MARIETTA, GA — Dr. David Zelby, DDS, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Dentist, an honor awarded to only 10% of the nation's licensed dentists each year. The recognition is based on peer nominations and selection by the Castle Connolly research team, highlighting excellence in dental specialties.
Dr. Zelby, a prosthodontist with more than 40 years of clinical experience, practices at 2860 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100, in Marietta, Georgia. He specializes in interdisciplinary care for patients requiring comprehensive oral health solutions, focusing on complex restorative and aesthetic dental conditions.
His clinical focus includes failing dental work, implant complications, severe tooth wear, traumatic dental injuries, congenital oral conditions, and specialized oral rehabilitation following cancer treatment. Key procedures performed include advanced dental implant reconstruction, full-mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry, complex restorative treatments, and interdisciplinary specialty care coordination.
To ensure optimal outcomes for complex cases, Dr. Zelby's practice features collaborative care workflows, coordinating directly with oral surgeons, periodontists, and other medical and dental specialists.
Dr. Zelby earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the New York University College of Dentistry and completed post-graduate specialty training in prosthodontics. He has served on the faculty at Emory University and is currently a Clinical Professor at Augusta University. His public service includes years as Chief of Staff at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic, where he continues in an Emeritus role. He has received the Atlanta Community Service Award, been named an Honorary Georgia Senator, and has earned ongoing accolades, including Atlanta Magazine Top Dentist honors.
"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."
Castle Connolly publishes its Top Dentists list at castleconnolly.com and in various print and online partner publications. Nominations are open to all licensed DDS, DMD, or BDS, and honorees are selected based on criteria including medical education, training, and disciplinary histories. Dentists cannot pay to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Dentist.
