Find a Dentist in the ACT

202 dental practices in the Australian Capital Territory are listed on Find a Dentist.

The Australian Capital Territory had an estimated 489,700 residents at 31 March 2026. Most live in Canberra’s town centres and suburbs, so a dentist close to home, work or school is usually within reach.

Use the search above to describe what you need, for example “dentist in Gungahlin open Saturday” or “first visit for my toddler, Belconnen”. Below you will find how ACT public dental services work, children’s care and what to do in an emergency.

Finding a dentist in the ACT

Private practices provide most dental care in Canberra. If you are not eligible for public care, compare practices on location, hours, the services you need and how they explain your options.

People living just over the border, such as in Queanbeyan, are generally covered by NSW public dental services rather than ACT ones, so check eligibility before you rely on a public appointment.

Public dental care in the ACT

Canberra Health Services provides public dental care from the Belconnen, City, Gungahlin and Phillip health centres.

Adults who live in the ACT and are the primary holder of a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card, a DVA Veteran Card (white or gold), an ACT Services Access Card or a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Children and young people who are under 5 and live in the ACT; under 14 and live in the ACT or attend an ACT school; or under 18 and listed on a Pensioner Concession or Health Care Card, among other groups. There are no waiting lists for child and youth dental appointments.

Book through Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977. There are waiting lists for some adult services.

Medicare, health funds and payment options

For private care, most dental treatment is not covered by Medicare, and private health insurance extras may help.

Ask practices for a written estimate, whether they claim your health fund on the spot, and whether they offer payment plans. Our search can look for practices that list these.

Kids’ dental care and CDBS in the ACT

ACT public child and youth dental care is mostly provided by dental and oral health therapists, with referral to a dentist when needed. Services include check-ups, x-rays, cleaning and fluoride treatment, fillings and extractions.

Families who receive certain government payments may also use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule at a private practice. Benefits apply over two consecutive calendar years.

Dental emergencies in the ACT

Call 000 for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop, or a serious injury to the face or head.

Eligible patients can call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977 to be assessed for an emergency dental appointment. Canberra Health Services lists a knocked-out, loose or broken tooth after an injury, swelling in the mouth or visible on the face or neck, and difficulty sleeping or opening your mouth because of your teeth as possible dental emergencies. For advice at any hour, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Checking a dentist’s registration

Every dentist, dental hygienist, oral health therapist, dental therapist and dental prosthetist practising in Australia must be registered. You can check any practitioner on the Ahpra Register of practitioners by name or registration number; the register also shows any conditions on their registration.

In Australia the title “specialist” is protected. The Dental Board of Australia recognises 13 dental specialties, such as orthodontics and endodontics, and titles like “orthodontist” may only be used by dentists with specialist registration in that field. If a practice describes a dentist as a specialist, you can confirm it on the Ahpra register. Find a Dentist does not describe practitioners as specialists unless that registration has been checked.

Questions to ask before you book

When is your next new-patient appointment?
Can you give me a written estimate for my treatment?
Do you see young children?
How do you help people who are nervous?
Who can I contact if I have pain after hours?

How Find a Dentist matches you

Type what you need in your own words: your suburb in ACT, the kind of care you are after, and anything that matters to you, such as hours, payment plans, children, nerves, access needs or language. The search matches this against the details practices provide and explains each match in plain language.

We do not show star ratings or reviews, and we cannot give dental or medical advice. Please do not enter personal details such as your name, phone number or Medicare number.

Frequently asked questions

Who can use public dental services in the ACT?

ACT residents who are the primary holder of an eligible concession card (such as a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card), and eligible children and young people.

Where are ACT public dental clinics?

Canberra Health Services lists dental services at the Belconnen, City, Gungahlin and Phillip health centres.

How do I book public dental in Canberra?

Call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977. Have your Medicare and concession card details ready.

Is there a wait for children’s public dental care in the ACT?

Canberra Health Services says there are no waiting lists for child and youth dental appointments; you receive the next available appointment.

Can people from Queanbeyan use ACT public dental services?

Canberra Health Services notes that one-off emergency care for short-term visitors does not extend to surrounding areas such as Queanbeyan. NSW residents should check NSW public dental eligibility.

What counts as a dental emergency?

For swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding or a serious face injury, call 000. Canberra Health Services also lists knocked-out or broken teeth after injury and facial swelling as reasons to seek an emergency dental assessment.

How can I check a dentist’s registration?

Use the Ahpra Register of practitioners.

Does Find a Dentist book appointments?

No. The search helps you find practices that suit you, and you contact the practice directly.

Sources and last checked

Facts on this page were checked on 26 October 2026 against these sources. Fees, phone numbers and eligibility can change, so please confirm with the service.