The Best Dentists in Auckland

Our list of 10 trusted and affordable Auckland dentists outlines costs, payment options and helps you look after your teeth without fearing the bills

Updated 15 September 2021

A healthy dentist-patient relationship typically spans generations, and is one built on trust and security that may extend to your children, spouse, and family members.

Our Auckland Dentist guide covers:

Know this first: We believe that the best dental practice is one that is transparent about their prices, whether you’re a new patient or not.

This guide is designed to assist you with finding the best dentist in Auckland, and choosing one that can accommodate your needs from one year to the next. Before you book an appointment, check out the following guide to ensure a worthwhile and valuable visit with your new dentist.

Know this first: If you are considering dental insurance, our dedicated guide has more details to help you decide if a policy is right for you.

How much does a visit to the dentist cost?

Auckland has over 50 different dental practices, with standard check-up costs varying depending on location. The latest appointment costs are outlined here:

All-inclusive appointment (exam, 2 x-rays and basic clean): $100 to $150
Separate appointments (exam and clean): $200 to $275
Exam without clean (including 2 x-rays): $100 to $125
Separate clean with a dental hygienist: $100 to $150

Fillings, crowns, root canals, braces and cosmetic work are all specialist services which we cannot give a range or estimate for.

What payment options are available for dental bills?

Most dentists take credit cards in addition to accepting cash and EFTPOS. Some practices also offer payment using GEM Visa and Q Card, which allow interest-free and repayment holiday financing terms on dental bills. However, as our guides to GEM Visa and Q Card outline, nothing is ever 'free'. Interest rates hover around 25% p.a. which is more than double low-interest credit card alternatives. So, unless you can make the repayments during the zero repayment and interest-free period, the work can be more much expensive than paying a bill upfront.

How can I save money on dental work?

Whether you’re co-paying through dental insurance or covering the full cost of your dental visit, it’s always wise to ask about the cost of services beforehand to avoid being surprised by a hefty bill.
Ask what's included in a check-up - does it include x-rays and cleaning, or just a standard examination?
Challenge the need for follow-on services, for example separate appointments with a dental hygienist, if the appointment includes a standard clean and your teeth a in good condition.
Dental work has never had the reputation of being particularly cheap, so knowing the exact cost, how you will pay, and the possibility of arranging an instalment payment plan with the dentist should all be considered before receiving their services.
To protect yourself from unaffordable treatment, make sure you get a clear quote. And you can always get a second opinion if you're not comfortable with what you've been quoted.

Questions to ask a dentist

A quick phone call to an Auckland dental practice should reveal enough information about their practice to help you make an informed decision and plan a visit. While the majority of operating dental practices in Auckland are within the guidelines of New Zealand law, it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask about the dentist’s credentials and background before scheduling your appointment. All practising dentists in New Zealand are required to be registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand and maintain a valid Annual Practising License (APL) - you can check their status here which reveals where they work. Each dentist's website should have a bio which reveals how much experience they have, how long they’ve been in business, where they received their education and training, and if they offer speciality dental services.

Once you're comfortable, you'll need to ask how long you’ll have to wait for an appointment, and most importantly, what happens in the case of emergencies. Another good question is where the dentist’s referrals go and their relationship with local doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

The Best Auckland Dentists

Our list below, which is no particular order, covers dentists in Central, East, West, North and South Auckland. We have selected these dentists based on their history of longstanding service within Auckland, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, Trade Me Services and others.

No Dentist has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any dentist below.

Accent Dentists

Accent Dentists is a highly reviewed general and cosmetic dental clinic in Ponsonby that provides both general and cosmetic dentistry service. The clinic is lead by Dr Matt Sumner, an Auckland local with more than 20 years of experience in the field of dentistry. He is a member of the NZDA and the founding member of the NZ Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and The Dental Implant Network Group.
Google Rating: 5.0/5
Base: Ponsonby, Auckland
Website: Accent Dentists
Facebook page: Accent Dentists
Email address: [email protected]
Contact number: 09 376 4374

What customers like:

Treatment options are carefully discussed
Calm and reassuring dentists
Provides a personalised service
Pain-free oral treatment
Has keen attention to detail
Makes patients feel safe and relaxed