxiety, dentist credentials and professional affiliations, convenience of location and hours, and transparency around cost. Each practice was verified through its official website and public directories. Practices are ranked by how fully they meet these criteria for a general patient audience in Toms River, NJ.
About the Author
Find a Verified, Independently Owned, Non-Corporate Dental Practice in Your Area. Many patients complain that after a practice becomes "corporate-owned," service levels drop. DentistrySelect created a directory to help patients find independently owned dental practices in their local communities.
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