The 5 best dentists in Canberra that can help you smile brighter
I’ve always been anxious when going to the dentist, and since oral care is a must, I need to find the best dentist for me. But diving into online reviews and clinic websites made me feel like I’d spent a week in a dentist’s chair, minus the numbing gel.
Gladly, I found out that Canberra has no shortage of dental services, from cosmetic touch-ups to urgent root canals, and even preventive dentistry. But let’s be honest, choosing the right clinic can feel like pulling teeth.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best dental clinics in Canberra, based on client feedback and what each clinic offers. Whether you’re chasing a brighter smile or just want a check-up without dreading it, this list should help you narrow things down.
How much does a dental service cost in Canberra?
Dental services in Canberra cost depending on the treatment type, with routine check-ups including cleaning ranging from $150 to $250, while fillings can start from $200, and more complex procedures like root canals or crowns may exceed $1,500.
1. Mawson Dental Care
Address: 3/142-152 Mawson PI, Mawson
Phone: 02 6290 0055
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mawson Dental Care balances friendly service with clinical precision. Their services span everything from family and preventive dentistry to veneers, implants, and Invisalign treatments.
Several patients online praised their dentists for being calm, clear in explanations, and good with kids, making this practice a solid option for families. The clinic itself looks spotless and modern, with efficient appointment scheduling and good wait times.
However, a few client reviews mentioned that the clinic could benefit from more weekend availability for busy professionals. Also, even though they offer online booking, some mentioned that there are occasional delays in confirming bookings made online.
Sweet, caring, and incredibly patient
“We’ve been going to Mawson Dental for years, myself, my daughter, and even my 98-year-old mother, and we’ve always had wonderful experiences. Most recently, my mum had an appointment, and Michelle, the dental hygienist, was absolutely lovely. She was so sweet, caring, and incredibly patient with Mum, which made the whole visit so much easier. All the staff are consistently obliging, professional, and welcoming. It’s a comfort knowing that every generation of our family is in such good hands. Highly recommend!”
– Vivienne Walters, Google Review
Kind and welcoming staff
“My experiences with Mawson Dental Care have been nothing but positive. It has been my choice for regular dental check ups and consulting while living in both Canberra and Sydney. The staff have always been kind and welcoming. I always have complete confidence in my appointments with Dr Honeybone – he is professional, meticulous and kind. Mawson Dental Care will always be my highest recommendation for dental care.”
– Isaiah Bondfield, Google Review
2. Preventive Dentistry
Address: Unit 51, Level 1 Habitat 38 Mort Street, Braddon
Phone: 02 6171 2088
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm (alternate Saturdays)
Preventive Dentistry takes a science-based approach to oral health. They focus on long-term prevention rather than just treating symptoms, which is perfect for patients seeking a more holistic view.
Their loyal clients often mention their love of the practice’s use of advanced tools like digital imaging and decay risk assessments. One standout feature is their long-form educational blog, which helps demystify procedures.
The downside? It’s a busy clinic, so you may need to book well in advance, especially for popular practitioners. They also have limited availability for short-notice bookings.
Their consultation fee is also on the higher end, especially for sought-after practitioners.
Professional and thorough
“I had a really great experience at Preventive Dentistry. From the moment I walked in, I felt well looked after. Dr. Scott was not only professional and thorough but also incredibly kind and humorous, something I genuinely appreciated, especially since dental visits can be nerve-wracking for me. The restorative work I had done was surprisingly comfortable, and the whole process was clearly explained, which helped me feel at ease throughout. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a dentist in Canberra who knows what they’re doing—professional, kind, and genuinely cares about their patients.”
– Sean Kim, Google Review
True professional with deep care for patients
“I have known Dr Scott Park for 10 years. He has treated my family and now my grandchildren. Scott has an ability to make you feel relaxed and reassured; he is the most caring health professional you could experience. He is softly spoken but very passionate and articulate in his work as a dentist. I recently had a number of dental restorations which changed my appearance and made me feel like a new man. Scott is so particular in ensuring the patient is happy and he will go above and beyond to make sure his patients are satisfied with his work. I highly recommend Scott to anyone considering dental work. He is a true professional who cares deeply about his patients. We as a family are blessed to have him as our dentist.”
– Len Button, Google Review
3. Civic Gentle Dental Care
Address: Suite 8, Level 3/161 London Cct, Canberra
Phone: 02 6247 0224
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday, by appointment only
Civic Gentle Dental Care markets itself as a “gentle” dentist, and judging from the online reviews and feedback gathered from our interviews, they deliver on that promise.
Patients frequently describe the team as calm, patient, and highly attentive to their comfort.
Their services include everything from general dentistry to implants and teeth whitening. They also offer sedation dentistry options for those with dental anxiety.
In addition, they cater to same-day emergency appointments, such as dental abscesses or uncontrolled bleeding, so if you need immediate dental care, they can help.
Still, some reviewers said that parking can be tricky in the city, so plan ahead if you’re driving in.
Positive dental experience
“Dr John Choi did a great job cleaning my teeth and wasn’t too hard on me for leaving it way too long between check ups. All my experiences here have been positive with the dentists being very communicative about what was happening and making space for me to ask for breaks. It really is a great dentist in my opinion.”
– Claire Lewis, Google Review
Very friendly and helpful staff
“Going to the dentist has always been difficult for me. So for the times that I have to go and visit a dentist, I’m very grateful for the excellent and supportive service provided by Dr John Choi and the very friendly and helpful staff. Thank you to all for making these dental visits less stressful.”
– Rudolf Barth, Google Review
4. Molonglo Dental Surgery
Address: Unit 5 (Medical Hub Health Centre), 110 Woodberry Ave, Coombs
Phone: 02 6287 1222
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday to Sunday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Molonglo Dental Surgery shines for its straightforward, patient-focused approach. Their services cover general check-ups, crowns, and even sleep dentistry.
One feature that impressed me is their weekend operating hours and bulk billing for eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, or CDBS. If your child is eligible for the CDBS benefit, you can claim it during your appointment.
Many reviews mention the caring nature of the dentists and staff, and some even share that they return despite living outside the area—which says a lot about the quality of care the clinic provides.
That said, a few users have wished for more online appointment slots and updates on service delays.
Dental checks are easy and pain-free
“Emily has been my dentist for the past few years, and she is fantastic. She’s very kind and gentle, and always explains what she’s doing and why. She is also thorough, keeps track of ongoing potential issues, and lets you know if you are doing a good job caring for your teeth + gives tips and advice. The whole staff at Molonglo Dental are patient, they follow up and provide reminders of appointments, and make the whole process of having regular dental checks/care really easy and pain-free.”
– Abigail Manning, Google Review
Helps ease fear in children
“Molongo Dental Clinic is amazing. The staff, the overall interior, and aura of the place, just awesome. We saw Doctor Monica & Doctor Emily. Both were excellent and very helpful. They assisted and assured us with confidence. The children’s dental room featured a boisterous, friendly green dinosaur and a large statue, helping ease all fear in children. The common anxiety and coldness common in dental clinics were not here, and rest assured, we were in good hands.”
– Himani Seth, Google Review
5. Canberra Dental Care
Address: 3-4/33 Allara St
Phone: 02 6248 0161
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Canberra Dental Care stands out with its comprehensive services that cater to every age group. From custom mouthguards and sleep dentistry to emergency extractions and teeth whitening, their services are diverse and well-rounded.
The practice is family-owned and has been operating in the city for decades, which adds to their trust factor. Reviewers often comment on the friendliness of the front desk staff and the way procedures are explained without using jargon.
One common drawback, though, is that their city location makes parking a bit difficult during the weekday peak hours (12:00 pm to 1:00 pm).
Their Tuesday and Thursday mornings (8:00 am to 11:00 am) are also especially busy since many patients book early in the morning. Since they close early during Fridays, their midday slot (9:00 am to 12:00 pm) is usually packed.
So, if you have an appointment with them, make sure to come in early to secure a parking spot.
Upfront and transparent costing
“The rooms and equipment are very bright and modern. All the staff I deal with are smiling and friendly. As a bit of a nervous patient, Nicholas made me feel totally comfortable during the entire consultation. He explained all examinations and procedures clearly, step by step. Costings are upfront and transparent. Canberra Dental Care makes an otherwise yucky experience quite tolerable. I think they’re terrific.”
– Christopher Quail, Google Review
Professional and with good chairside manner
“So grateful for the amazing job Nick and his team do. I’ve been a patient at this dental surgery for over 15 years. I can’t recommend them highly enough for their professionalism, chairside manner, and how happy I am with my teeth.”
– Janet Boyd, Google Review