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Best Dentists in Wellington

We assessed 22 dentists in Wellington and ranked the top 5 on their public review record: rating quality, review volume, and how recent the reviews are. How we rank →

Last updated: 30 Jul 2026

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Before you hire

Dental fees in NZ are unregulated and vary widely between practices, so the same treatment can cost very differently across town. Ask for a written treatment plan with itemised costs before agreeing to anything, check whether the dentist is registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand, and ask how after-hours emergencies are handled.

Top 5 Dentists in Wellington

The top 5 dentists in Wellington are Johnsonville Dental Centre, Wellington Dentists, City Dentists, Supreme Dental Concepts, and Newtown Dental, ranked by Top5 score. Scroll for our take on each, plus what to ask before you choose.

  • 1

    Johnsonville Dental Centre

    ★ 4.9 962 reviews +18 Top5 Score 187
    5★ 911 4★ 44 3★ 3 2★ 1 1★ 3

    Johnsonville Dental Centre gets nervous patients through checkups and cleanings by actively listening to concerns like tooth sensitivity before starting work. Named dentists Ryan and Robin are noted for taking time to explain what is coming up, including future treatment needs.

    Reviews most often describe: Anxious patients wanting gentle, unhurried care

    • ✓ Adapts cleaning to sensitivity concerns
    • ✓ Explains upcoming treatment needs
    • ✓ On-time appointments

    location_on Level 2/128 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville, Wellington

    map Map Is this your business?
  • 2

    Wellington Dentists Ltd

    ★ 4.9 896 reviews +21 Top5 Score 187
    5★ 869 4★ 4 3★ 5 2★ 2 1★ 16

    Wellington Dentists gets nervous patients comfortable quickly, with dentists like Rob Smith known for rebuilding confidence in people who had written off dental care. They include same-day and student discounts in quotes upfront, which makes treatment decisions straightforward rather than pressured.

    Reviews most often describe: Anxious patients wanting a relaxed, unhurried appointment

    • ✓ Same-day appointment discounts offered
    • ✓ Procedures explained step by step
    • ✓ Patients seen without long waits

    location_on 124A Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington

    map Map Is this your business?
  • 3

    City Dentists

    verified Verified
    ★ 4.9 339 reviews +8 Top5 Score 177
    5★ 305 4★ 29 2★ 2 1★ 3

    City Dentists gets long-lapsed and nervous patients back into a regular care routine, with same-week turnarounds on fillings reported by first-time visitors. Named dentists like Kristen, Kamil, Alice, and Chris are credited by patients for reducing anxiety over multiple years of ongoing care.

    Reviews most often describe: Anxious patients returning after long gaps

    • ✓ Fast turnaround on fillings
    • ✓ Dentists remembered across years of visits
    • ✓ Explains each step during treatment

    location_on 119, Featherston House Level 2/123 Featherston Street, Wellington Central, Wellington schedule Mon 7am–8pm · Tue 7am–4pm · Wed 7am–8pm · Thu–Fri 7am–4pm · Sat–Sun Closed

    language citydentists.co.nz call 04 978 4964 map Map verified View profile
  • 4

    Supreme Dental Concepts

    ★ 4.9 393 reviews -1 Top5 Score 176
    5★ 378 4★ 8 3★ 2 2★ 1 1★ 4

    Supreme Dental Concepts gets nervous patients through procedures they have long been putting off, with dentists Kevin and Navin both noted for their calm, unhurried manner. They are upfront about costs before treatment begins and take time to walk patients through every option available to them.

    Reviews most often describe: Anxious patients needing calm, reassuring dental care

    • ✓ Upfront fee explanations before treatment
    • ✓ Weekend emergency appointments available
    • ✓ Gentle approach for anxious patients

    location_on 32 Lorne Street, Te Aro, Wellington

    map Map Is this your business?
  • 5

    Newtown Dental

    ★ 4.7 481 reviews +1 Top5 Score 175
    5★ 431 4★ 9 3★ 4 2★ 7 1★ 30

    Newtown Dental takes on complex and impacted wisdom tooth extractions that other Wellington practices have referred to specialists. They operate seven days a week with extended hours, including weekend emergency appointments.

    Reviews most often describe: Difficult extractions other dentists have declined

    • ✓ Weekend and emergency appointments available
    • ✓ Removes teeth other dentists declined
    • ✓ Gentle approach with anxious patients

    location_on Lychgate Centre Level 1/100 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

    map Map Is this your business?

Before you choose a dentist in Wellington

Common themes, pricing patterns, and watch-outs drawn from customer reviews and independent research.

What does dental treatment typically cost in New Zealand? expand_more

Adult dental care in New Zealand is largely user-pays, with no general government subsidy for routine treatment. A standard check-up and clean runs between $100 and $250, while fillings range from $150 to $400 depending on size and material. Crowns can cost $1,500 to $2,500 or more, and root canals sit in a similar range. One Wellington reviewer was quoted $600 for an emergency repair and follow-up treatment, which sits within normal market rates.

How do I check that a dentist is registered and what to do if something goes wrong? expand_more

Before booking, check the public register at dentalcouncil.org.nz to confirm your dentist holds a current annual practising certificate issued by the Dental Council of New Zealand. Dental hygienists and dental therapists are also regulated and listed separately on the same register, so check the correct category for whoever will be treating you. If something goes wrong, you can file a complaint with the Health and Disability Commissioner, which investigates conduct under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994. For serious clinical concerns, the Dental Council itself can investigate, impose conditions, suspend, or deregister a practitioner.

How do I avoid being sold treatment I do not need? expand_more

Ask for a written treatment plan with itemised costs and clearly labelled options before agreeing to anything, so you can compare it against a second opinion if the proposed work is extensive or expensive. X-rays and intraoral photos are reasonable to request as evidence before proceeding with crowns, extractions, or restorations, since they give you a record you can show another dentist. One Wellington reviewer praised a dentist for explaining all options clearly and presenting pricing upfront, which is the standard you should expect and a useful benchmark for judging any practice.

What are the warning signs of a dental practice you should avoid? expand_more
  • –A hygienist or dentist who refuses to discuss appointment frequency or treatment options rather than explaining the clinical reasoning is a red flag, as one Wellington reviewer described being told no without any conversation.
  • –Pricing that differs significantly from what other local practices quote for the same procedure, such as an extraction costing nearly double a nearby competitor, warrants scrutiny before you commit.
  • –A dentist who removes the wrong tooth, leaves surgical fragments behind, and then offers only a partial refund rather than corrective care is displaying a serious failure in both clinical practice and accountability.
  • –An appointment cancelled without any prior notice to the patient, discovered only on arrival, points to poor administration and a lack of basic respect for your time.
  • –Noticeably inconsistent standards between different practitioners at the same practice, where some staff are praised and others flagged as rude or dismissive, suggests the practice lacks uniform quality control.
  • –Hygiene concerns in the treatment room, including unclean floors, unkempt workspaces, or staff with non-compliant presentation, are worth acting on immediately by raising with the Dental Council.
What should you ask before booking a dentist? expand_more
  • –Ask what the first visit costs in total, including x-rays, so there are no surprises on the day.
  • –Ask whether you will receive a written treatment plan with itemised costs and alternative options before any work begins.
  • –Ask how the practice handles after-hours dental emergencies, since several Wellington reviewers specifically valued weekend and urgent appointment availability.
  • –Ask whether you will see the same dentist at each visit, as continuity matters for complex or ongoing treatment.
  • –Ask how the team supports nervous patients, given that anxiety about dental visits is common and several positive Wellington reviews specifically cited dentists who addressed this well.
  • –Ask whether the practice is enrolled to provide free care for patients under 18, if relevant to your household.

More top dentists in Wellington

The next five highest-scoring dentists in Wellington. Worth considering if your first choices aren't available.

  • 6

    The Wellington Dental Practice

    ★ 4.9 168 reviews Top5 Score 165
    5★ 162 4★ 2 3★ 1 2★ 1 1★ 2

    The Wellington Dental Practice gets nervous and lapsed patients through complex restorative work by laying out options and costs before anything begins. Dentists like Suresh and James Talbot are named repeatedly for work that has shifted how patients feel about smiling and about dentistry itself.

    Reviews most often describe: Anxious patients needing clear treatment plans and restorative work

    • ✓ Upfront pricing with treatment options
    • ✓ Restorative work including worn and discoloured teeth
    • ✓ Explains each step to anxious patients

    location_on Kelvin House, Level 2, 16 The Terrace, Wellington

    map Map Is this your business?
  • 7

    Real Dentistry

    ★ 4.7 208 reviews Top5 Score 164
    5★ 185 4★ 8 2★ 2 1★ 13

    Real Dentistry gets nervous patients through treatment by taking time to explain each step and answer questions clearly before starting work. Saturday appointments are available, and the team has handled same-day emergency cases for patients who needed urgent care.

    Reviews most often describe: Anxious patients wanting calm, communicative dental care

    • ✓ Open Saturdays for urgent appointments
    • ✓ Explains costs upfront so you can plan
    • ✓ Same-day emergency slots available

    location_on 72 Rongotai Road, Kilbirnie, Wellington

    map Map Is this your business?
  • 8

    Victoria Street Dental

    ★ 4.9 153 reviews +2 Top5 Score 163
    5★ 148 4★ 1 2★ 2 1★ 2

    Victoria Street Dental gets nervous patients through extractions, crown repairs, and multi-appointment treatment plans without feeling rushed or dismissed. Dentists like James, Emily, and Kelly take time mid-procedure to check in and explain each step, and the team follows up by phone after significant work.

    Reviews most often describe: Anxious patients needing complex or urgent dental work

    • ✓ Same-day bookings for urgent cases
    • ✓ Post-treatment follow-up calls
    • ✓ Mid-procedure breaks offered on request

    location_on Level 6/86 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington

    map Map Is this your business?
  • 9

    Johnsonville Family Dentist

    ★ 4.7 190 reviews +1 Top5 Score 162
    5★ 168 4★ 10 3★ 1 2★ 3 1★ 8

    Johnsonville Family Dentist handles complex treatments, including impacted wisdom tooth removals, in ways patients describe as fast and pain-free. They also take time to explain X-rays and walk through care options, which suits people who want to understand what is happening in their mouth.

    Reviews most often describe: Families wanting gentle, unhurried dental care

    • ✓ Wisdom teeth removed painlessly
    • ✓ Explains X-rays and treatment options
    • ✓ Next-day appointments available

    location_on Level 1, Suite 6/120 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville, Wellington

    map Map Is this your business?
  • 10

    Capital Dental Newtown

    ★ 4.8 143 reviews Top5 Score 161
    5★ 132 4★ 3 2★ 1 1★ 7

    Capital Dental Newtown prioritises numbing before treatment, keeping procedures genuinely painless for nervous patients. George works quickly without cutting corners on comfort, which makes a real difference for anyone who dreads the chair.

    Reviews most often describe: Patients anxious about pain during dental procedures

    • ✓ Numbing applied before treatment
    • ✓ Fast appointment pace
    • ✓ Pain-free extractions or fillings

    location_on 172 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

    map Map Is this your business?

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About this ranking

How are Wellington's top Dentists chosen? expand_more

We assess every Dentists business in Wellington against public ratings and review data using a consistent, published method. See how we rank for the full methodology. Top 5 and Also Recommended positions are merit-based and cannot be purchased. At the last update, scores in the top 5 ranged from 175 to 187 points.

How often are rankings updated? expand_more

Rankings are refreshed regularly. This list was last updated in 30 July 2026.

Can a business pay to appear in this list? expand_more

No. Top 5 and Also Recommended positions are merit-only and cannot be purchased. Verified businesses may be able to update their listing details in future, but this will never affect ranking positions.

Why isn't my Dentists business listed? expand_more

We pull from local search results for each category and city. If you're missing, the most common reasons are an incorrect Google Business category or too few recent reviews. At the last update, the lowest-ranked business in the top 10 had 143 reviews. Check where you rank or read how rankings work.