Dentist in Auckland — East Auckland's Family Practice Since 1990
A Trusted Auckland Dentist Right in the Heart of the East
Finding a reliable dentist in Auckland isn’t always straightforward. Between chain practices that feel impersonal, long waits for appointments, and fee structures that only become clear once you’re already in the chair — it’s no wonder so many people either rush their decision or put off going altogether.
Highland Park Dental Centre is different. We’re a family-owned practice that’s been part of East Auckland’s community since 1990, built on straightforward care, transparent pricing, and relationships that last. Whether you need a routine check-up, a complex restoration, or something more urgent — our team of experienced dentists and oral health therapists are here, and new patients are always welcome.
We’re based in Highland Park and see patients from right across the eastern suburbs: Howick, Botany, Bucklands Beach, Half Moon Bay, Pakuranga, Flat Bush, and everywhere in between.
When Life Gets in the Way of Looking After Your Teeth
Most people don’t skip the dentist because they don’t care. They skip it because it’s hard to find a practice they trust, appointments don’t fit around work, or they’re not sure what something’s going to cost until they’re already committed.
Sound familiar?
- Has it been longer than you’d like to admit since your last check-up?
- Are you putting off a toothache because you’re not sure where to go?
- Do you have kids who need dental care but you’re still sorting out a regular family dentist?
- Are you new to East Auckland and still looking for a practice to call your own?
These are the most common reasons people come to us for the first time. And once they do, most stay for years — because finding a dentist you can trust, who knows your history and treats you like a person rather than a number, is worth holding onto.
East Auckland's Dentist — Local Through and Through
There’s something to be said for a dental practice that has been in the same spot, serving the same community, for over three decades. We opened on Aberfeldy Avenue in Highland Park in 1990, and we’ve watched this part of Auckland grow from a quiet suburban pocket into one of the city’s most established residential communities.
We know the streets around here. We know the families who’ve been coming to us since their kids were in primary school — and are now bringing their own children in. We’re close to Pakuranga Road, easy to reach from the Botany Town Centre corridor, and accessible from the residential streets of Half Moon Bay, Farm Cove, and Cockle Bay without the hassle of heading into the city.
Our patients range from young families with toddlers getting their first dental check, to retirees who’ve trusted us with their smiles for twenty-plus years. We also see a lot of working adults from the Howick, Botany Downs, and Meadowlands areas who want a dentist that’s close to home, easy to park at (we’re ground level with parking right outside), and who treats them with honesty and respect.
Latest Techniques
Innovative Tech
Certified Experts
Our Dental Services in Auckland
We’re a full-service practice, which means you won’t be sent elsewhere for most treatments. From your first check-up to complex restorations, specialist oral surgery, and everything in between — it all happens here.
General Dental Check-up & Examination
A thorough examination with two digital X-rays. We’ll assess the health of your teeth, gums, and bite, identify any issues early, and give you an honest picture of where things stand — with no pressure to commit to treatment on the spot.
Hygiene & Professional Clean
Our hygienists and oral health therapists provide routine and advanced cleans, gum health assessments, and personalised advice on keeping your mouth in good shape between visits.
Fillings
White composite fillings that blend with your natural tooth. We offer a range of options depending on the size and position of the cavity.
Crowns, Veneers & Bridges
Restorative and cosmetic solutions for damaged, cracked, or missing teeth. Tooth-coloured crowns from $1,825.
Root Canal Treatment
When a tooth is infected or abscessed, root canal treatment can save it. We handle anterior and molar cases in-house, including the crown restoration that follows.
Wisdom Tooth Removal & Oral Surgery
Dr Michael Zhuo specialises in surgical extractions including impacted wisdom teeth, performed in-house with local anaesthetic or IV sedation. No referral required.
IV Sedation
For anxious patients, or those undergoing longer procedures, IV sedation is available. You’ll be deeply relaxed throughout and will have little to no memory of the procedure.
Orthodontics & Clear Aligners
We’re an Invisalign and AngelAlign provider. Straighten your teeth discreetly with a plan tailored to your case.
Tooth Whitening
Take-home whitening kits with custom-made trays, or in-chair whitening for faster results.
Dentures & Partial Dentures
Full and partial dentures to restore your smile and function. Implant-supported options also available.
Emergency Dental Appointments
Toothache, broken tooth, lost filling — call us and we’ll do our best to see you the same day or next available slot.
Free Teenage Dental Care (SCHS)
We’re a registered provider of the government’s free dental care programme for eligible secondary school students.
Why Auckland Families Choose Highland Park Dental Centre
We’re not a corporate chain. We don’t have shareholders to report to or patient volume targets to hit. We’re a family-owned practice where the focus has always been on doing right by the people who sit in our chairs.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Transparent fees, published on our website.
You can check what something costs before you even pick up the phone. No surprises, no ambiguity, no “we’ll let you know after the consultation.”
A team that's been here for decades.
Dr Sandra Forde founded this practice in 1990 and still practises here. Dr Shereena Moy has been part of the team since 1992. That kind of continuity matters — it means experienced clinicians who genuinely know dentistry, not just the latest marketing campaign.
In-house special interest.
Dr Michael Zhuo brings oral surgery expertise, IV sedation certification, and orthodontic qualifications to a practice that still feels like your local dentist. Most patients never need a referral elsewhere.
Six days a week.
We’re open Monday through Saturday, with early Friday starts from 8:00am, making it easier to fit dental care around a working week.
About East Auckland
East Auckland is one of the most established and diverse parts of the city, stretching from the waterfront streets of Howick and Bucklands Beach through to the newer developments of Flat Bush and Botany. It’s a part of Auckland where community matters — where local businesses, schools, and healthcare providers are woven into daily life.
For residents of East Auckland, having access to quality dental care close to home makes a real difference. Driving to the CBD or North Shore for a check-up isn’t something most families want to do — especially with kids in tow or a full work schedule. That’s part of why Highland Park Dental Centre has remained a fixture in this community for 35 years. We’re here, we’re local, and we’re not going anywhere.
Dental health affects every part of daily life — how you eat, how you speak, how you feel about your smile. Having a dentist you know and trust, close to where you live, means you’re more likely to go when you should, rather than waiting until something becomes urgent.
We Proudly Serve East Auckland and Surrounding Areas
Our patients come to us from right across the eastern suburbs and beyond, including:
Highland Park, Howick, Bucklands Beach, Half Moon Bay, Farm Cove, Cockle Bay, Botany, Flat Bush, East Tamaki, Meadowlands, Danemora, Pakuranga, Somerville, Eastern Beach, and Mellons Bay.
Not on this list? Reach out anyway — if you’re in the wider Auckland area and want a practice worth travelling to, we’d love to hear from you.s
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentists in Auckland
How much does a dental check-up cost in Auckland?
At Highland Park Dental Centre, a new or existing patient exam and consultation including two X-rays is $65. All our fees are published openly on our website — you’ll always know what you’re up for before you commit to anything.
Do you accept new patients?
Absolutely. New patients are always welcome. You can book online or call us on 09 537 4641. We see patients from right across East Auckland and surrounding areas.
Is there free dental care available for my teenager in Auckland?
Yes. We’re a registered provider of the School Community Dental Service (SCHS), which covers free dental treatment for eligible secondary school students. Ask our team when you book and we’ll confirm your teen’s eligibility.
What should I do in a dental emergency in Auckland?
Call us first. We do our best to accommodate urgent cases on the same day or within 24 hours. If you’re in severe pain, have facial swelling, or a knocked-out tooth — don’t wait, call 09 537 4641 as soon as possible.
How do I find a good dentist in East Auckland?
Look for a practice with a genuine track record in the community, published fees, and a broad range of services in-house. Highland Park Dental Centre has been in the same location since 1990, with three experienced dentists, in-house oral surgery and IV sedation, and a reputation built entirely on word of mouth.
How often should I visit the dentist?
For most adults, every six months is the general guideline. If you’ve got a history of gum disease, high cavity risk, or specific dental needs, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. We’ll give you a personalised recommendation at your check-up.
Ready to Find Your Auckland Dentist? We're Taking New Patients Now.
If you’ve been looking for a dentist in Auckland that you can actually rely on — one that’s close to home, honest about costs, and genuinely invested in your long-term dental health — we’d love to meet you.
Highland Park Dental Centre has been looking after East Auckland families since 1990. We’re open six days a week, we’re easy to get to, and we’ll always tell you exactly what you need and what it’ll cost before you commit to a thing.
