845 dentists competing in Philadelphia. Here's what the data shows.
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845
57%
Philadelphia's dental market is dense with competition. Foursquare data shows 845 dentists operating within the city limits, serving a population of just over 1.6 million. That translates to roughly one dentist for every 1,900 residents, a high level of saturation that puts pressure on patient acquisition and retention. The competition is particularly fierce in established neighborhoods like Center City, University City, and the Northeast, where practices cluster along commercial corridors.
A significant opportunity gap exists in digital presence. Only 480 of the 845 dentists—57%—have a website listed. This means nearly 43% of the market is essentially invisible to the majority of new patients who start their search online. For practices with a strong, optimized web presence, this represents a major competitive advantage. The market includes a mix of large chains like Bright Now Dental, established solo practitioners like Dr. Shipon, and family-focused practices like Doc Bresler's Cavity Busters. Standing out requires more than just clinical skill; it demands clear differentiation in service, location, or patient experience.
SEPTA Accessibility
With heavy reliance on public transit, patients prioritize offices near a subway stop or major bus route over those requiring a car and parking.
Handling City Kids
Families seek practices with proven experience managing pediatric patients and a welcoming environment for children, not just a generic 'family-friendly' label.
Neighborhood Reputation
Word-of-mouth within specific zip codes (e.g., South Philly, Roxborough) carries more weight than city-wide advertising; local trust is paramount.
Evening & Saturday Hours
Competing with 9-to-5 schedules is tough; extended hours are a major deciding factor for working professionals and parents across the city.
Emergency Availability
Patients want to know they can get a same-day appointment for a severe toothache or broken tooth, especially in a dense market where alternatives are plentiful.
A sample of real dentists in this area. Want ratings, reviews, and exactly where you rank against them? Run a free report on your business.
| Business | Type |
|---|---|
| Franklin Mills Dental | Dentist |
| Bright Now Dental | Dentist |
| Dr Shipon | Dentist |
| Dentist Office Ugg | Dentist |
| Harvey Edelman, D.D.S. | Dentist |
| Jerome L. Millan, D.M.D. | Dentist |
| Preston Pieri TDS | Dentist |
| Doc Bresler's Cavity Busters | Dentist |
| Appel Orthodontics | Dentist |
| Dr. Bresler | Dentist |
| Doc Bresler's Brace Busters | Dentist |
| CD Dental PA | Dentist |
Business listings from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Own Your Zip Code Online
With 43% of competitors lacking a website, dominating local search for 'dentist in [your neighborhood]' is low-hanging fruit. Optimize your Google Business Profile for hyper-local keywords and ensure your site clearly lists your address, parking info, and SEPTA directions.
Differentiate on Convenience, Not Just Care
In a market of 845 dentists, clinical excellence is table stakes. Promote specific conveniences that matter here: 'Open until 7 PM Tuesdays,' 'Walk-ins welcome for emergencies,' or 'Free parking lot behind the building.' These practical details break ties.
Build a Neighborhood Referral Engine
Forget city-wide marketing. Focus on becoming the go-to dentist for a few key referral sources in your immediate area: local pediatricians, school nurses, and HR managers at nearby offices. A strong local referral network is more valuable than broad advertising in a saturated market.
Philadelphia's dental market is intensely crowded, with 845 practices vying for 1.6 million residents. Competition is oversaturated in general family dentistry across most neighborhoods. The clear underserved gap is digital visibility—nearly half of all practices have no website, making them functionally invisible to new patients. Standing out requires a hyper-local strategy: dominating search for your specific zip code, offering clear practical advantages like extended hours or emergency access, and building a referral network within a tight geographic radius rather than competing city-wide.
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