There are certain things for which you don't want to cheap out: Brakes. Surgery. National Defense. Dental Work. "Good enough" isn't good enough when you're talking about your choppers, which we all hope will last us well into our golden years. Enter JD Howard Dental. I've been coming here for nearly 15 years and I'm very happy with my teeth and how they're treated here. I'm 55, so I've been around the block a bit with dentists. Are they expensive? Yes. Dentistry is expensive. Are they WORTH it? Yes. You will be treated very well (like an old friend), and your teeth will be the best that they can be. I have insurance, but it's not bottomless - the hygienists at JD Howard (Nichole, to be exact) go out of their way to advise me how best to utilize my insurance dollars, and are hip to the fact that I don't have an endless wallet. Bottom line: you want your teeth in the best possible hands? Go to JD Howard. read more

I've been a patient at JD Howard dental for approximately seven years now and I have always been happy with the stellar service. I, as are many of the patients at JD Howard dental, am a bona fide sufferer of dentophobia. If not for modern dentistry, and all of the amenities offered with regards to comfort, I'm quite certain all of my teeth would rot and fall right out of my mouth. I know many other people feel the same way and that's why we search out dental practices that provide sedation dentistry without judgment. My phobia is so bad that I require sedation with regular dental cleanings. Apparently, sedation dentistry is no longer a major part of this practice because I don't see it anywhere on the website. Until recently that form of sedation for me was nitrous oxide. Though ironically, I have never really had much of a fear of the needle when requiring Novacaine. I know that's a little unusual, but it's true. Recently, I have heard that the practice was sold by Dr. Howard and bought by a corporation. The things that I'm experiencing there now are pretty typical of businesses that are bought by corporations and the biggest issue there is the patient always seems to come last and the bottom line is always first. As a result, I have lost the nitrous oxide for basic dental care. I've also noticed dentists have left the practice as have hygienists. There's always a reason for that. I had an appointment for the hygienist for which I was given a prescription for Halcyon, a benzodiazepine. The consent paperwork that I was given stated that the norm for this is Lorazepam or Ativan unless contraindicated. I have no health history that would exclude the use of Ativan. This is what happened. At approximately 10 to 15 minutes after I took the Halcyon, I knew there was going be a problem because that stuff hit me really hard. It hit me so hard in fact that the dental hygienist had to assist me from the waiting room to her room and back again. I have almost no recollection of anything that happened after that. I remember the hygienist taking my blood pressure and hearing the diastolic number, but I don't remember much of the actual work, I don't remember my teeth being polished, and I don't remember any examination or discussion with the dentist, which is particularly disturbing. I left the hygienist room with my swag bag, and once again her assistance to the waiting room. The worst part of that is that anytime I have dental work at JD Howard dental I'm now going to be out of commission for the rest of the day. Can't drive, can't work, etc. I'm in health care so I obviously can't work after that. That means I have to take a whole day off with vacation time which is completely unacceptable. With nitrous, none of the things cited above, were even remotely an issue. I finished my cleaning or whatever other dental work it was, made my way to my car, and drove myself home. After questioning, it has been brought to my attention that nitrous oxide services will no longer be offered by the hygienist. So my question becomes, who made that decision? Oh wait, it's a corporate thing and likely a refusal to pay for their certification, or accept any associated risk. At any rate, and in light of all of the above, I have no other choice, but to seek dental services elsewhere. I am a recent Snowbird and I have found a full service sedation dental practice in St. Petersburg, Florida, who offers nitrous for dental cleanings. After a lot of consideration, I have elected to go with them and have my first appointment in January '25. I only chose a Florida practice because I couldn't find sedation dentistry in this area. This recent appointment at this facility was unfortunately my last. The practice under corporate ownership has become something no longer desirable to me and judging by recent Yelp reviews, I'm not the only one. read more

All their dental hygienist keep leaving after JD sold ! Corporate. America has bought them and something must be changing with the employees because they obviously they aren't happy. But it is a reflection on their patients when they schedule time off from work and all their appointments keep getting canceled. Do yourself a favor avoid this place. too bad when JD owned was really a great place to go to. read more

This place used to be good. The people in the pics let me warn you are no longer there. I had the best hygienist lady ever. She was friendly and really good. The old owner sold the business but kept the name. It full of I swear inexperience people. This one girl I swear look like she just got out of high school. Did a cleaning grind my teeth so bad cleaning and stab my mouth that it bleed. Then proceed to insult by insinuating I drink coffee a lot. Meaning she brought my teeth was not fully white. So rude. Then recently I had a new insurance I gave them my card and they copied it. I asked if it was all set. She asked me again and looked at it again. I went in and did my cleaning and had the doctor come out to look at teeth. As I was checking out a new girl was sitting in the spot I checked it. She said oh I'm new can you go over to the side where you normally check out. I recognize the woman she said oh you on this delta dental and I said I said no I told and gave the other lady my new insurance. That I was on this other insurance. The lady said oh we don't do that on. You may have to pay out of pocket. I was thinking if they told me in the first place before I came in for my cleaning and the doc visit I would have canceled it there no doubt about that. They didn't tell me until after the appointment. Which is a lot. That is wrong and illegal. They sent me how my experience was. I wrote it was fine just until I checked out. I wrote all this to them. They do not care they want to just make money. I wrote there also please cancel future appointments because I was not happy. They said they would submit the bill. Well they sent me the full bill. I had to submit the bill. With my H&R lady. I got response the next day. They covered 1/2 the amount. Okay I was covered something. Meantime they kept calling me probably trying to send my account to collections. Guess what I was taking care of what they did not. So be warned people. Ask first if they take your insurance. read more

My wife and I have been going here for years and before that Dale Howard was my dentist for years. The service was GREAT in the beginning, but since Josh Howard sold the practice it has gone to shit. The billing practices have always been questionable, but the service was so great so I dealt with it. My wife has been cancelled and rescheduled for cleaning/checkup 6 times in a year and a half and is still waiting to get in. Now they just cancelled my cleaning/checkup. I have spent thousands of dollars out of pocket for copays for good service in the past. It is too bad that we are taking our business elsewhere. We just can't wait any longer. Timothy Mullaney, Dover, NH read more

If I could give this office 0 stars, I would. I loved going to JD Howard when Dr. Howard was there. As a nervous dental patient, they were amazing. Since it was sold, every appointment has been canceled. They can't keep dentists or hygienists. I received a confirmation call the day before an appointment. Went to my appointment at 7 am and was told there were no dentists, they were at a conference in Florida. The hygienist said she wouldn't see me without a dentist there. It was a cleaning! I am now looking for a new dentist for me and my family. read more

Very difficult to get and maintain an appointment at this place. They cancel appointments with out notice. Then don't do anything to make up for it, just push you out another 6 months. I'm sure with expensive procedures they'd get you right in, but not so much with cleanings. I've had 3 appointments canceled with out notice. Dental staff is great if you can ever get in. Overall such a unpleasant experience. I do not recommend. read more

Unprofessional, unreliable, dentist office since Dr. Dale Howard sold out. It's a shame, his name shouldn't be associated with this practice. Had many great years with this dentist prior to Dale Howard, selling his business. After a lousy filling episode, and the cancellations. No phone message/phone call prior to me arriving my appointment. They canceled my appointment because the dentist didn't come to work. I have found myself a new dentist. They deserve a zero stars review. read more

Been going here for years, It uses to be great, but not any more. Not sure what is happening over there but my wife was canceled on twice in a row Her appointment was originally for March, it was pushing out the first till to September and now they are pushing her out again, to March 2022 (a Year later!) When my frustrated wife told them this was unacceptable and said she is considering looking for a new dentist the receptionist simply told her "Okay" and then hung up on her. Well we are now no longer considering it and are officially looking for a new dentist. So sad to see such a drop in quality. read more

Used to love this place, but since they got bought out by some company the service has gotten awful. They cancelled my appointment last January with very little notice and couldn't schedule me back in until AUGUST. Then I had a regular cleaning scheduled in March and they cancelled that again on me. read more

I am sorry to say that I too have had very similar experience when it comes to the recent cancelling of appointments only to be rescheduled months... yes I said "MONTHS" later. First 4 years that never happened. If you cancel at the last minute they charge you $50... but if they cancel at the last minute... they don't send you $50... they send you a new appointment several months down the calendar and always tell you that if someone cancels... they will call you. That has not happened. I have heart disease which requires periodontal work on a regular basis... ever 3 or 4 months at the most. Some bacteria that can grow below the gums can get into the bloodstream and cause Endocarditis... inflammation in the heart, so cancelling a regular periodontal procedure is more than just an inconvenience for me... it is a health concern. I tried to explain that to the person who called me to cancel my periodontal appointment which was made for May in January (4 months) and informed me that the next appointment was rescheduled to the end of OCTOBER... total of 9 months...3X recommended time without a periodontal treatment. I also need to take an antibiotic before the treatment and I informed the person who called to cancel my appointment that I needed a prescription filled... she said she would tell the doctor... never heard anything... told her again a couple months later when I called to see if I was still on the list to be called if anyone dropped out... still nothing done. I am going to be leaving their practice... and the fact that the personnel keeps changing so rapidly is indicative that something is "rotten in Denmark" Too bad... 4 yrs ago I wrote an excellent review. Very disappointed. read more

I've only been there 3 times and determined they are more concerned with your insurance then the patient's wellbeing. I sat in a chair with Hygienist for 51 minuets total and was billed $1275.00 that did not include a visit from any doctor, no x-rays or any other services. I asked Hygienist about teeth whitening she told me to go buy something off the shelf. I then received a number of emails trying to get me back in and all said that I still had more insurance left over read more

I was a patient here for years. I have since moved on. The lack of vaccination requirement for their staff meant that I and members of my family were put unnecessarily at risk due to the lack of a vaccine mandate in this office. I won't support a healthcare business make this purposeful choice in endangering their patients. read more

If you had asked me before the pandemic, I would have said this is the BEST dentist I have ever had. The staff knew the patients, provided great service, and offered top notch care. I returned after some time away during the pandemic and realized nobody I knew was still there. The business plan became MONEY first, not patient. The front desk staff were new every time I went in and my hygienist was never the same. I got an incorrect quote (probably because of poorly trained staff), had to pay for my insurance's part of treatment up front, and then spent 10 months fighting for my money to be returned to me because they didn't fill out the forms correctly. Staff blew me off, sent me to voicemail, lied about the manager being at funerals (and not knowing when she would return), and the manager (Zoya?) yelled at me after I had enough and told her I needed her to send a request to my insurance to recalculate my treatment dates. She refused, I sent certified letters, and eventually my insurance intervened. "Corporate" was helpful in resolving the issue ultimately, but I was treated disrespectfully and like a thief by this practice. Given the chance, I believe they will not return money owed to patients. I had to fight for my reimbursement. I now go to Hometown Dental in Portsmouth, where former staff fled. It is AWESOME! Don't compromise your dental health--this practice is not trustworthy. read more

Having moved from MA to NH during the pandemic, I needed to establish care at a new dental practice. My first appointment as a new patient for routine care was thorough and easy. The staff treated me wonderful and they are friendly and knowledgeable. I look forward to many years at this practice and definitely would recommend them to friends and family. read more

We took our son to his first dental appointment (he's one) and were so thrilled with the whole experience. Booking was easy, you can fill out your paperwork online in advance, they have a cool toy room, and everyone was so nice. The building and exam rooms are great. We will be coming back next year. read more

This is my favorite medical office of any kind that I've ever been to. Every time I go the staff is exceedingly friendly and courteous. They always make you comfortable, and are very knowledgeable about everything from your procedures to the insurance coverage. Appointments are always on time, too. I've never left there feeling unsure about costs or future plans/procedures. And seriously I'll say it again- the NICEST staff of any office ever! read more

My visit to J.D. Howard was excellent. They were thorough and explained everything. Especially friendly and I feel very honest. They didn't look for the most aggressive and unnecessary approach as some other bottom line dentists do. My wife and I both came for a second opinion and learned the other dentist's recommendations were ill advised. We will be happily changing to J.D. Howard. read more

I am 65 years old and have benefited from the care of many dentists here and in other parts of the country. I have been going here for 3+ years and have never been so impressed. Doctors, hygienists, assistants and office staff could not be better. Happy place. One crown placed there. Total confidence. Not overly aggressive in care. Makes me wish, almost, I had more dental problems. Russell Kay, MD read more

I was on vacation when I chipped a tooth. I was so worried I would not find a dentist to help me as I would most likely be a "one time" patient. I was referred to JD Howard by another practice and I can't begin to say enough about the staff! Sasha on the phone was so understanding, compassionate and made me feel welcome from the beginning. Dr. Jack is who ultimately helped me with my tooth with the assistance of Tracy. He was kind, thoughtful and really listened. You can't even tell I had a chip! All I can say is I wish I lived in Hew Hampshire so I could use JD Howard Dental as my year round dentists! Thank you so much! read more

I have been going to JD Howard Dental for about 10 years now and couldn't be happier with this practice. I had some serious dental fears carried over from my youth so it is very important that I am comfortable and relaxed going to the dentist. Dr. Josh and his staff are the friendliest people on earth. Reception is so welcoming, hygienists take such care to make sure you are comfortable, and Dr. Josh makes for a totally pain free and relaxing experience. I can't say enough good things about them. I highly recommend this practice. read more

Recently visited JD Howard Dental for my bi-annual appointment. Professional and friendly atmosphere. Kate, my dental hygienist, was knowledgeable and courteous. Overall a pleasant experience. read more

Dr Josh is an excellent dentist and I wish I knew about him when I moved to Dover 25 yrs ago. He makes you feel very comfortable while sitting in the chair regardless of the procedure you're having done. I've had 3 crowns put on and all were made on site and installed that day. The staff is very friendly and quite knowledgeable regarding insurance. I strongly recommend Howard Dental. read more

Unkind, uncompassionate, inflexible. Never more disappointed with a medical professional

Fantastic, all around. My whole family has been here, and we all had a great experience. Couldn't be happier with our dental hygienists. She went over all the possible problem spots in my mouth and explained to how to keep them problem free. The office has a great play area for the kids too, they both loved being there. read more

I can't say enough great things about this dental office. I have always dreaded the dentist and unfotunately have my share of dental problems. I see Dr. Mark at JD Howard and he is as gentle and kind as they come. Two other dentists told me I had to have a tooth pulled but Dr. Mark did a little further work and was able to save the tooth. Not only that, he made it a pretty painless procedure. I also like that they are very in tune with all the latest procedures and can d pretty much anything you want done from whitening your teeth (3 different options for you) to adding botox to decrease the lines around your smile. Highly recommend!! read more

I recently started getting my dental care at JD Howard. Everyone is prompt, professional and courteous. I had a 930am appt and at 9:32am my name was called. They treat my time as a commodity. I am working with Dr. Marc Valli, who is fantastic! What a great guy. He is personable, nice, thorough and takes the time to make sure I understand all the options available to me and I have never felt rushed. I had a fairly complicated (to me anyway) procedure and it wasn't painful or awkward. Dr. Valli does a great job and he has a new patient for life. The statement is true "high tech denistry with a gentle touch" read more

Honestly hated going to the dentist until now. I never had the best dental care growing up and now I'm on my own and capable of taking care of it my self I have started in that direction. I tried out a dentist previously who absolutely ruined the experience for me... He scolded me the entire time. So today I have now just come home from my first appointment at JD Howard in dover and everyone was absolutely amazing!! Right from the start my receptionists were great! My hygienists Christie was BEYOND great! She talked to me the whole time and told me exactly what she was doing. She checked in with me to make sure I was comfortable and doing alright. She was amazing! I then got to meet Doctor Chris who made me feel so comfortable and welcomed. I know I need a lot of work done but not once did I feel like he was judging me. The whole team is honestly amazing. so if your looking for a friendly, non judgmental, nice facility you've found it! read more