Best orthodontists in Columbia, SC: graded by phone audits
We phoned 12 Columbia orthodontist offices after hours and graded what a patient hears. Here is who picked up the standard, and who did not.
What is the best orthodontist in Columbia? The best orthodontist in Columbia depends on what matters most to you, but Best Ortho ranks Columbia practices on one thing we can measure: how they handle a patient's phone call after hours. 10 of 12 graded Columbia offices got an A- or better. The practices with the strongest grades are listed below.
Top-graded orthodontists in Columbia
Listed by after-hours grade, then by name. Practices with the same grade are not ranked against each other.
- John PitnerAfter-hours grade: A+
5953 Wescott Rd, 29212-2717
- Nettles GreenAfter-hours grade: A+
3741 Landmark Drive, 29204-4066
- Pitner OrthodonticsAfter-hours grade: A+
5953 Wescott Road, 29212-2717
- Richard BoydAfter-hours grade: A+
4233 Devine Street, 29205-2007
- Samuel PurnellAfter-hours grade: A+
1501 Hagood Ave, 29205-1328
5250 Clemson Ave, 29206-3042
- Thomas DavantAfter-hours grade: A+
101 Summit Pkwy, 29229-6923
- Chris JerniganAfter-hours grade: A
306 Channel Dr, 29229-7090
- Kent WashingtonAfter-hours grade: A
7621 Trenholm Road Ext., 29223-1719
- Phillip JosephAfter-hours grade: A
116 Atrium Way, 29223-6301
Last audited: September 7, 2026
Why a phone-audit grade?
Reviews tell you about the chair. They rarely tell you what happens when you call at 9 p.m. because a bracket is poking your child's cheek. We test that part, the same way every time, so you can compare offices on it.
How we grade Columbia orthodontists
Best Ortho places mystery-shopper calls to orthodontist offices after hours and grades the greeting a patient actually hears, from A+ to F.
- Calls run between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Mountain Time.
- A call is graded on whether the greeting names the practice, gives hours or a clear next step, and offers an emergency path. See the full scale on our methodology page.
- Calls that never connect (no answer, busy, failed) are left ungraded. They are not scored as a failure.
What the grades mean (and what they do not)
| Grade | What the caller heard |
|---|---|
| A+ | The practice is named, hours or a next step are given, and there is an emergency path |
| A | The practice is named, with hours or a callback offered (or a live answering service that identifies the practice) |
| A- | The practice is named, but the next step is limited |
| B+ | A generic but clear practice mailbox |
| C+ to C- | An unnamed or generic mailbox, almost no greeting, or unintelligible audio |
| D | The call reaches a different business than the one listed |
| F | The line is disconnected, the mailbox is not set up, or there is no working office number |
A grade measures the after-hours phone experience. It does not measure clinical skill. Use it as one signal alongside consultations, credentials and reviews.
What a Columbia patient can do with a grade
- Shortlist two or three offices from the top of the list.
- Book a consultation at each, and ask what to do if something breaks after hours.
- Treat the grade as one signal. It measures the phone experience, not clinical skill.
Orthodontist near me in Columbia
Looking for an orthodontist near you in Columbia? Use the directory search to filter by neighborhood or ZIP code, then compare grades before you book a consultation. Browse Columbia orthodontists
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Frequently asked questions
Who is the best orthodontist in Columbia?
There is no single best orthodontist for everyone. Best Ortho grades Columbia practices on after-hours phone handling, and the top-graded offices are listed at the top of this page. Book consultations with two or three before you decide.
How does Best Ortho grade orthodontists?
We place mystery-shopper phone calls after hours and grade the greeting from A+ to F. The grade reflects whether the practice is named, whether hours or a next step are given, and whether there is an emergency path.
Does an A+ mean the best orthodontic care?
No. An A+ means the after-hours phone experience was excellent. It does not measure treatment outcomes or clinical skill, so use it alongside consultations and credentials.
Why is my orthodontist not graded?
Some calls do not connect (no answer, busy, or a failed call), and those are left ungraded rather than scored as a failure. 12 of 13 Columbia offices have a grade today.
How often are Columbia grades updated?
The most recent Columbia call was on September 7, 2026.
Can a practice pay for a better grade?
The Recommended badge is not for sale.