Dr Rick Luu and Dental Hygienist Fiona Ligertwood pride themselves on their outcomes based approach at Oasis Dental, one of Canberra’s best dentists. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
For many, the thought of visiting the dentist can come with a wave of anxiety. But even when you do build the courage to make an appointment, choosing a dentist can come with its own difficulties. Making sure you have the right dentist looking after your oral health is vital in saving you money and time in the future.
It is more important that your dentist is willing to be held accountable for the work completed and the end result, than it is to find a nice dentist with flexible hours and a convenient location.
An experienced dental surgery will work with you to establish a pattern of early intervention, identifying issues before they become serious and helping you avoid larger, more costly future problems. However, an average choice who only patches up your problems could prove to be a painful investment (and experience!) later down the track.
Throughout the Canberra region, there are no shortages of qualified dentists and dental practices. When you do start the process of finding the dentist, it’s important to think long-term, finding the practice that will work with you to achieve the right outcome.
Asking a friend often results in them advising you to see their dentist because they are nice – but how do you know who to choose? If you’re stuck, there are a few things to keep in mind to help make your decision a little easier.
What makes a great dentist?
- Transparency and accountability: Do a bit of research and see what you can find online or get in touch directly with a dentist you may be considering. If it’s easy to find information about services and prior treatments, it should give you more insight and confidence in their skillset and performance. When it comes to accountability, a picture paints a thousand words. Why not ask for their ‘before and after’ examples, to get a first-hand look at their quality of work. Great dentists, like the rest of us, like to show off what they can achieve.
- Commitment and consistency: Like a hairdresser or doctor, a dentist should be a long-term commitment and it’s a relationship that should be equal. A great dentist will be committed to your care and should make sure you are following dental instructions and attending appointments. They will be just as responsible for your oral health as you are. In turn, you will be rewarded with a continuity of care, which will be far more beneficial to your long-term oral health. With any professional service, consistency also matters. You must be confident that your dentist can get great results all the time, every time. This is helped if the practice allows you to see the same dentist each visit, as they will know your specific needs.
- Experience and qualifications of the dentist: The more experience a dentist has, the more likely they are to know how to fix your problem. If your dentist is a new graduate, ensure they are working under the supervision of a more experienced dentist at the practice who can help guide their work. As with experience, the qualifications of the dentist matters. Have they pursued further postgraduate or professional studies to hone their skills and keep up-to-date with the latest research? Just because a dentist offers a service does not mean they are good at or specialise in it.
- Investment in the practice: Like investing in their qualifications and further professional development, a good dentist will also invest in their practice and equipment. Advances in dentistry equipment have resulted in more predictable treatment outcomes with better results and less risks. A well-equipped modern dental practice is an essential advancement that differentiates a great dentist.
- Value: Cost is a number whilst value is what you get for that number. The best investment is unlikely to cost the least, so choosing a dentist based purely on the cheapest price will almost certainly mean the result is compromised. The best value is when you get a great return on your investment, and that is no different when it comes to dentistry. Ensuring your dentist is focusing on the value and outcome achieved rather than the price of your visit will result in the best possible service.
The top dentists in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Molonglo Dental
Since opening in 2019, Molonglo Dental Surgery strives to set themselves apart from other dental practices in Canberra. The team of professional dentists take great pride in delivering highly precise and clinical – yet personalised – dental care in a comfortable and relaxing environment.
Molonglo Dental Surgery believes that dental treatment doesn’t have to be expensive, but ignorance to dental health can be. For this reason, they offer treatment first-pay later options, helping patients better manage their dental care without the financial stress.
The Surgery has flexible opening hours, staying open on weekends and into the evening, as well as 24-hour emergency services.
Molonglo Dental Surgery has created unique ways to reduce dental-anxiety, with their paediatric Dino Chair aimed at relaxing nervous children and those with special needs, to the range of pain-free options for treatments and the ceiling-mounted TV screen with Netflix and ChromeCast.
As Michele Girdlestone wrote on RiotACT, “Dr Monica Sharma at Molonglo Dental Surgery in Coombs is fantastic. Never felt so comfortable at a dentist before.”
Coombs ACT 2611
Oasis Dental
Oasis Dental has 14 years’ experience in looking after dental patients throughout the Canberra region. The practice has a strong reputation for its care and takes an innovative approach by ensuring patients are also well-educated and invested in their own oral hygiene.
The practice has the ability to make strong relationships with its patients and takes a holistic approach to dental care, acknowledging that oral health is intrinsically linked to systemic health. Its staff work closely with their patients towards an end goal which is outcomes based, cost efficient and best practice. This approach measures success of treatment in achievement of the patient’s desired dental outcome, rather than the dental procedures performed.
The clinic offers a full range of dental services; it is particularly well known for its comprehensive cosmetic procedures specifically Veneers. But with every procedure and patient, Oasis Dental is meticulous in its processes and is committed to delivering the best possible outcomes. This is demonstrated through the detailed pre-treatment photos and x-rays, which are compared with post-treatment photos and x-rays, to give the patients a first-hand look at their journey and to guarantee the work of the dental practice.
The clinic is located at the Kingston Foreshore in purpose built premises with ample private off street parking.
The well-established clinic is proud of its reputation throughout the region and values itself on feedback from patients, like RiotACT commenter Mayo Popish who says, “I can’t recommend Dr Rick enough! He is is totally focused on overall dental hygiene, rather than just a “quick fix”. He’s so lovely to deal with, incredibly professional, and his entire team is absolutely fabulous!”
Kingston Foreshore ACT 2604
Civic Gentle Dental Care
Together the team at Civic Gentle Dental Care has over 75 years’ experience in practicing dentistry and the practice prides itself on the quality of dentistry care it provides to patients. The practice also aims to educate patients on the importance of dental hygiene and prevention, to ensure they get the best from their care while they’re at home. The team guarantees an honest approach, and only suggests dental plans they would recommend to their own families.
RiotACT commenter, Jessica Gao, left a positive review for this practice saying, “Can’t recommend Kim and her team at Civic Gentle Dental Care highly enough.“
Bespoke Dental
Bespoke Dental believes great dentistry involves a comprehensive approach. The clinic was the brainchild of two experienced Canberra dentists who wanted to provide the best care in an environment which gave them the time to talk to patients, consider treatment pathways and perform the best possible dentistry. Bespoke Dental offers a full range of dental procedures, which are delivered to the highest quality.
Luke J recommended their service on Google, saying, “All the staff at bespoke are friendly, non judgmental, warm & welcoming. They’ve helped me improve my overall dental hygiene & address some long term unaddressed concerns.”
Identity Dentistry
With more than four decades of combined experience, the dedicated team behind Identity Dentistry are passionate about delivering high-quality services backed by an industry-leading level of care. They continually draw on the latest technological innovations in the oral care industry to ensure their patients experience the best treatment available.
Jason Hendriks recommended their service on Google, saying, “Awesome, lovely and caring staff who never seem to rush. Every time I’ve asked dumb questions the questions are methodically and insightfully explained so that I with limited capability to understand know whats going on.”
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive Dentistry has been serving the Canberra region for 57 years and takes a preventive approach. The practice prides itself on the longstanding service it provides to each patient and goes the extra mile to make sure each patient receives personalised care. It encourages regular examination and hygiene treatments and staff always offer honest and straightforward advice. Preventive Dentistry offers a full range of dental procedures including general and cosmetic dentistry.
One RiotACT commenter had some positive feedback for Preventive Dentistry saying, “Dr Scott Park at Preventive Dentistry is the man. All my family and many friends have been going to him for almost 10 years. Each visit was excellent.”
Canberra Dental Care
Canberra Dental Care provides a full range of dental services and incorporates the latest advancements in dentistry to give patients the best possible outcomes. The team understands results are just as important as a positive patient experience, and staff go out of their way to ensure all patients are comfortable, even during a standard check-up. The clinic prides itself on running on time, to ensure there is no inconvenience for patients.
Google reviewer, Joe Petroni, left a glowing review for this practice saying, “Quite honestly the best dentist I’ve ever had and – I never say this but – I’ll be back.”
If you’re after more information on the great dental services Canberra has to offer, our articles on the best emergency after hours dentists, the best teeth whitening services, the best cosmetic dentists and the best orthodontists in town may be helpful to you.
Your experience with dentists in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the dentists listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
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After 25 years of non attendance to any form of dentistry, I can’t recommend Dr Rick at Oasis Dental enough. My first appointment was for a root canal and not only was it an absolutely painless experience, but semi enjoyable as I watched Netflix while they did their job. Fully consultative and explained everything in the lead up. Highly recommended.
Best ever Dental Clinic in Canberra is Northside Family Dental in Gungahlin and Best ever Canberra Dentist I totally recommend there is Dr Shilpa Kalburgi.
Hands down – Civic Dental is the best Dental practice in Canberra. They are located in the Bright Consulting Building, London Circuit. My personal favourite is Dr John Coi – he delivered world-class service, he is definitely a magician when it comes to any dental work or procedure. I highly recommend Dr John Coi , the best dentist in Canberra.
I can’t recommend Dr Rick enough! He is is totally focused on overall dental hygiene, rather than just a “quick fix”. He’s so lovely to deal with, incredibly professional, and his entire team is absolutely faaaabulous!
Thanks Dr Rick! 🙂
I have had many dentists over many years but Rick Lui at Oasis Dental is easily the best. His work and his approach is outstanding and he was recommended to me by one of the top specialists in Sydney some years ago.
Curtin dental are absolutely fantastic. Fantastic experience all round. From the moment I worked into the door I felt relaxed and at ease. I would highly recommend curtIn dental to anyone that has a dental phobia.
Dickson Park Dental Surgey - a kind and caring approach 👍🏼👍🏼
A1 dental Belconnen and Barton are definitely #1 in Canberra! Easily the most caring and compassionate dentists I have ever been too!
Would recommend to everyone and anyone 💯💯
A1 Dental Barton!! They’re amazing, very gentle and caring :)
A1 dental barton
Dr Mohomad elfar 100% best dentist I've ever been to
Thomas Mathai. Dental Vitality in Deakin
Michelle Yip
Identity Dentistry
I have a real fear but she is curing me. Kind and gentle.
Dr Kim Nguyen and Dr Lyn Nguyen, the best for me from KALEEN LASER DENTAL!! No pain, very clean, very compassionate and most of all very very good!! Worth the money we pay not covered by the Medicare 😍👍👍👍
Anyone but NIB dentists!!!
Rick Worboys you and Sue (and Emily) are the best Family practice dentists in Canberra; friendly, skilled, accessible and the new suites are so great. https://wisdomdentistry.com.au/
The team Weston Dental Surgery are amazing. They are so friendly and welcoming, and go out of their way to set any worries my kids or I might have about our check-ups or procedures at bay. There’s no better team!
Dr Veronica Adam at Canberry Dental in Gungahlin.
Sam at Dickson TLC is the best in the world. ☘️☘️☘️
Absolutely has to be David Trigger at Wanniassa
SuperSmiles with Dr TeMo at Jamison Belconnen. Amazing practice and great with kids getting braces