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Your Neighborhood Dentist on the Upper West Side

Finding a Manhattan dentist who does not rush you is harder than it should be. At Upper West Side Dental, dentistry starts with listening. Dr. Shirley takes time to understand your goals, explains every option in plain language, and recommends only the care you actually need. Second-generation dentist, hospital-trained, and a former classroom teacher — he has been explaining since before he was drilling.

From routine checkups to complete smile care, our Columbus Avenue office has welcomed Upper West Side families since 2011 — never double-booked, with a written plan and estimated costs approved before any work begins. When something hurts, same-day emergency evaluations are often possible; after hours, our emergency text line answers quickly.

Discover Our Practice

  • Respectful, individualized treatment
  • Clear explanations before any procedure
  • Comfortable care, including nitrous oxide
  • Long-term relationships with neighborhood patients
The front desk and consultation area at Upper West Side Dental

Meet Dr. Benjamin Shirley

Experienced care with a personal approach

A second-generation dentist, Dr. Shirley earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Meharry School of Dentistry and completed his General Practice Residency at Peninsula Hospital Center. Before dentistry, he spent two years as a classroom teacher — and it shows in the way he explains every step. Patients across the Upper West Side and Harlem say the same thing in review after review: he listens, he does not oversell, and his work is gentle.

A small husband-and-wife practice run with his wife Anna, practicing since 2005 — your appointment time really is only yours.

“I treat my patients the way I want to be treated; with respect, dignity and first-rate care.”

Meet Dr. Shirley Book with Dr. Shirley

Dr. Benjamin Shirley beside the practice's digital X-ray unit

Dentistry Designed Around You

A dental visit should never feel rushed or confusing — and for anxious patients, it should feel safe. We keep appointments unhurried at our Manhattan office, explain findings with photos and X-rays you can actually see, and hand you a written plan with estimated costs, organized by priority. Nitrous oxide is available whenever you want the edge taken off.

New patients are welcome from across the Upper West Side, Morningside Heights, and Harlem — and families of five or more can often be seen on the same day. Budget-wise, we accept all insurance, work in-network with many PPO plans, and offer CareCredit monthly payment plans.

  • Clear explanations before treatment
  • Personalized recommendations — never pressure
  • Compassionate care for anxious patients
  • Convenient online scheduling through ZocDoc
  • Care for children, adults, and large families
The front welcome counter with fresh flowers

Office Tour

A Comfortable Space in the Heart of the Upper West Side

A calm, clean office on Columbus Avenue — designed to feel more like a neighborhood space than a clinic.

Treatment room with a dental chair
Front desk and consultation area
Waiting room chairs by the window overlooking Columbus Avenue
Upper West Side Dental storefront on Columbus Avenue
Dr. Shirley beside the digital X-ray machine

Patient Reviews

Kind Words from Our Patients

4.5 stars from 267 Google reviews — shared by neighbors across the Upper West Side.

Read More Reviews

Answers

Common Questions, Short Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit Us

Conveniently Located on Columbus Avenue

Minutes from the 96th Street and Cathedral Parkway stations and the Central Park West bus lines.

Office Hours

  • Monday8 AM - 6 PM
  • Tuesday12 PM - 6 PM
  • Wednesday12 PM - 6 PM
  • Thursday12 PM - 6 PM
  • Friday12 PM - 6 PM
  • SaturdayClosed
  • SundayClosed

Ready to Feel Comfortable About Your Dental Care?

Whether you are due for a routine visit, interested in improving your smile, or need help with a dental emergency, our team is ready to listen.