Dr Claire Ashworth
Principal dentist · BDS Otago
Te Aro · Wellington
Dentistry that feels like a deep breath.
Slow appointments. Honest quotes. Nothing done that isn't needed. Nervous patients aren't just welcome here — they're our specialty.
New patient exam + x-rays $95 · Under-18s free · Same-day toothache appointments
Our Egmont Street studio — daylight in every room.
4.9
Google rating · 180+ reviews
10 yrs
caring for central Wellington
6,000+
patients through our doors
DCNZ
registered · NZDA member
What we do
Everyday dentistry, done properly
Modern kit, old-fashioned time
Digital scans instead of gag-inducing moulds. Intraoral photos you get to see and understand. And appointments long enough that nobody is watching the clock — least of all you.
All services & prices
The Ferngate difference
Built for the people who dread this
Dr Claire Ashworth opened Ferngate in 2016 with one rule: run the kind of practice you'd want your most nervous friend to walk into.
Slow appointments
We book 40 minutes where others book 20. You'll never feel like the conveyor belt is running.
Honest quotes
A fixed written quote before treatment starts. The price we say is the price you pay — every time.
Anxiety-aware care
Raise a hand, we stop. Breaks whenever you need. Many of our favourite patients hadn't seen a dentist in years.
Pricing
Prices on the website, where they belong
You shouldn't need an appointment to find out what an appointment costs. All prices are in NZD and include GST.
See the full price listNew patient exam + x-rays
40 minutes, includes photos and a written plan
$95
Exam + hygiene clean
Exam with scale and polish in one visit
from $189
Hygiene visit (existing patients)
from $129
Composite (white) filling
Fixed quote confirmed before treatment
from $220
The team
Seven people, zero white-coat energy
Dr Priya Sharma
Dentist · BDS Otago
Marcus Reid
Oral health therapist
Sarah Tuilagi
Practice manager
4.9 on Google · 180+ reviews
Word gets around, gently
“I hadn't seen a dentist in six years because of a bad experience. Claire talked me through every step and I genuinely felt in control the whole time. Went back for a clean last week — voluntarily.”
“Quoted $340, charged $340. Explained what could wait and what couldn't. That's all I've ever wanted from a dentist.”
“Took my 5-year-old for her first visit. Marcus made it feel like a game and she asked when she gets to go back. Unheard of.”
Ready when you are
Book online and we'll text you back within one business hour. In pain today? Call us — we keep same-day slots for toothaches.