I have recently transferred to a university in Manhattan, and I want to find a dentist here. I have read that it is difficult to find good online resources for reviewing and comparing dentists, and from some searching that seems to be the case.
If possible, I get a referral from a colleague (then I also know they take my insurance). That’s how I found my last awesome dentist (in a different city, alas.)
That said, I live in NYC and I haven’t found anyone I liked especially yet, so I’m eager to hear any suggestions. There’s a dentist in my building I’m going to try because, even if I have a mediocre experience, at least it won’t be a bother getting there. 
ETA: I live in Queens though.
Check out ProDent NY http://www.prodentny.com/
I’m a patient. Found them via a referral and have been very happy. Modern computerized equipment, cheerful staff, they do a good job of being fairly painless, and they give you a cable clicker when you sit in the dental chair.
Thanks, I’ll check them out!
The right answer is just to ask people who live here: most people like their dentists, and a lot of people *really *like their dentists. I *really *liked my guy, and would have been thrilled to give you a referral, but then he up and died on me a year ago. 
I’ve got a good one (he’s on Madison and 53rd) but he’s expensive, maybe not so good for a college student.
The problem with asking others is that everyone has their own standards for what constitutes a good dentist. I’d like a dentist that actually has some concern about pano x-ray exposure, but have never found such a one around here. Dentists like x-rays because they’re an easy source of income. Also, I’ve found only one that has hygienists who don’t inflict a lot of pain during cleanings, but he calls for pano x-rays even though I had three done within the last two years.
(double post)
I don’t like asking others, either. I asked others and ended up with a dentist who was OK, but who had an aide who literally bitched and moaned and complained the entire time I was in the chair that I wasn’t “flossing right”. When I asked her to tell me how I wasn’t flossing right, she bitched and moaned some more. I had no cavities, btw. I never went back again.
Do you think he’s worth the cost? A good dentist is one of the things that I do not mind paying for.
Yes, I do. I’ve shelled out a few 1000 the past few years for diagnoses and procedures that I felt weren’t immediately necessary, but OTOH, I haven’t had a toothache or bleeding gums or any issues with my teeth, which I had had before, when I was seeing a cut-rate dentist who almost never recommended any procedures, just “You look okay, let’s do a quick n dirty cleaning, ok, you’re fine.” This guy is pro-active, and it’s working out for me. PM me and I’ll send you his name, if you like.
I know a couple of faculty at Columbia who are good general dentists as well as a couple of specialists. They have offices around Manhattan.
This is not the same as seeing students at Columbia Dental School.
You could also try ZocDoc.
Depending where you live, there may be some dentist reviews on Yelp. But I agree that asking locals is really the best way to go. When I was looking for a new dentist, I asked a few coworkers who were also mothers, because I figured childrens’ dentists were more likely to be nice and patient with a dentalphobe like me. I ended up going to a random place in my dental insurance network, though, and was luckily pleasantly surprised.
Dr Eisen at Exchange Dental Group is the best dentist I’ve ever been to in my life. He is located at 39 Broadway and he is worth every penny he charges.
I used to see a dentist in NYC called Dr. Sunshine. He was great. (don’t have insurance right now so I’m not seeing any dentist) I will look for him again when I get insurance.
Ask someone who has had a significant dental problem in the past (if you can find that out) because if you ask people who just get checkups then almost any dentist can do that.
It’s when you have a bad problem that the skills really come into play.
If you don’t know anyone then I guess you can check out the sites people pointed out or call a service (toll free) like 866-944-0630. There you can speak to a person about your needs and they locate quality dentists in your area so that you don’t need to travel 100 miles across Manhatten.
Living Social and Groupon frequently feature specials for dental offices in Manhattan (and the outer boroughs). I bought one that was $60 for cleaning/x rays and 20% off anything more. The place I went to was on Manhattan Avenue and 121st St (or something like that), everyone including the dentist was very friendly and professional (they even showed me their deck for barbecuing on!). I don’t have dental insurance, but am hoping to get it by the end of the year so I can go back to them- I’m pretty sure they have a payment plan though.
If you’re on a super tight budget and don’t have insurance do a search on the site Brokelyn- it’s geared toward Brooklyn, but does list cheap health resources for Manhattan too.
If you’re willing to travel to northern Westchester I’ll give you the name of a great dentist.