Gentle Dental Centre

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience at Gentle Dental on Lambton Quay when I had my wisdom tooth extracted. The team was professional, friendly, and clearly very knowledgeable and experienced. Everyone I interacted with was helpful and welcoming, which made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.

Negative experience: Just posting to spread awareness of the bad dentists. Especially stay clear of litty scariya. Years after she touched my teeth I'm still having repairs done to rectify her mistakes. Biggest mistake of my dental life going to this company.

Fantastic experience: I am so grateful to Dr Smallman and Kennie. I would never have thought it was possible that getting a filling could be a happy experience - thanks to Dr Smallman's incredible expertise and warmth and Kimmy's efficiency and care it was! There was nothing about the experience that was an endurance. They asked how I was feeling with such genuine warmth and care every step of the way. I felt I was in the hands of two incredibly skillful and lovely people. Professionals at the top of their game.

Fantastic experience: Crissalina is the most gentle, thorough and professional hygienist I’ve ever had!! My teeth look like brand new!! All the other experiences I’ve had with dental hygienists at other locations have been uncomfortable, painful and totally horrible!!! I even travel from out of town now to see her, that’s how much I recommend Crissalina to you!!!

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend gentle dental! I had a great experience as this is my first time at this place. The dentist was so helpful and walked me through everything. As well as Caitlyn the receptionist who was so great. Had amazing customer service and made my appointment run smoothly. 10/10 service would recommend to anyone thinking about coming here!!☺️

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience at Gentle Dental in Lambton Quay yesterday. My regular dentist had told me I needed a crown on a back molar within the year, but six months later, the filling cracked just before a wedding I had to attend. My normal dentist couldn’t see me for five weeks, so I decided to try Gentle Dental. The staff were amazing! They managed to fix my tooth within an hour and a half, doing the entire crown in one visit. I didn’t have to return the next day because they completed everything on-site. Dr. Sam kept me informed throughout the procedure with a very calm and easy-going approach, and Lavinia at the front desk was outstanding. The price was exactly the same as what I had been quoted by my regular dentist, $2,000. Highly recommend Gentle Dental to anyone! 10/10!

Fantastic experience: Dr Rehua was outstanding, I was impressed by his honest and forthcoming communication. He was very laid back, reassuring and easy to get along with. While I'm not too anxious about going to the dentist, he was very gentle and mindful, checking in regularly to make sure I wasn't experiencing pain or discomfort. I booked in with him because of a recommendation and I have already recommended him to a friend after my appointment earlier today. Easily a five star dentist experience and I was impressed with the price of the care.

Fantastic experience: After not having had great experiences with my previous dentists, Gental Dental has been completely different for the better! Snehal walked me through everything before starting any treatment and the rest of the staff are friendly and helpful. Couldn’t recommend Gentle Dental more

Fantastic experience: Outstanding service by Dr.Shah. Very helpful front desk staff. Definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: The best dental care I've experienced. Excellent service and after care plus they have payment plans to help get things done without the usual financial pressure to get in the door. 5/5 would recommend. Thanks gentle dental!

Fantastic experience: Can I just say thank you to the two who looked after me (Rehua and other lady that I’ve forgotten the name of sorry!), you were so kind and explained everything so well and I’ve never had a dentist do that before. So so grateful and feel so much more relaxed and now know what to expect and you’re now my new dentist and will recommend everyone to you guys.

Fantastic experience: Have been going here for over two years for regular cleans and checkups. The staff are always friendly, its great that you can book online, and they can put you on a waiting list if there are any cancelations. Jessica is a very nice, informative, and kind dentist. Prices are given up front and are on par with central Wellington. Would recommend

Fantastic experience: Such nice people. Happy to have found a great dentist

Negative experience: Dentist Jessica is extremely unprofessional and lacks empathy for people. Bullying your own patients? Disgusting. (Writing on behalf of my Mum)

Fantastic experience: The team at Lambton Quay are absolutely fantastic. I wanted to look into teeth whitening but was very anxious about making the first approach. I had nothing to be worried about, from the initial phone call to make enquiries as to what is involved to coming in for consultation appointment and then the procedure everyone was so kind and supportive. I had bad markings on my to front teeth that I have always felt very self conscious about, I didn't liked having my photo taken and never wanted to smile without covering those teeth. The dentist was brilliant, she was open and honest with me letting me know that teeth whitening wouldn't work for me (she could have very easily done what I'd come in asking for and taken my money but she didn't). Instead she advised me to consider veneers which she went through with me answering all my questions. I decided to go with the porcelain veneers and I am absolutely thrilled with the result. It instantly gave me a new found level of self confidence and I can't stop smiling. I cannot speak more highly of the team so if this is something you are considering I recommend you reach out the Gentle Dental, I guarantee you will nor regret it.

Fantastic experience: Yesterday I saw Dr Jennie for a tooth extraction at the Ghuznee St clinic. I have high anxiety dealing with anything dental from bad experiences in the 70's NZ dental nurse school system and over the years from awful dentist who would be arrogant, condescending and seemed to be all about the money. I forwarded all my notes and xrays from dentist I saw on Saturday and spoke about my anxiety and other health issues. Jennie and receptionist put me at ease. Although I would have loved the tooth to have come out easily and smoothly, the extra work that had to be done was done as gently as it could with explanations along the way. If you have high anxiety and very nervous about seeing a dentist, highly recommend Jennie EDIT :This afternoon Jennie phoned me to see how I was and if I'd had any reaction to the local anaesthetic which I have issues with. Never had a dentist do that before! Amazing service

Fantastic experience: Kind and patient staff, highly recommend

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Gentle Dental and I have only had very positive experiences here. If you are unsure of whether to use Gentle Dental, I encourage you to just contact them and give them one opportunity to help you. A bit more detail below: I have been coming here now for several years however I initially never had a good relationship with my teeth. I never really visited a dentist regularly in my 20s. However, there came a point I really needed some dental work done so I apprehensively found Gentle Dental and decided to give them a go. Despite being nervous in my first meeting, I was treated with a lot of kindness and respect. My dentist, Dr. Rehua, put me completely at ease about my situation. There was no judgement or shame and instead I was made to feel empowered and encouraged that I was doing something about my teeth. Ever since then I have been quite loyal to Gentle Dental. I have visited the dentist regularly since that point. I would even go as far as to say that I now look forward to going to my dental appointments. I've never had a better relationship with my teeth than I do now and I credit that to Gentle Dental. This is also mostly due to my dentist Dr Rehua. He is a friendly, personable and excellent dentist. He is nothing like the stereotypical impersonal dentist or the scary dentists I had when I was a child. I am confident to say that he is the main reason I have a much better relationship with my teeth and that II look forward to going to the dentist now whether it is for a regular check up or if I have an unforeseen incident. I have also been dealt with regularly by Dr Jenny for hygienest appointments who I believe has recently left. I had excellent treatment by her too and she also was friendly, kind and gave me good dental advice when asked. Overall, I have enjoyed every experience I have had with Gental Dental which I believe is not a very common thing to say about going to the dentists. I would say they are true to their name. I appreciate the service I have received so far and don't see myself going to a different dentist in the near future.

Fantastic experience: Just had two wisdom teeth taken out today. The level of care is excellent. Their ability to bond, make you feel comfortable, be personable and human is fantastic. I hate the dentist, loathe the idea entirely however todays experience was arguably the best ive ever had. Felt totally comfortable and at ease. Cannot express how grateful i am for the experience I had.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Smallman removed my wisdom tooth a little over a month ago. I have a huge fear of the dentist, and everyone was incredibly kind and understanding— from receptionists to dental hygienists. Dr smallman took the time to explain everything and made sure I was at ease with our plan. They also worked out a payment plan that worked for me. I ended up having a pretty rare post op complication, & he was responsive the entire process. Even answered texts & called me after hours to advise me. Definitely recommend Gentle Dental & especially Dr. Smallman.

Positive experience: I praised Gentle Dental Centre before. However, I must add that they are comparatively very expensive and I disagree with their ways trying to get more money out of you. I have a dentist now who is really fair re prices and informs me before the procedure about the work necessary.

Negative experience: This dental practice has plenty of good dentists, and the receptionists were very nice. My issue is with the practices of Dr Adam Benn. He was a good dentist, no qualm there. However, I signed up for a check-up - for $55. He proceeded to add on a teeth cleaning, without ever confirming to me that this would cost me an additional $192. He even confusingly told me that the flouride he used was not going to be charged. His response to this when I queried how the bill could possibly be so large without my consent was to point out that I had paid $160 for cleaning the year prior (irrelevant given I was told of the costs ahead of time last time). He also said “did you think I was running a charity service”. Very condescending- why would the average person have any conception of the how much a dentist appointment should cost unless advised before hand? What if I was someone who simply could not afford that? Highly inappropriate behaviour.

Fantastic experience: Visited Gentle Dental to get adult braces and the results are AMAZING. Dr Mike was very straight forward with the plan, great execution and had a few terrible dad jokes to throw in along the way. The braces were originally quoted as 18 months, but were all complete by 13 months. SO HAPPY! Would 10/10 recommend Dr Mike to anyone.

Fantastic experience: Great service and pain free! These guys are good if you're scared of the dentist.

Negative experience: BEWARE OF ADAM BENN . After getting a wisdom tooth removed. I had dry socket with exposed jaw bone and nerves . ADAM prescribed antibiotics and to gargle salt water . The pain of gargling salt water with exposed nerves is pure torture. All he had to do was pack it with cloves. After 6 different people from the dental association s and commitmettes which were no help . They suggested get in touch with the gentle dental. Great advice ..... The Gentle dental response was we understand how you feel . So you gargle salt water with your jaw bone and nerves exposed. Absolutely jokers . Im waiting for my second jab . So I dont have to pay crazy prices and be treated like a dog. Adam Benn you are a cowboy .

Fantastic experience: I never liked the dentist or going for regular checkups. When I got toothache I needed a dentist and so this is how I have become a regular patient of Sam's. I was a very nervous and scared patient, but Sam listened and is very calming. I have never looked back and have total trust in Sam. I highly recommend the Gental Dental Centre. I've been going for more than 10 yrs now and have regular checks and hygiene apps.

Fantastic experience: A big thanks to Dr Fionnuala and Christine for making my wisdom teeth extraction as comfortable as possible. I was incredibly nervous and had the jittery shakes as I stepped into the room, and I knew those two wisdom teeth had been bothering me for some time. Dr Fionnuala and Christine were patient, kind, and kept me informed of what they were doing every step of the way. Really great sense of humour too, it's funny being able to give them a wee thumbs up when there's a drill in your mouth!

Fantastic experience: Had a great experience at this wonderful clinic, lovely staff and came out feeling very satisfied A++

Fantastic experience: Had a tooth removed by Doctor Fe. I had sedation, I dont remember a thing, zero pain, not even the anaesthetic injection. All healed nicely now. I couldnt reccomend them enough if you are scared of dentists.

Fantastic experience: As someone with very bad dental fear (despite my best efforts to overcome it), I can't praise Mike and Gentle Dental enough. It can be really humiliating to be so obviously afraid but they never make you feel badly for it. Really, really professional as well as kind, personable and reassuring. I've had a lot of treatment over the last 10 months which has cost but it has been worth it. The dental work is of excellent quality, looks completely natural and has been done swiftly, with very little pain. The front of office staff are also really, really good. Shout out to Chelsea for her sense of humor and aftercare :) The practice has some excellent payment options which has also made the process much easier. Many thanks :)

Fantastic experience: Great experience and service. Mike is very knowledgeable, made me feel at ease and the process was quick and painless. And that is saying something since I had four wisdom teeth removed at once. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I'd been putting off going to the dentist for YEARS, literally more than a decade. I don't think these guys could've done a single thing more to assuage my fears, the entire thing was actually entirely pain free, much to my surprise. My dentist Dr. Smallman was very friendly, and made the whole appointment an absolute breeze.

Negative experience: Dentist Fionnuala said what I could feel was a small pit in tooth, not a cavity & asked if I wanted it filled - I said yes. Suggested Xrays - I agreed. Fionnuala advised that I needed to see their Hygienist for further $160 and I would need to book another appointment for that. I was in with Fionnuala at 2.55 out at 3.16, had a tiny filling & Xrays & charged $243. Seems a bit steep for 20 mins? Service was great, receptionist & booking staff lovely. Price a bit of a shock.

Fantastic experience: My hygienist Jenny did a brilliant job! Professional, thorough and friendly. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Saw me at late notice and provided me with a fantastic & kind service! Will definitely be returning!!!! Very clean and nice clinic too

Fantastic experience: Switched here about 4 years ago cannot say enough about the place, these guys have all the latest gear and techniques. Also big shout out to Rehua Smallman he makes appointments enjoyable. Young fella and a really cool dude. Always fun, very competent and with great positive smiley attitude towards everything to boot. I find the guy trustworthy and that's a hard thing to find nowadays. Truly tries to make things easy both in the work side of things and on the wallet. Always looks at the dental thing holistically and long term, always with the options. Love your work and your attitude Ray..You da Man

Negative experience: Unnecessary treatment | I don't usually write reviews, but I wish I had seen some sooner before stepping into this place. A friend recommended this place to me as I was looking for a holistic dentist that is experienced with people that have anxiety. To be fair: Yes, they are gentle and explain a lot, BUT, sadly, in my case it was unnecessary treatment they advised. They showed me spots on x-rays and said: "Here you have 3 cavities, you need to act very soon or it will get bad" - (one year ago, at a different dentist, all was well and I was a bit shocked how I could have grown 3 cavities in just 12 months). But I did get a second opinion a week later, it was a dentist in a small practice in a suburb and he said I am completely healthy and no cavities anywhere. I saved myself 1K treatment costs and drilling teeth substance away. If I hadn't gotten the second opinion, I would have never known. And I bet a lot of people who are happy just believe they had cavities and did the right thing. Sadly, this happens with a LOT of dentists, and the health system is to blame... It is well known many dentists are more into profit then their clients health. That is the sad reality, but we can claim our power back and not just get something done because one person believes it is necessary. I do encourage you to stay sceptic and get a second opinion. Checkup here is only 45 dollars, but follow costs are high. The second dentist charged 145 dollars for their checkup which included a cleaning, but no follow ups needed for a whole year. After my visit at Gentle Dental, I saw the 1 star review of Nicky Bell and it made a lot of sense what she wrote. I had similar feeling. It was confirmed. I had wanted a Holistic Dentist, but it had been a really bad experience for me - with all their efforts to make it gentle and funny - that all doesn't help when the work or diagnosis itself isn't correct.

Fantastic experience: Dr Mike Tonkes and the team at Gental Dental Centre are very professional and friendly. I definitely reccomend these guys.

Fantastic experience: Spot on! Went in to see the hygienist Sarah, and despite not being a fan of dentistry at all, she was amazingly gentle and totally non judgmental. I cannot rate Gentle Dental high enough. thanks guys.

Negative experience: I couldnt eat after treatment i will go to the another dentist im very sick now

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing service. Cannot recommend Mike and his team enough. Visited with a severe toothache, had a diagnosis and treatment plan within the first 5-10 mins of being in the chair. Root Canals are daunting both pain wise and price wise, however, I had absolutely zero pain right throughout the procedure. I didn't feel a thing, this includes the anaesthetic being injected into my gums right through to the recovery days after. Was by far the most comfortable dental experience I have had and will be recommending to all. Thanks heaps

Fantastic experience: Great service and painless! Dentist, hygienist and reception staff are all friendly and welcoming!

Fantastic experience: Went to Gentle Dental for the first time. Great overall experience. Mike (owner) makes you feel relaxed and gives you options around treatment. Recommend!

Fantastic experience: Dr Rehua was amazing and his service was fantastic! I was talked through all the dental work that would be done, the experience was comfortable and enjoyable! I would definitely recommend this place.

Fantastic experience: Can't rate them highly enough. My last visit to a dentist being longer than I recall ago, the attitude of Rehua (and likely the other dentists) differs from what my old dentist was SO much. Treated me more like a human than a set of teeth, explained things well, and was very personable and professional. Doesn't try to oversell. Great experience. Weird to write a review for a dentist but there ya go.