Aim and objective: To assess the practice of preventive dentistry among the private dental professionals in Chennai. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among the private dental practitioners in Chennai. A sample size of 200 private dental practitioners was randomly selected. Percentage responses were calculated and mean percentages were obtained. Results: Of 200 dentists, only 120 responded (response rate = 60%). The majority of the respondents were MDS holders (60.8%) and also the majority had experience in private practice for about 1–10 years (60%). The desirable practices followed are self-applied fluoride, pit-and-fissure sealant, oral hygiene measures, recall reinforcement, tobacco cessation counseling, screening for a premalignant lesion, and preventive orthodontics. The undesirable practices are diet counseling, professional fluoride application, and nicotine replacement therapy. Most of the dentists opted for preventive measures, only on a risk basis and in cases of absolute indications, thereby giving a desirable response. Conclusion: The study concluded that the practice of preventive measures was encouraging and toward a path of change. Constant efforts must be made by the private dental practitioners to create a path along with preventive dentistry.