Dr. David Zelby, DDS, a prosthodontist in Marietta, Georgia, 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, based on peer nominations and selection by the Castle Connolly research team, highlights Dr. Zelby's expertise in complex restorative and aesthetic dental care.
Dr. Zelby, who practices at 2860 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100, brings more than four decades of clinical experience to his patients. He specializes in treating failing dental work, implant complications, severe tooth wear, traumatic dental injuries, congenital oral conditions, and oral rehabilitation following cancer treatment. His practice offers advanced procedures such as dental implant reconstruction, full-mouth rehabilitation, and cosmetic dentistry, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration 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."
Dr. Zelby's educational background includes a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the New York University College of Dentistry and post-graduate specialty training in prosthodontics. He has also contributed to dental education, having served on the faculty at Emory University and currently holding a position as 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. His civic leadership has earned him the Atlanta Community Service Award, recognition as an Honorary Georgia Senator, and ongoing honors such as Atlanta Magazine Top Dentist.
Castle Connolly Top Dentists are selected based on criteria including medical education, training, and disciplinary history. Dentists cannot pay to be included on the list. The full list is published at castleconnolly.com and in partner publications.
