MARIETTA, GA – Dr. David Zelby, DDS, a prosthodontist with more than four decades of clinical experience, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Dentist. This recognition is reserved for the top 10% of licensed dentists nationwide, chosen for their expertise in their respective regions.
Dr. Zelby practices at 2860 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100, in Marietta, Georgia, where he specializes in complex restorative and aesthetic dental care. His focus includes failing dental work, implant complications, severe tooth wear, traumatic injuries, congenital conditions, and oral rehabilitation following cancer treatment. He offers advanced implant reconstruction, full-mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic procedures, and complex restorative treatments, often coordinating care with oral surgeons, periodontists, and other specialists to ensure optimal outcomes.
“Being recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Dentist is a tremendous honor because it reflects the respect of my professional peers,” said Dr. Zelby. “Throughout my career, I have believed that exceptional dentistry begins with listening, careful diagnosis, and developing a thoughtful treatment plan tailored to each individual. Every patient deserves honest guidance based on experience and evidence to achieve the healthiest, most predictable outcome.” He added that the recognition reinforces the values of integrity, compassion, and treating patients like family.
Dr. Zelby earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry and completed post-graduate specialty training in prosthodontics. Beyond his practice, he has contributed to dental education as a former faculty member at Emory University and currently serves as a Clinical Professor at Augusta University. His public service includes years as Chief of Staff at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic, where he remains in an Emeritus role. He has received the Atlanta Community Service Award and been recognized as an Honorary Georgia Senator, along with multiple Atlanta Magazine Top Dentist honors.
Castle Connolly Top Dentists are selected by a research team based on peer nominations, evaluating criteria such as medical education, training, and disciplinary history. According to the organization, dentists cannot pay to be selected. The full list is published at castleconnolly.com and in partner publications.
This recognition matters because it signals a high standard of professional excellence in a field where patient trust is paramount. For patients seeking complex dental care, being treated by a peer-nominated specialist like Dr. Zelby can provide confidence in the quality and reliability of their treatment. The selection process, which excludes paid placement, underscores the credibility of the honor and the significance of Dr. Zelby’s achievement.
