Richmond Dental - Dentist in Richmond, VT
Located at 72 Bridge Street in Richmond, VT, Richmond Dental offers a warm, family-oriented environment where patients are treated as valued community members rather than just numbers. Led by Dr. Howard A. Novak, DDS, who brings over two decades of experience in state-of-the-art preventive and restorative care, the practice combines clinical excellence with modern technology to deliver efficient and comfortable treatments. The team is dedicated to clear communication, ensuring patients fully understand their options to make informed health decisions.
Richmond Dental provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet diverse oral health needs. Cosmetic dentistry options include Invisalign clear aligners, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, tooth reshaping, and professional whitening to help you achieve your ideal smile. General and restorative services cover fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, periodontal care, and root canal therapy, all performed with a gentle touch to minimize anxiety and maximize comfort.
The practice is deeply rooted in the local community, serving residents not only in Richmond but also in surrounding areas like Williston, Essex, Hinesburg, Stowe, and Shelburne. With a team that includes experienced hygienists and a practice leader committed to exceptional customer service, Richmond Dental prioritizes patient comfort and long-term oral health. Please note that the clinic is currently focused on its existing patient base and is not accepting new patients at this time. For more information or to speak with the team, call 802.434.3700.
Opening hours
- sunday: (closed)
- monday: 10h-18h
- tuesday: 8h-16h
- wednesday: 8h-16h
- thursday: 8h-16h
- friday: 8h-15h
- saturday: (closed)
Photos of Richmond Dental - Dentist in Richmond, VT
Our comment from Best Dentists Club about Richmond Dental - Dentist in Richmond, VT:
Warm, Small-Town Charm with Modern Excellence
Richmond Dental, located on Bridge Street, offers a distinctly welcoming atmosphere that blends the comfort of a small-town practice with state-of-the-art clinical technology. Led by Dr. Howard A. Novak and supported by a dedicated team including Dr. Besse and Dr. Pati, the clinic prioritizes patient comfort, clear communication, and long-term oral health. Patients frequently describe the environment as homey, noting details like the cheerful ceiling art and pleasant music that help alleviate typical dental anxiety. The practice is deeply rooted in the community, serving not only Richmond residents but also patients traveling from nearby towns who value the personalized care they receive.
A Team That Puts Patients First
The most consistent praise from patients centers on the staff’s exceptional kindness, professionalism, and ability to make every visit comfortable. From the front desk receptionists to the dental hygienists and assistants, the team is described as friendly, personable, and highly attentive. Many patients highlight the staff’s patience, especially with those who experience dental anxiety or have sensitive teeth. The team is noted for taking the time to explain procedures clearly, answer questions without judgment, and ensure patients feel empowered in their care decisions. This collaborative approach fosters deep trust, with many patients stating they have been with the practice for over a decade or even three decades.
- Personalized Attention: Staff remember patient details, hobbies, and family history, creating a genuine connection.
- Anxiety Management: Gentle techniques and compassionate communication help ease fears for nervous patients.
- Clear Communication: Doctors and hygienists thoroughly explain treatment plans, options, and what to expect during procedures.
- Follow-Up Care: The team is known for proactive follow-ups, such as calling patients after procedures to check on their well-being.
Comprehensive Care for the Whole Family
Richmond Dental provides a wide array of services designed to meet the diverse needs of patients of all ages. The practice is particularly praised for its pediatric care, with many parents noting how comfortable and welcomed their children feel, even from a young age. General dentistry services include cleanings, fillings, and examinations, while restorative and cosmetic options cover crowns, bridges, dentures, Invisalign, and porcelain veneers. The team also handles endodontic treatments and periodontal care with a focus on minimizing discomfort. Whether it is routine preventive care, urgent repairs, or complex restorative work, the clinic ensures that patients receive thorough, high-quality treatment tailored to their individual needs.
Reliable, Long-Term Dental Health
Patients consistently express their loyalty to Richmond Dental, often traveling significant distances to maintain their relationship with the practice. The clinic is appreciated for its honesty and pragmatism, offering realistic advice on what care is necessary versus optional. Many patients mention the seamless handling of insurance and billing, as well as the team's willingness to work within a patient's budget. The dedication of specific hygienists, such as Michelle, Cindy, and Hillary, is frequently highlighted, with many patients expressing gratitude for their consistency, skill, and friendly demeanor. Overall, Richmond Dental is regarded as a trusted partner in oral health, combining clinical expertise with a genuine care for its patients' well-being.
Services and Treatments
Richmond Dental - Dentist in Richmond, VT: Reviews
Reviews are the opinions of their authors. We do not verify that the author was a customer.
Reviews on Google
4,9 out of 5 from 285 reviews
Fantastic experience: Very friendly and professional staff along with great service.
Fantastic experience: We've been going to RD for years and unfortunately have had many procedures from crowns and other. One thing that I have to admit is unfair is what insurance doesn't cover and there are no guarantees that past work won't breakdown in the future. Dental health is so important yet insurance companies don't feel the same way which leaves many people not going to the dentist regularly and that is a crime. I firmly believe all healthcare should be covered 100% like other countries.
Fantastic experience: I have anxiety for any dental appointment. Richmond Dental has a vibe that eases my mind. The staff is friendly, professional and efficient. I’m glad to be a dental patient at Richmond Dental.
Fantastic experience: The team makes you feel comfortable in a stressful situation and I received professional consultation thanks
Fantastic experience: Just had a cleaning Michelle is a great hygienist very thorough and also very friendly.
Fantastic experience: Always happy with the service at Richmond Dental. The hygienist is very personable, friendly and thorough. She also explains everything so I can understand it.
Fantastic experience: The staff from check-in to the hygienist’s were incredibly nice and personable. They created an experience that you don’t usually find. Kudos to Liz and her team! I highly recommend Richmond Dental!
Fantastic experience: I've chosen to continue traveling from Middlebury to Richmond due to the experiences I've had for many years at Richmond Dental. I can't imagine replacing Michelle. I don't even want to guess how many years she's been my hygienist but she's a constant I wouldn't want to be without.
Fantastic experience: Hillary is amazing!!! We Love everyone at Richmond dental!
Fantastic experience: Always greeted by friendly faces and treated professionally! Caring!
Fantastic experience: The team takes an individual approach to each patient. They explain everything clearly and answer any questions along the way. I’ve been going there since they opened many years ago and can’t imagine going anywhere else.
Fantastic experience: What a great experience! Such a lovely group of people. I felt instantly comfortable and in good hands. The facility is clean and bright. The hand painted art on the ceiling is a fun surprise.
Fantastic experience: I have been a patient at Richmond Dental for many years and I always appreciate their excellent and friendly service
Fantastic experience: Richmond Dental is the best. The hygienists are professional, knowledgeable, and so personable. Dr. Besse is great! She is knowledgeable, skilled and truly cares about her patients.
Fantastic experience: Fantastic small practice with attentive, proactive, and kind hygienists and an exceptional dentist. Go on Fridays for my favorite crew!
Fantastic experience: Wonderful!
Fantastic experience: I became a patient first, now my son, wife, and parents are all patients. We've gotten great care, they have been especially wonderful with my son, he's had all of his appointments there starting at 3 years old. We feel lucky to be patients there.
Fantastic experience: THE! BEST! I drive way out of my way to go here. The front desk staff, hygienists, and Doctor Bessie all make up a truly delightful, caring and compassionate professional team that make it a pleasure to go to the dentist! ❤️❤️❤️
Fantastic experience: I’ve been a patient here for years. They are a great dental team.
Fantastic experience: Excellent! Friendly and professional. Did a great job with my 3 children.
Fantastic experience: A great appointment they were very helpful they explained everything took great pictures of my teeth they explained the plan they wanted for which is good helpful and they answered all my questions. The Richmond Dental is a fantastic operation !!!
Fantastic experience: Perhaps the best dentist I’ve ever had. So professional. My last visit was to repair a chipped front tooth. I could not be happier with the outcome. Bravo
Fantastic experience: I was a patient of Richmond Dental from 1995-2005, until I moved. When I returned to the area in 2020, I was still in their system and they welcomed me back with the same wonderful energy and exceptional care I remembered. I am not a fan of dental visits but everyone there makes me feel so comfortable and at ease that I actually look forward to going vs. running for the hills (seriously and honestly)! If you’re NY’s resolution is to take better care of your precious pearly whites, then switch to Richmond Dental!
Fantastic experience: Richmond Dental is terrific! I had an acute problem come up this weekend and their on-call dentist got a script called in and I was seen the next day. Great care and a great practice!
Fantastic experience: Excellent care in our local community. Hygienists, admin folks, and dentist are great. Personalized care. Glad they are in our community.
Fantastic experience: This may be the best overall dental experience I’ve ever had. They staff is professional, kind and engaging. They listen and genuinely care about you as a patient. I highly recommend
Fantastic experience: I felt welcomed from the time I stepped into the office. The staff was friendly and kind. They were concerned about my needs. I was there to see Dr Pati for an implant problem. He took time to carefully explain everything to me. He was genuine and very confident in what he presented. And he cared. I couldn’t have been happier with the total experience that I had. Thank you so much Richmond Dental!
Fantastic experience: Dr. Besse and the whole staff at Richmond Dental are fantastic. Super kind and smart with a state of the art office. I was there last week for a cleaning and pre oral surgery prep for which I was feeling very anxious. Anna was so calming and was able to allay a lot of my fears with her knowledge of the procedure and her wonderful bedside manners!
Fantastic experience: Excellent dental care! Staff is personable and professional!
Fantastic experience: They are very friendly and helpful. They seem to really care about you. For once I didn’t get a lecture for not flossing. I am doing better with that. I had great conversations with everyone. I couldn’t ask for a better dentist.
Fantastic experience: Richmond Dental is an excellent practice. Highly recommended.
Fantastic experience: Great customer service and caring staff! Wouldn’t go anywhere else for my dental care!
Fantastic experience: Very efficient and pleasant staff
Positive experience: I'm not sure why this is coming up under Bernie's name. I'm his partner, Maeve Kim, and the appointment was mine. I broke a tooth on Thursday. I was very pleased with getting an appointment for Friday (due to a cancellation) and very pleased with the speed and efficiency of Dr. Pati and his assistant, Megan. One quibble: I'm not sure calling a female patient "honey" and"sweetie" is a great idea. I didn't mind but my mother would have gone ballistic, and I know other women who would.
Fantastic experience: Always a great experience! The staff is very welcoming from start to finish. Michele, the hygienist, Is “my person so to speak“ very knowledgeable and pleasant. She is very meticulous and explains what she’s doing and why. I highly recommend Richmond Dental to anyone who is wanting an experience above the rest!. I have been going to Richmond Dental for a number of years now, and from the start, I feel I have always been listened to when I had any concerns. Doctor Besse is amazing. discussions about my personal dental needs are face-to-face, and met with a warm smile that makes me extremely confident and not only her but the whole practice.
Fantastic experience: Such a wonderful and pleasant experience. For the first time EVER I wasn’t hustled at a dentist office. They focused on WHY I made the appointment and didn’t look for any other costly issue(s). I walked out of that office feeling great about my tooth and my wallet!
Fantastic experience: Thanks to the Richmond Dental team for always providing excellent dental care in a respectful and manageable way. I highly recommend Dr Besse and the whole team.
Fantastic experience: Hands down the best dentist office ive ever been to! The front desk staff, hygienists, assistants, and dentist everyone is wonderful and clearly a good team with a great culture. I actually look forward to my appointments! Could thank them or recommend them more!
Fantastic experience: I’ve been a patient with Richmond Dental for over 15 years and have received nothing but excellent care, first from Dr. Novak and now Dr. Besse. She will give you an honest assessment of your oral health and make recommendations without judgement or lecturing, so you the patient feel you can be an advocate for your own care while receiving expert advice. The staff are wonderful as well, and the hygienists are great at putting you at ease, even with a sensitive mouth or anxiety about dental work. I could not recommend Richmond Dental enough!
Fantastic experience: Richmond dental is great! I’ve been going there for 6-7 years now, moved out of Richmond during that time and make the commute to go there. The staff is kind, knowledgeable, transparent and take time with me to make sure I’m treated like a person and make sure I feel involved and empowered in decisions around my dental care. I’m a huge fan.
Fantastic experience: Highly recommend!! The team was super friendly and knowledgeable. They took their time and really made sure they addressed any concerns or questions that I had since I was a new patient. Even though they are out of network with my insurance, they made the process super easy and I will be reimbursed directly by my plan in about 10 days and they took care of submitting everything for me! I am so happy that I found this team :)
Fantastic experience: Competent, Caring, Pragmatic Always
Fantastic experience: My hygienist was very accommodating to make me comfortable during my visit.
Fantastic experience: Dr Besse is awesome! She is very careful to make the ugly task as comfortable as possible. And the repairs are very well done. And the crew is great too!! Thanks!
Fantastic experience: We love Richmond Dental. The Staff are all so kind and caring. Such a family friendly office. Also will meet you wherever you at in your journey always considering best coast and approach for myself and children. I highly recommend Richmond Dental!
Fantastic experience: My Hygienist was amazing! Friendly, made me laugh and was very careful as well as professional.
Fantastic experience: Friendly, courteous , professional staff. Gives patient a feeling of solid team coordination. Pleasant waiting room and operatories add to sense of well-being.
Fantastic experience: Very professional and top notch.Have always enjoyed going there. Thank you
Fantastic experience: Always a great visit! The staff is so friendly, and the dentist and hygienists are all very kind and thorough. I highly recommend this practice!
Fantastic experience: Love richmond dental. I have been a customer for years.
Fantastic experience: Cheery knowledgeable staff...always a good experience!
Fantastic experience: How do you end up having a good experience during one of the worst days in months? When your dentist and hygienist make getting a new crown a gentle, friendly experience. I am not one to visit the dentist, but I finally found a place that makes the experience worth it.
Fantastic experience: The team at Richmond Dental is top notch. They are highly skilled, well equipped, professional, and friendly. Which is why I've chosen to be a patient there for the last 25 years.
Fantastic experience: Everyone is so personable and caring! Couldn't ask for a better dental experience.
Fantastic experience: As usual I had a very good experience! The staff really know how to make you feel comfortable. I highly recommend this practice for all your dental needs.
Fantastic experience: A very positive experience! I received high quality, comprehensive oral care. It is obvious the office works well together as a team and is supportive of each individual patient.
Fantastic experience: This is the best dental office - everyone is so Incredibly kind and knowledgeable! I feel I’m in the best of hands at Richmond Dental. Could not recommend them highly enough!
Fantastic experience: We love Richmond Dental!
Fantastic experience: Got me in and found the bad hopefully fix the others
Fantastic experience: The staff and dentists are knowledgeable and friendly. It’s a great dental office.
Fantastic experience: My kid (7-year old) and I both go here and love it! Everyone from the dentist to admin are considerate and thorough in their service.
Fantastic experience: This is a wonderful dental office! Dr. Besse is highly knowledgeable in her field, and also demonstrates genuine compassion in connecting with patients. To me, this is a perfect balance for a healthcare professional. Dr. Besse really listens to my concerns/questions and takes the time to review everything with me. Dr. Besse/the office staff handle care of referrals in a timely manner, giving specialists excellent notes. This makes a huge difference when being seen by a new provider. As for routine care, Michele has cleaned my teeth for many years and is highly skilled, efficient, and thorough. She has helped me with my dental anxiety, tremendously, and her communication throughout each visit is excellent. I always look forward to seeing Michele. The office, itself, is small (perfect size in my opinion), clean, and everyone is kind, professional, and knowledgeable. Thank you, Richmond Dental! Tiffany R.
Fantastic experience: I likely cannot find words adequate enough to describe how wonderful this entire office is. I was visiting Vermont from out of state and had an urgent issue with my tooth that couldn’t wait until I returned home. After finding Richmond Dental online, I called to see if I could be seen and the office manager fit me. She was exceptionally kind and helpful. My experience in the office was just as impressive - the front end staff are all so friendly and attentive. The dentist fixed my issue and alleviated all of the stress I had being away from home with an issue. I cannot thank all of you enough for the wonderful experience. I wish I could scoop the office up and take it to my hometown so I could have you as my dental office all the time!
Fantastic experience: Dental hygienist, Cindy, was thorough and wasted no time.
Positive experience: Nice small town dental office with high tect equipment and skilled people
Fantastic experience: The friendliest dental office with the most patient and gentle hygienist. Small touches: the music doesn’t suck as in other dental offices, and they ha beautiful paintings of birds on the ceilings to look at while you are prone.
Fantastic experience: Best dental office I’ve ever been to. I moved away from the area and when I returned several yrs later, I happily went back to Richmond Dental. The office was still lovely and the service and care was still as exceptional as ever. They put the patient first always and you feel it! I’d give them 10 stars if I could!
Fantastic experience: 1st time. Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and thorough.
Fantastic experience: This was my first visit to Richmond Dental. The front office staff were welcoming and helpful in getting my records transferred from my out of state dentist. Dr Besse and assistant Julie were concerned for my comfort throughout the appt.
Fantastic experience: Richmond Dental provides exceptional service. I have been nothing but pleased with my experience since moving to Richmond and seeing Richmond Dental. Everyone I’ve interacted with has had incredible customer service from the receptionists informing me of insurance, billing, scheduling - to the hygienists picking up in conversation where we left off last and great care, to the doctor who is incredibly attentive, informative, and kind. 10/10
Fantastic experience: Awesome experience! Caring and thorough
Fantastic experience: Wonderful service all around. Happy patient for over 20 years!
Fantastic experience: So wonderful with my 4 year old. Highly recommend both for kids and adults.
Fantastic experience: Michelle is the best!!
Fantastic experience: Dr. B is extremely communicative of every step of the process and mindful of the patient's experience, asking questions about their experience along the way and explaining what decisions are being made and why with evidence.
Fantastic experience: Everyone very friendly and professional. Happy to have returned to Richmond Dental for my care.
Fantastic experience: I switched here a few years ago and have been so pleased with my care…from the front desk staff, the hygienists, the assistants, the dentists…they’re all kind, smart and good at what they do. I had a filling done 6+ months ago by Dr Besse (my second one, ever!) and she did an excellent job at explaining everything step by step, numbing me up well, and ensuring a pain free process. Plus, her assistant Julie was awesome. Today I had a cleaning with Cindy and she did a very thorough job. My teeth look and feel so clean. 10/10 recommend Richmond Dental.
Fantastic experience: Thanks for another pleasant experience!
Fantastic experience: Being new to VT & Richmond, and spending 20 years with my last dentist team I am very happy with my transition to Richmond Dental and Dr. Novak's team. The are friendly, knowledgeable and compassionate. They made the transition painless and Cindy, my hygeinest, is wonderful. Just had my second cleaning with her and she's gentle but thorough with my sensitive teeth. I will continue to return for the foreseeable future. A+++
Fantastic experience: Please tell Michelle thank you! While I was brushing my teeth last night I realized how good they felt and that I had forgotten to thank her.
Positive experience: all in all it was a nice visit if you like going to the dentist I give the visit a solid 4
Fantastic experience: Thank you for getting me in today & for having a warm, fun feeling to your office & a team that goes above & beyond to help!
Fantastic experience: Had a very good experience today. Dr was timely, everyone was friendly and end result was better than expected. Thank you.
Fantastic experience: Very good experience all the way around.
Fantastic experience: Dr. Howard Novak has built an awesome dental practice. I am a very picky medical consumer, and I cannot say enough good about this office. Highly recommended.
Fantastic experience: Always a pleasure. Every member of this staff makes sure you are comfortable and at ease. We would never consider another dental practice.
Fantastic experience: By far the best experience I’ve had at a dentist office! Felt very welcomed by the ladies working the front desk and Dr. Besse and her dental hygienist Cindy were both amazing! I highly recommend Richmond Dental!!
Fantastic experience: Very good dentist and staff. I’ve never been treated with this much respect as a dental patient in all my 48 years. I had a clear understanding of all procedures and certainly felt welcome to and could have inquired more deeply to better ascertain the methods and process if I had felt it necessary. I feel secure with her competence and am happy and grateful to have available this level of compassion and expertise, (not all of my past dental interactions and results ——elsewhere have been quite so, er, pleasant). 5 stars!
Fantastic experience: After years of negative associations with the dentist, I’ve finally come to learn that I LOVE the dentist, thanks to the amazing team and doctors at Richmond Dental. So friendly, smart, and attentive to care.
Fantastic experience: I for 1 don't have good teeth due to health issues... Richmond Dental was referred to me by a patient of their's. I was trepaditious about going but I was encouraged by loved ones to see if I may be able to correct some of it and see me have a smile again. The staff was super welcoming understanding kind considerate gentle and respectful. With a few xrays and some poking around they made me feel calmer confident and able to understand the plight I'm in. They are going to get a few things together see what best fits my goals and needs and within my affordable range. I left there really having hope and understanding that all may not be lost for first time in forever.. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Richmond Dental. I look forward to what may be in store
Fantastic experience: Great care! Great team!
Fantastic experience: Howard and his capable team provide me with consistently great dental care. From cleanings to fillings to crowns, Richmond dental combines professional results with a friendly, small town feel. I’ve been going there for over 20 years and it’s only gotten better.
Fantastic experience: Richmond Dental is the best. Dr Novak an his team are awesome.
Fantastic experience: I moved to central Vermont a number of years ago but I still go to Richmond Dental because of the great care I get there and the wonderful staff.
Fantastic experience: Everyone that I have met at Richmond Dental is professional and personable. Hillary, my hygienist, found a well hidden cavity and made sure to bring it to my dentist’s attention. Thank you!
Fantastic experience: Dentist is not something very pleasant but this team is an expert in making you feel safe with confidence I highly recommend and thank you for the dedication of Ana my favorite
Fantastic experience: Always excellent care with thoughtful, caring hygienists and doctors.
Fantastic experience: I was concerned that a sore bump on my gum might be an abscess. The dentist was very thorough and commended me for coming in before it became a bigger issue. She was extremely careful and gentle, knowing that the area was sore. Whatever was stuck under my gum came out and I feel much better!
Fantastic experience: I recently switched to Richmond dental and could not be happier!! As a dentist daughter, my standards of excellent true patient centered care are high and I have been nothing but impressed!!!
Fantastic experience: World class care, right in Richmond, VT!
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