White sand, green Gulf water and a fishing pier on the Florida coast.

Family dentistry in Fort Walton Beach, since 1991.

Dr. Douglas Pohl has practiced dentistry since 1986 and opened his Fort Walton Beach practice in 1991. Conservative treatment, the whole family seen together, and patients from Destin to Pensacola.

Fort Walton Beach 30+

years of experience, caring for many generations of local families.

Dr. Pohl’s professional affiliations

American Dental AssociationAffiliationFlorida Dental AssociationAffiliationUniversity of CincinnatiAlumni AssociationOhio State Dental Alumni SocietyAffiliationSmile DiscoveryPreferred provider
Dr. Douglas Pohl examining a dental model in his office.

Dr. Pohl grew up in Ohio and wanted to practice somewhere warm and sunny with no snow. He chose Fort Walton Beach for its close-knit community, opened here in 1991, and now often treats multiple generations of the same family.

For Dr. Pohl, no treatment is too great or small. From a routine cleaning to a full mouth reconstruction, the approach is the same: only what you need, done carefully.

An aerial view of Gulf beachfront and the sound behind it on the Florida Panhandle.

How this practice works

Three habits behind thirty-plus years.

Dr. Pohl believes in conservative treatment and will only recommend what your teeth actually need. These three habits come with that.

A patient relaxing in a dental chair with a nitrous oxide nosepiece.
01

Nobody has to grit their teeth through it

The problem: putting off the dentist because the last visit was frightening.

Two kinds of sedation are offered here: nitrous oxide, breathed through a small mask over the nose, and oral conscious sedation. Both are safe and effective in helping you relax, and they are available for everything from a cleaning to a root canal.

A VELscope oral cancer screening device.
02

A cancer screening at every exam

The problem: unhealthy tissue is not always easy to tell apart from healthy tissue.

VELscope® oral cancer screening is part of every preventive exam. The handheld device makes abnormal tissue easier to see, and early detection can dramatically improve the prognosis. Digital x-rays keep radiation low.

Porcelain veneers resting on a dental mirror.
03

Porcelain from a lab he has trusted for 20 years

The problem: a crown or veneer that never quite matches.

Dr. Pohl has worked with the same dental restoration lab for over 20 years. Crowns are made in IPS e.max® and Empress® ceramics, and if a veneer is not right, he will not hesitate to send it back until it is.

Dr. Douglas Pohl, DDS, smiling, in a white checked shirt.
1991
The year Dr. Pohl opened his Fort Walton Beach office.

Meet your dentist

Dr. Douglas Pohl, DDS

An Ohio native who has practiced dentistry since 1986. He takes the time to get to know you and your needs, takes a conservative approach, and will never recommend unnecessary procedures.

  • Over 30 years of experienceGeneral, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including root canals he completes himself rather than referring out.
  • The whole family, togetherDr. Pohl can see your whole family during the same appointment, and treats multiple generations of the same families.
  • Conservative by principleTreatment is designed to be minimally invasive and to preserve as much of your own tooth as possible.
  • Professional affiliationsThe American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association and the University of Cincinnati Alumni Association.

Dentistry in Fort Walton Beach, FL

From a cleaning to a whole new smile.

Dr. Pohl is experienced in virtually all areas of dentistry, so the whole family can see one dentist for almost everything.

A clear model of dental implants supporting a row of replacement teeth.

Dental Implants

Titanium posts that replace tooth roots and support a crown, bridge or denture. Traditional and mini implants, in titanium or zirconia, restored to match your smile.

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A set of thin porcelain veneers held on a dental mirror.

Porcelain Veneers

Thin porcelain shells that cover chips, cracks, gaps and stains. One of Dr. Pohl's favorite procedures, with IPS e.max® veneers and minimal-prep LUMINEERS® for the right candidates.

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A dentist in gloves holding a partial denture.

Dentures

Full and partial dentures, traditional or implant-supported. If a denture breaks but still fits well, Dr. Pohl can repair it the same day.

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A clear dental model showing the root canal inside a tooth.

Root Canal Therapy

Many general dentists refer root canals to an endodontist. Dr. Pohl performs the entire treatment in his office, with sedation if you would like it.

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A ceramic crown being placed on a dental model with a dental instrument.

Dental Crowns

Digital impressions instead of messy putty, and a crown in IPS e.max® or Empress® ceramic, hand-finished by a trusted lab in about two weeks.

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A smiling young girl in a dental chair during a checkup.

Family & General Dentistry

Checkups and cleanings, fluoride and sealants for children, and tooth-colored fillings. Children, parents and grandparents under one roof.

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The complete list.

Cosmetic

One treatment, or several combined into a smile makeover you plan with Dr. Pohl. Whitening usually comes first, so everything else can be matched to it.

  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Dental Bonding
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Snap-On Smile®
  • VI Peel®
Ask about a treatment →

Restorative

Putting teeth back, with restorations made to match the size, shape and luster of your natural teeth.

  • Dental Implants
  • Dental Crowns
  • Dental Bridges
  • Dentures (Partial and Full)
  • Dental Flippers
  • Full Mouth Reconstruction
  • Root Canal Therapy
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General & Preventive

Checkups every six months or so, with a VELscope® screening each time, and extractions, including wisdom teeth, done in-house.

  • Cleanings and Exams
  • Preventive Dentistry
  • Family Dentistry
  • Fillings
  • Sealants
  • Extractions
  • Wisdom Tooth Removal
  • Sports Mouth Guards
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Comfort, TMJ & Emergencies

Nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, custom nightguards for grinding, and emergency care, even after normal business hours.

  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Emergency Dentistry
  • Teeth Grinding
  • TMJ Disorder Treatment
Ask about a treatment →

New patients & emergencies

Toothache or a broken tooth? Call first.

After a dental emergency, the team will do everything they can to see you as soon as possible. You can message online, but phoning the office is the quickest way to reach Dr. Pohl.

  1. New patients of any age are welcome, with or without insurance
  2. Exams include a cleaning, a VELscope® screening and digital x-rays if needed
  3. Nervous? Let Dr. Pohl know, and he will explain both sedation options
  4. Not been in years? That is nothing to be embarrassed about
The single-story office of Dr. Douglas Pohl, DDS, at 31 Perry Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach, with its car park in front.
31 Perry Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach. Parking right outside the door.

Insurance

Dr. Pohl accepts dental insurance from most providers. The team can confirm your coverage before treatment and help you make the most of your benefits. Out-of-network patients can still be seen, paying directly or with financing.

CareCredit® financing

CareCredit breaks the cost of treatment into manageable monthly payments. It is useful for care insurance does not cover, such as veneers and whitening, and the team can work with you on a plan that suits your budget.

Military families welcome

The practice is proud to welcome military families with the same respectful, patient-first care, alongside patients from Destin, Pensacola and across the Panhandle.

Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google

What patients say after years in his chair.

★★★★★
Dr. Pohl is the most talented, knowledgeable, and kind dentist I have ever known, and I’ve had a lot of dental work done all over the country. Dr. Pohl and his team are by far the best. PandoraBrynGoogle review
★★★★★
When you walk into the office, it has a family vibe. That feeling is what helps me relax. I could never compliment enough to do everyone justice. Not only has Dr Pohl taken great care of me for years, he also has taken fantastic care of both of my children. I highly recommend Dr Pohl and his well trained and friendly staff. Teresa HowardGoogle review
★★★★★
I have a HUGE fear of any dental work. Visiting Dr. Pohl’s office felt welcoming and everyone was very helpful in answering my questions. I have anxiety in general but they were able to provide me with Nitrous during my filling and have these exotic birds you can watch ☺️ Having no insurance at the time, they were able to help me with payments. The nurses and staff are so nice! I will be back! A LGoogle review
★★★★★
Best dentist. I have been with Dr Pohl for over 20 years . I completely trust him taking care of any and all issues I have had with my teeth Vickie RobersonGoogle review
★★★★★
Dr. Pohl and his entire staff are true professionals! They have provided EXCELLENT service to me and my brother for several years. They are welcoming, kind, courteous, extremely efficient, and talented. But, most of all, they CARE about their patients and the needs of their patients ALWAYS come first! We highly recommend Dr. Pohl and his entire staff! Katherine VerzwyveltGoogle review

Common questions

What people ask before they book.

Do you take my insurance?

Dr. Pohl accepts dental insurance from most providers. Call the office and the team will review your plan, check whether we are in your network, and help you make the most of your benefits. Out-of-network patients can still be seen, paying directly or with CareCredit financing.

I get nervous at the dentist. What can you do?

Tell us when you call. Dr. Pohl offers two kinds of sedation: nitrous oxide, breathed through a small mask over the nose, and oral conscious sedation. If you choose oral sedation, you will need someone to drive you to and from the office, because the effects take a few hours to wear off.

Do you see children?

Yes. Dr. Pohl treats patients of all ages, and the American Dental Association recommends a child's first visit within six months of the first tooth coming in. For younger patients he recommends fluoride treatments every six months, and sealants can help protect the chewing surfaces.

Something hurts or has broken. Can I be seen quickly?

Phone the office on (850) 243-0800 rather than messaging online. The team will do everything they can to see you as soon as possible, and Dr. Pohl offers services even after normal business hours.

Will I be sent to a specialist for a root canal?

Usually not. Dr. Pohl performs the entire root canal treatment in his office rather than referring you to an endodontist. A single tooth typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, over two appointments.

Where are you, and who do you see?

31 Perry Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Patients come from Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Pensacola and across the Florida Panhandle, and self-referrals are welcome, with or without dental insurance.

Visit us

On Perry Avenue, in Fort Walton Beach.

Address
31 Perry Ave SE
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548

Serving Destin, Pensacola and the Panhandle
Phone
(850) 243-0800
For emergencies, please phone
Hours
Monday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Please call to confirm, especially around holidays.

Tell us what you need, and we will call you back.

A member of the team will contact you to confirm a time. If you are in pain, please phone instead. Please do not send private health information through this form.

✓ Most insurance accepted ✓ Sedation available ✓ CareCredit® financing