In 2007, Dantes underwent a change of image, moving from boy-next-door to a more mature sexy look which boosted his popularity and led to different roles. His home network selected him to portray the lead role Sergio, and for the first time, he was teamed-up with Marián Rivera, who had portrayed the role of Marimar in the GMA Teleserye version of MariMar, which was a phenomenal hit on national television. During the same period, he was also named No. 1 Bachelor of 2007 by Cosmopolitan Magazine (Philippines).He also won the USTV Students’ Choice Award for Most Popular Actor in a Drama/Mini-series.
In 2008, he was cast by his home studio to play the role of Fredo, love interest of Dyesebel, who was portrayed by Marian Rivera. In March 2008, he debuted as the Bench's newest image model, along with Richard Gómez, who portrayed his father in MARIMAR. He was then formally launched as image model for Bench in the "Bench Blackout Underwear and Denim Fashion Show." A few weeks after being launched by Bench, he was also launched by Ibuprofen Medicol as their newest endorser, and many other companies have shown an interest in getting him as their endorser.
On August 22, 2008, Dantes was chosen as one of the 25 Sexiest Men of the World list in the Entertainment Television special. Dantes was the only Filipino in the list and the highest-ranking Asian, featuring along the world's sexiest male celebrities including Dan Carter (New Zealand), actor Gilles Marini (France), actor and fashion model Michael Lewis (Israel), singer Kostas Martakis (Greece) and footballer and model David Beckham. Dantes was placed 3rd in the list.
Also in 2008, Dantes starred in a movie with Iza Calzado and Marián Rivera entitled One True Love. The Cinema Evaluation Board of the Philippines rated the film a B. It was well received by the audience and critics alike. In early 2009, Dantes appeared with Marian Rivera on Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang.
Dantes was chosen as Myx Guest VJ in August 2009 to promote his album The Dingdong Dantes Experience.The album turned gold just a week after it was released on the variety show SOP and just before end of August, Yes magazine released a special edition which features Dantes.
Dantes was chosen to portray the role of "Cholo" in the Philippine adaptation of the Koreanovela Stairway To Heaven, which is one of top-rated koreanovelas on GMA Network garnering 40+ percent of ratings according to AGB Nielsen Philippines. This is the first time that Dantes has worked with Rhian Ramos as his leading lady. He will replace Richard Gomez as the new host for Family Feud.
In 2010, Dantes will release his reunion movie with Marian Rivera via You Are To Me Are Everything that will hit theaters on May. He also part of Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid U.S tour on mid May-June with Marian Rivera as special guests. In mid June or July, Endless Love remake will premiere on GMA Telebabad block. Others projects included a guesting in one of Claudine Barreto show- Claudine .