Cozy modern waiting room with wooden floor, beige leather chairs, sofa, round coffee table, and reception desk.

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Smiling young girl with brown hair lying on green grass wearing a white knitted sweater.

Keep Young Smiles Ready for School

September 01, 2026

September is filled with new lessons, changing routines, and plenty of activities competing for a child's attention. Attendance Awareness Month offers a timely reminder that staying healthy can make it easier for...

Close-up of a smiling woman with long brown hair and clear skin, looking downward in soft lighting.

What Is the Difference Between Air Abrasion and Traditional Drills?

August 01, 2026

If the sound of a dental drill makes you tense before you even sit down, you're in good company. For a lot of people, that sound is the whole reason they put off going to the dentist. Fortunately, a drill isn't the...

Woman in colorful dress discusses health concerns with doctor and nurse in a medical office setting.

The Hidden Oral Health Risk in Your Favorite Sports Drink

July 01, 2026

Summer in Wilmington means outdoor activities, youth sports leagues, and active families looking for ways to stay hydrated in the heat. At Porters Neck Dentistry, we understand the appeal of sports drinks. They...

Man with beard grimacing and holding his jaw in pain against a gray background

See Us for Toothache Relief

February 01, 2026

with pain, getting professional care is the fastest way to achieve lasting toothache reliefand prevent more serious problems. While waiting to see the dentist, this short video offers helpful tips for managing...

Start the New Year Right With a January Smile Renewal

Start the New Year Right With a January Smile Renewal

January 01, 2026

January naturally brings a sense of possibility—new goals, refreshed routines, and a renewed commitment to health. While many people begin the year with fitness plans or nutrition resets, your smile deserves a...

Keep Your Smile Merry & Bright

Keep Your Smile Merry & Bright

December 01, 2025

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year — full of laughter, gatherings, and joyful photo ops. But with sweets, rich foods, and late-night celebrations, your teeth can face some seasonal challenges. By...

Get New Teeth That Look, Work Like the Real Thing

Get New Teeth That Look, Work Like the Real Thing

November 01, 2025

Living with tooth loss changes you in ways beyond appearance. The gap in your smile creates gaps in your confidence and social life. You avoid certain foods, limit conversations, and hesitate before smiling. ...

Celebrate the Brilliance of a Smile

Celebrate the Brilliance of a Smile

October 01, 2025

Every year on the first Friday of October, people around the globe honor World Smile Day—a reminder of how much good can come from something as simple as a smile. More than a cheerful gesture, it’s a spark of...

5 Ways to Spend Less on Smile Care

5 Ways to Spend Less on Smile Care

September 01, 2025

We want taking care of your smile to be easy – and affordable. At Porters Neck Dentistry, we offer a variety of ways to help you spend less on smile care. Check out five smart ways to lower your dental care...

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5 out of 5 stars - 710 votes

5 Stars (710 Reviews)

Read Why Patients Love Us

Patients appreciate the special care they receive from our team. Check out what they have to say!

5

1st day here was great! Staff were all super nice. Really liked chatting with the dentists as well as the dental assistants. Did a really good job of cleaning and photographing my teeth. They were all super friendly! And then there is the fact that Dr Shumate was the only dentist around here...
1st day here was great! Staff were all super nice. Really liked chatting with the dentists as well as the dental assistants. Did a really good job of cleaning and photographing my teeth. They were all super friendly! And then there is the fact that Dr Shumate was the only dentist around here that was able to repair a difficult / complex issue with my wifes teeth (dealing with severe allergies to Novocaine) - so yeah, needless to say, have been hopeful and highly impressed. Highly recommended!!

5

My husband and I wanted a Dentist closer to home. Wilmington traffic is unbearable! Dr. Shumate's office is only 15 min. away from home. We really lucked up. Dr. Shumate provides cosmetic dentistry, places dental implants, and offers family Dentistry. I visited Dr. Shumate, thinking I would...
My husband and I wanted a Dentist closer to home. Wilmington traffic is unbearable! Dr. Shumate's office is only 15 min. away from home. We really lucked up. Dr. Shumate provides cosmetic dentistry, places dental implants, and offers family Dentistry. I visited Dr. Shumate, thinking I would start there, but I also had to see an oral surgeon. Nope, Dr. Shumate placed my dental implants, and I love Dr. Dana. He is a perfectionist, kind, and a gentleman. Of course, my better half sees Dr. Lauren and is so happy with her work. He also enjoys going into their office. We both do, the staff is professional and well-trained. While the receptionists are respectful and professional. I couldn't ask for more! Paula and Alan Lanier

5

From the time you walk till the time you walk out you feel like family. As a nervous patient the entire staff made me feel at ease. Dr Shumate is very kind and takes the time to make sure you are well taken care of. And yes I took a fresh baked cookie from the lobby! Nice touch!

5

The entire team was incredibly kind, patient, and professional from start to finish. They went out of their way to provide extra care and make sure I felt comfortable as a nervous patient, which I really appreciated. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. Highly recommend.

5

A wonderful experience. The waiting room is nice, updated and clean, the ladies at the desk are super professional and will help you with all your insurance and payment options. My dental hygienist was super nice, friendly and understanding of my needs being an anxious dental patient! She...
A wonderful experience. The waiting room is nice, updated and clean, the ladies at the desk are super professional and will help you with all your insurance and payment options. My dental hygienist was super nice, friendly and understanding of my needs being an anxious dental patient! She took extra time and care with my teeth which I really appreciated! She made sure I was comfortable. Dr. Dana Shumate is top notch and really friendly! He really knows his stuff but also is kind and genuine. If you want a new dental experience check out this practice, it’s a pleasure going there and especially if you are an anxious patient! 😁

5

I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to...
I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to their office for nearly 10 years. If there are ever any issues, they work well to resolve whatever needs attention,

5

I appreciate how clean & welcoming the office is, and they do a great job of staying on schedule so my kids and I aren't left waiting. The staff is always helpful, and friendly. Highly recommend!

5

Great staff! Very good and efficient work done! Satisfied tremendously! Thanks Smith Family. Dentistry @ Porters Neck, Wilmington NC