SmileJet
Confidential — for patient review

Essential Dental

91 Riccarton Rd, Christchurch, New Zealand

Last audited April 2026 By SmileJet Audit Team How we audit →
4.7/5  · 61 reviews

Why Choose Essential Dental in Christchurch?

Essential Dental is Christchurch's family dental practice offering affordable, comprehensive care including implants, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency services. Open evenings and Saturdays in Riccarton.

Essential Dental is Christchurch's accessible, family-focused dental practice, located at Level 1, 91 Riccarton Road in Christchurch, New Zealand. Founded on the principles of honest, affordable care and patient comfort, Essential Dental provides comprehensive dental services to Christchurch families. The clinic's experienced team of dental professionals and hygienists is committed to delivering high-quality care using advanced procedures and materials, all within a relaxed and friendly environment.

Essential Dental distinguishes itself through extended accessibility, including late evening appointments until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday availability. The team's professional registrations with the New Zealand Dental Association, Society of Periodontology Singapore, International Team of Implantology, and New Zealand Oral Health Association demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice and continuing professional development. Essential Dental serves as a one-stop dental home for Christchurch residents seeking quality, affordable, and accessible dental care.

Comprehensive Dental Services

Essential Dental offers a complete range of family-friendly dental services:

  • Preventive Dentistry: Professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral health education
  • Low-Cost Cleans: Affordable professional cleaning services for families
  • Fillings: Tooth-colored composite and amalgam restorations
  • Crowns & Bridges: Durable, esthetic tooth replacements
  • Tooth Extractions: Gentle removal of non-viable or problematic teeth
  • Dental Implants: Permanent tooth replacement solutions for single or multiple missing teeth
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Smile enhancement treatments for improved esthetics and confidence
  • Emergency Dentistry: Prompt treatment for acute dental pain and trauma
  • Restorative Dentistry: Comprehensive rehabilitation of damaged or compromised dentitions

Clinical Team & Professional Credentials

Essential Dental is staffed by experienced dental professionals and hygienists dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. The team is registered with multiple professional organizations including the New Zealand Dental Association, Society of Periodontology Singapore, International Team of Implantology, and New Zealand Oral Health Association. These registrations reflect the clinic's commitment to maintaining current knowledge, evidence-based practice, and specialized expertise in implantology and periodontal care.

Why Choose Essential Dental in Christchurch

Essential Dental stands out in Christchurch for its combination of affordability, accessibility, and clinical excellence. The clinic's extended hours—open until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and available Saturdays—make it ideal for working professionals and busy families throughout Christchurch. The emphasis on "essential" and honest care means patients receive straightforward advice without unnecessary treatment recommendations. The team's professional credentials in implantology and periodontology ensure that patients requiring complex restorative or surgical care receive specialist-level expertise. Additionally, the practice's commitment to utilizing advanced procedures and materials guarantees that Christchurch patients benefit from modern dentistry.

Patient Experience & Accessibility

At Essential Dental, the patient experience is characterized by honesty, comfort, and respect. The team takes time to understand each patient's concerns, explain treatment options clearly, and provide care in a relaxed, friendly environment. The availability of emergency dentistry ensures that Christchurch patients experiencing acute dental pain can access rapid relief. Weekend and evening appointments make Essential Dental one of Christchurch's most accessible dental providers for families with complex schedules.

Location & Hours

Essential Dental is located at Level 1, 91 Riccarton Road in Christchurch, a central and accessible location for Christchurch residents. The clinic's generous hours—open until 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and available on Saturdays—make quality dental care accessible even for patients with demanding schedules. This extended availability distinguishes Essential Dental as one of Christchurch's most convenient dental providers.

Patient Reviews from Christchurch

4.7

★ 61 reviews

L

Leesa Johnson

March 2026 · ★ 5

The team at essential dental were friendly, supportive and had great communication. The dentist we saw did not push for anything that wasn't needed. They offered exceptional advice and explained each procedure in a way that was easily understood. We received the best treatment for what was needed.

Clinic response ():

Response from the owner 3 weeks agoLovely to hear that, Leesa. We focus on patients’ wellbeing and address the issue(s) at hand, and will propose follow-ups, if needed, only where necessary. Thank you for this review. We hope all worked out well, and have a lovely weekend ahead. Cheers!

K

keith humphreys

March 2026 · ★ 5

Visiting from Auckland, I needed an urgent molar extraction. To my relief they were able to fit me in almost immediately and the dental care I received was the best in my 80 years of experiencing various dental practices, some good and some less than good, I have no quibbles about stating this was the best dental care I have received! That Richard followed up with a couple of phone calls was really appreciated and normally beyond the call of duty. If I lived in Christchurch he would be my first choice!

Clinic response ():

Response from the owner 4 weeks agoHi Keith, Firstly, we’re glad that your urgency had been met, thereby soothing and bringing comfort to your pain. Second, we’re thank you for the time that you took to drop us this motivating review, which will spur us even more, to not only look after our patients’s needs but to also care for them beyond what you said “the call of duty”. Have a restful weekend, Keith.

C

Christian Emmanuel

March 2026 · ★ 5

Had the pleasure of talking to Claudia over the phone whilst setting up an appointment; Claudia's awesome. She really helped by accommodating to my needs, helped me set up a client portfolio over the phone and her attitude was great - it was a pleasure (:

Clinic response ():

Response from the owner 2 months agoThank you, Christian, for taking the time to drop us this review. Happy to know of your positive experience with Claudia. Our team looks forward to seeing you and taking care of you and your dental needs. Cheers!

J

jamie hallberg

March 2026 · ★ 1

I would not recommend this dental clinic. They were rushed and rude, I was not informed of what they were doing and I felt very vulnerable. I left shaken and in a lot of pain. And they charged $140 for like 5 minutes. 0/10 bedside manner Don’t book people if you don’t have the time to adequately treat people like people

Clinic response ():

Response from the owner 2 months agoDear Jamie, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are genuinely sorry to hear that you felt rushed, uncomfortable, and distressed during your visit. That is certainly not the experience we want any of our patients to have. We always aim to communicate clearly and ensure patients feel informed and supported, particularly during appointments that may involve pain or anxiety. We are sorry if this did not come across on this occasion, and we take your comments about bedside manners very seriously. We always aim to communicate clearly and provide care in a respectful, professional manner. If this was not your perception on this occasion, we appreciate the feedback that you have given, and will reflect on it as part of our ongoing commitment and improvement to patient care. Should you wish to discuss your experience further, we would be happy to do so privately.

S

Sven Dr. Hill

March 2026 · ★ 5

Had a little accident (broken tooth including a lost filling) during my first vacation day coming from Germany. Called for an urgent appointment and was lucky that on of the dentist made room for me. Received professional and perfect treatment and can now enjoy my vacation in the beautiful country of New Zealand 😀 Really appreciate the whole team for their friendly and very professional attitude. Thanks again!

Clinic response ():

Response from the owner 3 months agoHi Sven. Sorry to hear about the broken tooth but definitely happy that all have been sorted. Thank you for the trust in our team, and for taking the time off your vacation to drop us this lovely and encouraging message. Have a wonderful time in our beautiful country.

D

Dara Taylor

March 2026 · ★ 5

I went to Essential Dental for a hygienist clean. I had my children (newborn and toddler) with me, and essential dental were chill with that and there was a lift so the pram could go up and down. The hygienist I had, and her assistant (both women) were so fantastic letting me breast feed while in their dental chair, and the dental hygienist had amazing communication skills and understood I needed local anaesthetic to get the clean done as I have very sensitive teeth. Was fantastic!

Clinic response ():

Response from the owner 3 months agoLovely to hear, Dara, of both your dental experience and for the kind understanding in managing your young family. Thank you for this heartwarming review. Have a lovely time with family and loved ones over the summer break.

T

Tanya Woods

March 2026 · ★ 5

I’m new to essential dental and tonight I was very anxious about having a tooth extracted but Ashley and her assistant were reassuring and kind . When Ashley administered the aesthetic it was gentle and took it affect quickly and no sooner was she reassuring me I was doing well and my tooth was out..it’s probably the least traumatising visit I have had at a dentist. And I’m 60. Thank you team

Clinic response ():

Response from the owner 5 months agoThat’s lovely to hear, Tanya. Glad that not only was your dental concern addressed but also that your experience went relatively smooth. Thank you for sharing this and for taking the time to drop us this encouraging feedback.

M

Marlee McDougall

March 2026 · ★ 5

Samantha is always incredibly kind, gentle, informative, efficient and makes me finally feel comfortable at a dental practice! They even let me take my baby along while I had my teeth cleaned, very great service!

Clinic response ():

Response from the owner 7 months agoThat’s lovely to hear, Marlee. Thank you for this review.

R

Riki Tahere

March 2026 · ★ 5

Super friendly and comforting. My 2nd time coming for an emergency appointment and they made sure I had an appointment to help me.

Clinic response ():

Response from the owner 7 months agoGlad that our team could help with the emergency situation, Riki, and put you back on the mend.

S

Saurabh Sinha

March 2026 · ★ 5

Though I only got to know Essential Dentists recently, the team has already provided excellent support. As someone managing a heart condition and taking potent anticoagulant therapy, my dental treatment requires careful planning and specialised care. From the outset, they offered both practical guidance and advanced management tailored to my situation. On Saturday afternoon, when I experienced persistent, heavy bleeding just before closing time, Eddie quickly contacted the dentist who had treated me the previous day. Dr Yasmin Akrum, a dentist and periodontist in Christchurch, returned to the clinic with her assistant after hours. She applied a topical haemostatic agent and placed a resorbable haemostatic dressing, which successfully stabilised the bleeding and prevented a potentially serious emergency. I am sincerely grateful for the after-hours assistance and the high standard of specialist treatment I have received.

Clinic response ():

Response from the owner 7 months agoThank you for your kind words, Saurabh, and for having taken the time to give us this review. We do believe in putting our patients’ needs first and foremost, and are very glad things turned out well for you. We look forward to seeing and caring for you in the future.

Loading more reviews...
All reviews loaded

Your Safety & Quality Guarantee

Every clinic on SmileJet is evaluated by our international medical advisory board and must meet strict quality, safety, and hygiene standards.

Similar Clinics in Christchurch

Nearby Clinics in New Zealand

Book Free Consultation

Request Sent!

We'll get back to you within 24 hours with a personalised quote.

Essential Dental

Free & no obligation. We typically respond within 24 hours.

★ 4.7 (61 reviews)

Verify on AI

Ask AI assistants about this — powered by smilejet.app