The 5 best emergency dentists in Canberra for fast relief
Dental emergencies are never planned—they hit you in the middle of dinner, right before a big presentation, or worse, on a weekend when you assume no clinic will be open.
I’ve had my fair share of last-minute scrambles for dental care, and that experience inspired me to put together this guide. Instead of panicking when pain strikes, you’ll know exactly who to call.
For this article, I reviewed some of Canberra’s most reliable emergency dentists by checking their official websites, exploring patient feedback, and comparing the scope of their services.
How much does an emergency dentist cost in Canberra?
Emergency dental consultations usually range from $150 to $300, depending on the time of day, the complexity of the treatment, and whether after-hours services are required. Additional procedures such as extractions, fillings, or root canals will increase the overall cost.
1. Molonglo Dental Surgery
Address: Unit 5 (Medical Hub Health Centre), 110 Woodberry Ave, Coombs
Phone: 02 6287 1222 / 0457123000 (after-hours emergency)
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Molonglo Dental Surgery has built a strong reputation in Canberra for being a reliable go-to in emergencies. Their team is well-versed in handling urgent dental situations, such as broken teeth, infection, and unexpected pain.
What I find reassuring about their approach is the emphasis on same-day appointments, making them a dependable option when time is critical.
Patients often highlight the clinic’s calm, professional atmosphere, which can be comforting during stressful visits. On the plus side, they combine modern technology with personalised care, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
The downside is that they close by early afternoon on Saturdays and don’t operate on Sundays, which could be inconvenient for weekend emergencies.
Still, the consistent praise they receive for patient comfort and clear communication makes them one of the most reliable practices in the city.
An amazing experience
“I had an amazing experience at Molonglo Dental. I had to get two molars extracted today and was feeling quite anxious about the procedure. But Dr. Monica made the whole process incredibly smooth, quick, and almost painless. She is very knowledgeable, gentle, and clearly experienced. I felt safe and well looked after throughout the entire appointment. The entire team was equally wonderful. They all helped create a calm and friendly environment, which made a big difference for me.
Highly recommend Molonglo Dental to anyone looking for quality dental care with a caring team!”
– Ranjana Chapagain, Google Review
Gentle, thorough, and very attentive
“Dr. Monica at Molonglo Dental Surgery is amazing! I was a bit anxious going in, but she made me feel completely comfortable and relaxed. She was gentle, thorough, and very attentive to how I was feeling throughout the appointment. The staff were also super friendly and welcoming. It’s clear they care about their patients. So glad I found this place—thank you, Dr. Monica!”
– Paras Thapa, Google Review
2. Village Dental
Address: Kambah Village Shopping Centre, 22 Primmer Ct, Kambah
Phone: 02 6231 7065
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Village Dental, in Kambah Village Shopping Centre, has been serving Canberra families for decades and is well-prepared to handle emergencies. Their dentists are praised for their gentle approach and ability to accommodate same-day urgent care.
Their website makes it clear that patients with sudden dental pain or trauma are prioritised, which is exactly what you want when a toothache refuses to wait.
Their clinic offers a wide range of treatments, including emergency extractions, repair of chipped teeth, and relief from infection-related pain. Patients appreciate the friendly reception staff who do their best to schedule urgent cases quickly.
On the downside, the clinic has shorter weekend availability and doesn’t provide after-hours services, which could be limiting for late-night emergencies.
However, their reputation for professional, patient-centered care makes them an excellent choice during regular hours.
Highly recommended
“Dr.Biyani and her assistant are two of the nicest and comfortable people in the industry. For someone that hasn’t been to a dentist in a very long time, it was one of the most safe and happy feeling places I’ve ever been to in general! Dr. Biyani went above and beyond to make sure that I was comfortable and not in any pain through the entire procedure, and never judged. Highly recommend this practice.”
– Missy Suzor, Google Review
Fantastic job
“Dr. Biyani did a fantastic job with my tooth filling—the photo speaks for itself! 🦷❤️ I was able to book an appointment the same day, and they were happy to accommodate me as a new patient. Thank you so much!”
– Mary Yap (Dee), Google Review
3. Northside Family Dental
Address: MARKETPLACE Business Centre ONE, Suite 1.7, Level 1, 33 Hibberson St, Gungahlin
Phone: (02) 6242 7777
Business hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Northside Family Dental offers dedicated emergency dental services, clearly advertising their ability to handle everything from severe pain to sudden injuries. Located conveniently in the city centre, they’re easy to reach when time is of the essence.
Their team is known for providing a calm and supportive environment—something that stands out in the feedback we collected from patients who arrived stressed but left reassured.
They also provide comprehensive follow-up care, ensuring that emergencies aren’t just patched up temporarily but addressed in the long term.
One possible drawback is that after-hours availability isn’t always guaranteed, which means you may need to call ahead to confirm immediate slots.
Additionally, while their city-centre location is convenient, parking can be challenging during peak hours (10:00 am to 2:00 pm). Still, they stand out as a highly professional and efficient option for urgent dental needs.
Positive dental experience
“Dr Shilpa Kalburgi is fantastic, she conducted thorough dental exam and took her precious time to explain everything in detail, making sure I understood what was going on with my dental health. It’s very rare to find a dentist who is not only skilled but takes the time to communicate so well. Overall, I had a positive dental experience at Northside Family Dental and highly recommend the dental services at Northside Family Dental. I am very grateful that I have finally found my Canberra Dentist!”
– Malik Shahzad, Google Review
Five stars without a doubt
“Dr Shilpa and her dental team are truly amazing. They went above and beyond to make me feel very comfortable, well taken care of & do explain everything clearly at each and every step. The dental clinic is super clean, modern, and well-equipped with the latest technology. I definitely recommend this superb dental clinic to my work colleagues, friends and family. Five stars without a doubt for NORTHSIDE FAMILY DENTAL!”
– Shyaka Rene, Google Review
4. Civic Gentle Dental Care
Address: Suite 8, Level 3/161 London Cct
Phone: (02) 6247 0224
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Civic Gentle Dental Care is one of the most accessible clinics for emergency dental care right in the heart of Canberra. Their team prides itself on offering compassionate, gentle treatment, which is especially important when patients arrive in pain or anxiety.
According to patient reviews, their staff are efficient in fitting in emergency appointments, and the dentists take the time to explain procedures clearly before acting.
Their services cover urgent extractions, root canal treatments, broken crowns, and more, so they’re well-prepared for various dental crises.
The main downside is that they don’t offer after-hours services, so emergencies late at night need to be handled elsewhere. Additionally, because they’re centrally located, appointments can book out quickly during weekdays.
Still, their reputation for gentle, patient-focused care makes them a trusted choice in Canberra.
Would recommend time and time again
“Really great experience. Have previously been terrified of the dentist but my experiences with this dental clinic have made it easier to overcome that fear. Great service and friendly faces. Absolutely no judgement if you have been the years like my myself. Would recommend time and time again.”
– Stephanie Taylor, Google Review
In safe hands
“Pleasant and accommodating customer service. The dentists here are kind and attentive. They’re very knowledgeable and take the time to explain the situation and the actions they’re performing. I always feel very comfortable and in safe hands! They’re upfront with costs and pricing is very reasonable.”
– Rebecca Powell, Google Review
5. Oasis Dental
Address: G01/50 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore
Phone: (02) 6162 3888
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Located at Kingston Foreshore, Oasis Dental is a modern and stylish clinic that provides a range of general and emergency dental services. Led by Dr Rick Luu and his team, the practice is known for its welcoming atmosphere and professional care.
They treat urgent dental concerns, such as chipped or broken teeth, sudden infections, and severe toothaches with priority scheduling, which patients appreciate.
Reviews often highlight the calming environment and the clinic’s use of advanced dental technology, which makes procedures more efficient and comfortable.
On the downside, it is only open on weekdays, which can be restrictive for those needing weekend emergency care. Additionally, because of its popularity in the Foreshore area, same-day bookings can fill quickly unless arranged early.
Still, for patients seeking reliable and modern emergency dental treatment during the week, Oasis Dental is a strong option.
Excellent clinical dental treatment
“For the first time in decades, I can confidently say that I have been receiving excellent clinical dental treatment, thanks to Dr Rick and his team at Oasis. I couldn’t be happier with the plan, and execution of my considerable dental issues. The attention to detail, knowledge and skill, has meant I have received excellent treatment. I leave each session confident and happy with the treatment I have received. I have no hesitation in recommending Dr Rick and Oasis for any dental treatment.”
– Al McLean, Google Review
6 out of 5 stars
“I couldn’t recommend Dr Rick and his team highly enough! After having bad dental work done at other clinics in Canberra, Dr Rick was able to restore my teeth and prevent any further damage. On top of the unmatched expertise, the team at Oasis are also centred around educating their patients which I really value. 6/5 stars, I wouldn’t let anyone else near my smile!!”
– Miranda Kathryn, Google Review