Rusk and Thornton Dental Associates, P.C.
Rusk and Thornton Dental Associates — Farragut Square DC partnership practice.
Smyleee Rating
Excellent
About Rusk and Thornton Dental Associates, P.C.
Rusk and Thornton Dental Associates, P.C. provides dental care on 18th Street Northwest in the Northwest Washington area of Washington, District of Columbia. At the core of a general dental practice is preventive and restorative care: checkups, professional cleanings, fillings, and screening for decay and gum disease before either becomes a bigger problem. It is the kind of appointment most people need on a routine schedule rather than only when something hurts.
Dental anxiety is common, and most practices are used to working with nervous patients — through clear explanations of what is about to happen, a slower pace where needed, and sedation options for patients who want them. Avoiding the dentist out of anxiety tends to make eventual treatment more involved, not less.
Children benefit from starting dental visits early, generally by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming through, mainly so they become familiar with the setting before any treatment is actually needed. Establishing that routine early tends to make ongoing checkups far less stressful for both child and parent.
Payment and insurance arrangements vary by practice and by treatment, so it is worth asking directly what is covered and what options exist for anything that is not, rather than assuming either way. Getting that clarified before treatment starts avoids surprises once it is underway.
Beyond any single treatment, most dental visits start with an examination — checking for decay, reviewing the gums, and looking at existing fillings or crowns — often alongside X-rays where there is a reason to look between or beneath teeth. That groundwork is what a dentist uses to explain any findings and set out next steps before you leave.
Routine attendance, roughly every six months for most people, is what actually keeps small problems small. A lot of decay and gum disease develops without any pain in its early stages, which is why regular checkups matter even when nothing seems to be wrong, rather than only booking an appointment once something hurts. Contact details for Rusk and Thornton Dental Associates, P.C. are on this page, along with the full list of services offered — reach out to ask about scheduling.
Two-partner dental associates PC of Rusk and Thornton at 818 18th St NW Suite 200 in Washington DC, same suite as Rusk Mark S DDS and same building as John S. Hunter DDS at Suite 240.
Clinic Details
Best Known For
General Dentistry
Business Hours
| Monday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday(Today) | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rusk and Thornton Dental Associates, P.C. located?
What services does Rusk and Thornton Dental Associates, P.C. offer?
Does the practice treat children and adults?
How often should I have a dental checkup?
How do I book an appointment at Rusk and Thornton Dental Associates, P.C.?
Location
Services Offered
General Dentistry
General dentistry at Rusk and Thornton Dental Associates, P.C. brings together comprehensive exams, cleanings, fillings, and gum-health monitoring, the everyday care that keeps a Washington smile in good shape.
Other services
Reviews
Smyleee Rating
Excellent
137 reviews
Smyleee Rating reflects verified profile signals, reviews, and overall care quality.
Recent Reviews
Have been a patient of Dr. Van der Linden for years--he is always efficient and professional. I struggle with bruxism, and he prescribed a super heavy-duty nightguard that has withstood my pretty severe clenching.
Thorough and professional service! I highly recommend this practice to anyone seeking dental care!
Dr Thornton and his team are great! Highly recommend going here if you need a new dentist!
Very professional love the hygienist Nisa she’s very thorough and punctual the cleaning was A1, I didn’t even want to eat afterwards LoL, and the place was so nice, updated and clean. Staff was so nice and pleasant they all greeted you with a smile. The doctor was very knowledgeable and prepared. I almost can’t wait to visit for my next appointment! Thank you for a great experience!
Thornton Dental Associates is an excellent dental practice in Washington, DC focused on providing professional yet caring services. I have been a patient of the practices for several years now without issue (referred by a friend), however this year I had a major fall which damaged my front teeth. I immediately called the office and was able to be seen and calmed by Dr. Thornton. He didn’t lie to me, we knew it was serious but he reassured me that all would be well in six months. He came up with a comprehensive dental plan, referred me to a Periodontist (who also did a great job) and in the end installed beautiful, well-made crowns approximately six months later. He knows how I am extremely triggered by the color match process so he went out of his way to make an excellent match that immediately relaxed my mind upon sight. I left his office in July relieved, satisfied and joyful finally feeling like myself again. I know this didn’t show in my face as I was still overcoming the trauma of the event but I can’t thank Dr. Thornton enough for his services. He is an exceptional dentist who treats everyone (most) patients like a good friend! ~
Dr. Van Der Linden, Carmen, and each dental hygienist were fantastic! Both getting the appointment and billing through insurance (GEHA in network) were very smooth thanks to Carmen and team. Highly recommend.
I just had my first visit as a new patient and it was an amazing experience. The entire team is so kind, and everyone goes above-and-beyond to explain what they’re doing and why. I’ve moved around a lot the last few years and have tried many dentists, the best by far. Thanks all!
It’s ok.
Dr Thornton is an excellent dentist, working carefully and kindly with my elderly father. Three office staff are clear, kind, and welcoming! The referrals to others Dr Thornton works with are also excellent and they work together well too provide comprehensive mouth care!
I’ve spent years looking for a DC dental practice I like and have finally found it. Very attentive care.
I've been coming to this practice for almost 15 years and they are great, proactive, and well run.
I first came to the practice in 2004 when I moved to DC and have stayed with them through two dentists and 22 years. Love the dentist, hygienists and staff.
Reviews are aggregated from public sources.
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