How we rank dentists
Our Top Dentist Score (0–100) is calculated from transparent, independently-verified data. Practices cannot purchase a higher organic rank.
Example score
A top-ranked verified practice
Commercial independence
Practices cannot purchase a higher organic Top Dentist Score or organic rank. Premium members receive tools that can help them keep their information complete, collect genuine reviews and understand their profile performance. Payment itself does not add ranking points.
Does NOT influence ranking
- • Premium subscription payments
- • Sponsored placement purchases
- • Banner advertising spend
- • Lead-generation fees
- • Award badge licensing
How premium tools help (indirectly)
- • Keep profile information complete
- • Collect genuine patient reviews
- • Respond to reviews professionally
- • Update hours and services
- • Publish transparent price guidance
The six ranking factors
Review quality & rating
30 ptsBayesian-adjusted average rating, eligible review volume, verified review percentage, recency and rating consistency. A single new five-star review cannot outrank an established practice.
Practice verification
20 ptsClaimed profile, verified business identity, address and phone, practitioner AHPRA links, professional memberships and recent verification date.
Information transparency
15 ptsComplete service information, current opening hours, price guidance, health fund information, payment options and accessible contact details.
Patient experience signals
15 ptsCommunication, appointment experience and value ratings, would-recommend percentage and review sentiment themes.
Review engagement
10 ptsPractice response rate, constructive responses, response time and appropriate handling of critical reviews. Templated or aggressive responses are not rewarded.
Listing freshness & completeness
10 ptsProfile completeness, recent updates, current photos, accurate services and current practitioner information.
Review eligibility & moderation
- • Consumers must create an account and verify their email before publishing.
- • Reviews are labelled by verification method (Verified Patient Interaction, Invited, Verified Email, Unverified).
- • Invited reviews do not receive extra ranking weight solely because a practice requested them.
- • Automated fraud signals flag suspicious activity for moderator review - not automatic accusation.
- • Practices cannot delete reviews; they can respond publicly or submit a private dispute.
- • Negative reviews are not removed merely for being negative.
Possible score deductions
- Unresolved identity concerns
- Expired verification
- Proven fake-review activity
- Repeated inaccurate claims
- Misleading specialist claims
- Significant unresolved listing inaccuracies
- Regulatory or moderation concerns
Deductions are never calculated from unverified allegations.
Ranking refresh frequency
Rankings are recalculated:
- • When an eligible review is published or removed
- • When verified practice data changes
- • When verification expires
- • Via a scheduled nightly ranking job
Sponsored placement rules
Paid placements appear in clearly labelled positions marked “Sponsored”. They never inherit an organic rank number and never alter the organic ranking table. We never label a paid placement as “Best Dentist” or “Number One” unless that claim is independently supported by organic ranking data.
Corrections, appeals & medical disclaimer
Practices can appeal a ranking or review decision and submit corrections with supporting information. Top Dentist List provides general directory and comparison information only - it does not provide medical advice or guarantee the quality, suitability or outcome of dental services. Always confirm practitioner registration and discuss your needs directly with a qualified dental professional.
Methodology version 2.4 · Last reviewed 26/09/2026