About the practice

A family practice in the heart of downtown Phoenix.

Downtown Smiles is a two-doctor practice built around a simple idea: dental care should feel calm, personal, and easy to schedule. We focus on delivering a positive, stress-free experience for every patient while helping you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful, confident smile.

5.0 on Google · 332 reviews

45 W Jefferson St, Suite L

Open Saturdays

Downtown Smiles Phoenix Dental Care interior

Established care

Two doctors. One family.

Our story

Maryland-trained dentistry, made for downtown.

Both of our doctors are graduates of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry — described as the first dental school in the world. They brought that training to a single-location practice in Phoenix focused on doing the fundamentals exceptionally well.

We started Downtown Smiles to offer Phoenix a different kind of dental visit — one where you are not rushed through a chair, where treatment plans are explained in plain language, and where the same two doctors see you each time. That continuity is what makes the work feel personal instead of transactional.

Our patients tell us they feel the difference the moment they walk in. The office is clean and upscale. The pace is calm. Front-desk gets you on the books the same day when something hurts. The chair-side conversation focuses on what you actually need, not what we can add on.

We see patients from across the Valley — Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, and Paradise Valley — many of whom drive in because they work nearby or because a friend at the office finally convinced them to switch. That word-of-mouth is the highest compliment a small practice can earn, and it is what we work to keep deserving every week.

What we believe

Care that earns the next appointment.

Four ideas guide every choice we make as a practice — from the chair to the front desk to the way we explain a treatment plan.

Comfort first, every visit.

A positive, stress-free experience is the baseline — not the upgrade. From the front-desk welcome to the chair, we set the room so you can relax.

Same-day when it matters.

Severe pain, a broken tooth, a lost filling — we keep room on the schedule for emergencies, including Saturdays. Call and we will get you in.

Modern technology, used well.

Our office uses 3D imaging for full-mouth visualization, so treatment decisions are based on what we actually see — not assumptions.

Honest about cost.

We accept all PPO insurance, CareCredit, and offer an In-House Savings Plan. You will hear the number before we pick up the instrument.

The doctors

A general dentist and a board-certified periodontist, under one roof.

Meet the full team

Cosmetic and General Dentist

Dr. Neal Karlin

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Karlin graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry — the first dental school in the world. He enjoys all aspects of dentistry, and his goal is to provide a positive experience for every patient he sees.

"It is our goal at Downtown Smiles to promote optimal oral health, prevent oral disease, and help you to maintain your beautiful smile."

Outside the office, you can find him enjoying the natural beauty of Arizona. He leads an active lifestyle — his favorite sports include hiking, biking, and pickleball.

Board-Certified Periodontist

Dr. Daniel Karlin

Dr. Daniel Karlin graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1986 and completed a General Practice Residency at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore from 1986 to 1987. He went on to complete a residency in Periodontics at the University of Maryland from 1988 to 1990.

He practiced as a periodontist in Maryland from 1990 to 2020, managing patient-guided treatment across two offices with an emphasis on both non-surgical and surgical therapies. From 1997 to 2020, he served as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and he is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology.

Our dental team

The people who make the chair feel calm.

Behind every quiet, well-paced visit is a small team that handles everything from your first phone call to the last polish. They are why patients say the office feels personal — and why so many of our reviews mention them by name.

Casey

Dental Assistant

Abigail

Front Desk

Aniyah

Dental Assistant

5.0

Average Google rating

332

Patient reviews and counting

Doctors, including a board-certified periodontist

Phoenix-area communities served

Patient voices

In the words of recent visitors.

"Today I visited this clinic and my doctor was Dr. Karlin. He did an excellent job together with his assistants. I had a teeth cleaning and a filling, and I am very satisfied with the results. Everything went smoothly and the staff was very professional and friendly."

Dina Nigmetulla

Verified Google review

"Dr. Neal was wonderful. He explained everything clearly, checked in with me throughout my cleaning, and made sure I understood what was going on with my teeth. I never felt rushed or dismissed. Highly recommend this office, especially if you're someone with dental anxiety."

Lesly Amador

Verified Google review

"This dentist office is the absolute best place to get your teeth cleaned, fixed and repaired. They do not pressure you for the upsell. Super clean and relaxing environment. A man named Dr. Dan works there and he is like your favorite uncle — a wealth of knowledge with a solution for your problems."

Dwayne Stone

Verified Google review

Start your smile journey

Your perfect smile is just one step away.

Whether it is a routine checkup or a complete smile makeover, our team is here to help you every step of the way. We accept all PPO insurance, CareCredit, and offer an In-House Savings Plan.

Book an appointment Call (602) 566-9005

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