What Holidays Are Dentist Offices Closed? Your Essential Guide to Holiday Hours & Emergency Care

At some time, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Is my dentist open on this holiday?” Maybe you have a sore tooth just before Thanksgiving, or you chip a tooth on Christmas Eve—only to see every sign in town say CLOSED. If you’ve ever felt unsure what to do, you’re not the only one. Life can be surprising, so it helps to know when you can count on your dentist—and what to do if you can’t.

Let’s make things simple. We’ll go over which days dentists usually close, how to plan for holiday hours, and what to do if you have a dental problem and your dentist is away.

In This Article

• Introduction: The Holiday Dilemma at the Dentist
• The Most Common Holidays When Dentist Offices Close
• Why Dental Offices Observe These Holidays
• How to Confirm If Your Dentist Is Closed On a Holiday
• What To Do If You Have a Dental Emergency on a Holiday
• Pro Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies Before Holidays
• Frequently Asked Questions About Dentist Office Holiday Hours
• Wrapping Up: Your Holiday Dental Health Checklist

Introduction: The Holiday Dilemma at the Dentist

It can be frustrating to find out your dentist is closed just when you need them. Whether you want a routine checkup, have a dental emergency, or you’re planning a family visit, holiday closures can catch people by surprise. But there’s good news: you can get ready and keep your smile fine all year.

This guide will make it easy to see not just when dentists close for holidays, but why it happens, how to check your local office’s schedule, and how to handle emergencies if your dentist’s office is closed.

The Most Common Holidays When Dentist Offices Close

Almost every dental office—private, pediatric, or big dental groups—closes for some important holidays. Knowing these days can save you time, trouble, and maybe even a toothache.

Holidays When Dentists Are Almost Always Closed

You can be pretty sure your dental office will be closed on these days:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (first Monday in September)
• Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

Nearly every dental place—big or small—closes for these six holidays. Groups like the American Dental Association recommend closing on these days for tradition, to give workers a break, and to match other healthcare places.

Sometimes Closed: “Gray Area” Holidays

Here is where it’s not so simple. Many dental offices close on these days, but not all:

• Christmas Eve (December 24) – Some offices close for the whole day or a half day.
• Day After Thanksgiving (Black Friday) – Many offices take this day off.
• New Year’s Eve (December 31) – Some places close early or take the day off.

Depending on where you live, some more holidays might be included—like Good Friday, Easter Monday, or Juneteenth. Dental offices might also close for staff training or company events.

Other Closures—(Less Common)

Some offices, like those linked to public health or local government, may close on:

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Veterans Day
• Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• State/local holidays (like Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts)
• Religious holidays (e.g., Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid al-Fitr)

The best way to be sure? Double-check with your dentist, as we’ll show below.

Why Dental Offices Observe These Holidays

It’s not just about old habits or taking off work. Dental offices close for important holidays for some simple reasons:

It’s like everyone taking a break at the same time to make things work better the rest of the year.

How to Confirm If Your Dentist Is Closed On a Holiday

Here’s the honest answer: every office sets its own holiday hours. The list above is a guide, but don’t leave it to chance—especially if you need care around a holiday. Here’s how to find out for sure:

1. Call Your Dentist’s Office Directly

This is the best way. Call your clinic’s main number. If they’re closed, they might have a machine message about holiday hours, or you might hear an emergency number.

2. Check The Office Website

Most offices update their websites a week or two before holidays. Look for an “hours,” “contact us,” or “news” page to find updates.

3. Watch Social Media

Lots of offices use Facebook, Instagram, or Google to share updates. They might put up holiday closure graphics or reminders.

4. Look for In-Office Signs

If you’re in the building, check the desk or door. Most offices put up paper signs showing holiday hours a few weeks ahead.

5. Listen to The Phone Message

If you call at night or near holidays, many places update their phone greetings with their plans.

Bonus: Email and Newsletters

Some clinics send emails or newsletters about their holiday schedule.

> Tip: If you’re with a dental group (like china dental lab), they often have set holiday calendars—just ask to be sure!

What To Do If You Have a Dental Emergency on a Holiday

Dental problems have bad timing—they rarely wait for work hours. A broken tooth, tooth pain, or lost filling can seem even worse when your dentist is closed.

Don’t be scared! You still have things you can do:

1. Call Your Dentist First

Even when closed, many clinics have messages or an answering service. Some give an emergency number or care details. Try calling—don’t just guess.

2. Find An Urgent Dental Care Clinic

Some dental places or “emergency dentists” are open on holidays and weekends. Search online:

• “Emergency dentist open near me”
• “Urgent dental care holiday hours”
• “Walk-in dental clinic Thanksgiving”

Google or Yelp can help you find these, and many show their hours online.

3. If You’re in Bad Pain or It’s Unsafe—Go to The ER

Some mouth problems are medical emergencies. Go straight to the ER if you have:

• Very heavy bleeding in your mouth
• Big swelling in your face or jaw, especially with fever
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Warning signs of infection (hot, red skin, or confusion)

Note: The ER can help with pain or infection, but can’t do full dental work like fillings or root canals.

4. Handle The Problem Until You Get Care

For smaller issues, you can try these steps until you see a dentist:

• Take over-the-counter pain meds (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as shown on the box.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water to help fight germs.
• For a broken tooth or lost filling, dental wax or temp filling kits from pharmacy can help for now.

If nothing else, take a deep breath—most dental problems can wait a little while, and you still have options, even on holidays.

Pro Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies Before Holidays

Wouldn’t you rather enjoy your holiday instead of looking for an emergency dentist? Planning ahead can help you stay out of trouble:

1. Book Regular Dental Visits Early

The busiest times for most dental offices are just before big holidays, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Try to book checkups or fillings at least a month before the holiday rush.

2. Fix Little Problems Before They Get Big

If you have a small toothache, sore gum, or loose filling, don’t wait. These small issues can turn into big headaches—often when your dentist is away!

3. Write Down Emergency Contact Info

Ask your dentist how they deal with after-hours or holiday emergencies. Save that number in your phone.

4. Keep Up With Good Oral Care

Brush, floss, and rinse, especially when you’re eating more sweets, candy, or soda.

5. Pack a Basic Dental Kit When Traveling

If you’re going away for the holidays, bring a small kit: pain pills, dental wax, a temp filling kit, some salt, and your dentist’s info.

> Like packing an umbrella for a trip—you might not need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you brought it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dentist Office Holiday Hours

Still not sure? Here are answers to common questions.

“Are dentists open on federal holidays?”

Almost all close for the big six: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Other holidays like Veterans Day or Presidents’ Day can change, depending on the office.

“Are emergency dentists open on holidays?”

Yes! In most cities, some urgent dental care offices are open during holidays. Try searching for “urgent dental care near me” and the holiday name to check.

“How do I check my dentist’s holiday hours?”

Call them, look at their website, or check their latest post on social media. Some patients get email or text updates, too.

“Can I go to the ER for dental pain during the holidays?”

If you have strong pain, swelling and fever, or signs of infection—and can’t reach a dentist—the ER is a safe choice. They can help with pain or infection and help you get dental care soon after.

“Why do dentists close but stores stay open on holidays?”

Dental offices are often small businesses or healthcare places. They give their workers a real break, unlike some stores where staff work different shifts and the business depends on being open all the time.

“What about dental specialists like orthodontists or surgeons?”

Specialists usually close for the same holidays as regular dentists, but sometimes take even more days off. Always check their office before making plans.

Wrapping Up: Your Holiday Dental Health Checklist

Here’s the main idea: A little planning can stop a holiday dental problem before it starts! Keep this list handy—your teeth (and your future self) will thank you.

Holiday Dental Checklist:

• Know The Main Holidays: Your dentist will be closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Other Days? Always Ask: For days like Christmas Eve, Black Friday, or New Year’s Eve, call or check with your clinic.
• Know How Your Dentist Tells You About Closures: Is it their website, phone message, email, or social media? Find out.
• Have An Emergency Plan: Save your dentist’s emergency number. Learn which urgent dental clinics are open near you.
• Fix Problems Before Holidays Start: Don’t wait if you have a broken tooth or a lost filling!
• Keep Up Good Habits: Holidays bring more treats, so brush, floss, and rinse to stop problems before they start.
• Bring a Travel Dental Kit: Especially important if you’re going away for the holidays.

Stay Ready: Take Care of Your Teeth, Even On Holidays!

Planning ahead may not stop every problem, but it helps a lot. Take care of your teeth, and reach out for help if you need it—even on holidays.

If you want to learn more about up-to-date dental options, like dental-implant solutions, the benefits of a modern digital dental lab, or the latest on emax restorations, check out our other guides.

And remember, when you’re not sure—just ask. Dentists and their teams work hard so your holidays are healthy and happy.

Here’s to stress-free holidays… and a smile all year long.

References:

• American Dental Association (ADA): ada.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Dental Emergency Data
• Local Dental Association Data on Holiday Practices

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jane Doe, DDS.

Have questions or need help making an appointment? Call your dentist or an urgent care office near you.