Dentist in Ashburton | New Patients Welcome

A local dentist you can actually get in to see

Finding a dentist near you is easy; finding one who can see you this week, explains things properly, and doesn’t rush you out of the chair is harder. We’ve been part of Ashburton since 2010, and most of our patients come from the surrounding streets and suburbs — Glen Iris, Malvern East, Ashwood, Burwood and Camberwell — often because a neighbour or family member recommended us.

Three dentists work here: Dr Mee Kim, who founded the practice; Dr Mariana Habil, with over twenty years across general, surgical, orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry; and Dr Ian Vu, whose gentle preventive focus suits children and anxious patients particularly well. Between them we cover almost everything in-house, from a child’s first check-up to implants, Invisalign and full-mouth rehabilitation. When a specialist would genuinely serve you better, we say so and refer.

We consult in English, Korean, Mandarin and Tagalog. The practice is wheelchair accessible, and there’s free parking on site — no meters, no circling the block.

New patient offers

What happens at your first visit

Your first appointment usually runs 30–45 minutes. We start by asking what brings you in and whether anything is worrying you — a sore tooth, sensitivity, a cosmetic concern, or simply that it’s been a while. Then a full examination of your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues, with X-rays only where they’ll genuinely change what we recommend. If there’s time and you’d like one, we’ll do a clean and fluoride on the same visit.

You’ll leave with a plain-language summary of where things stand — what needs attention now, what can be monitored, and what’s optional — and written costs for anything we suggest. Nothing is treated on the day without your agreement, unless you’re in pain and want it dealt with immediately. If you’ve had a bad experience elsewhere or it’s been years since your last visit, tell us; a large share of our regulars started exactly there, and we’ll allow extra time and explain each step before it happens.

Everything under one roof

Same-day and Saturday appointments

We hold time in the schedule every day for urgent problems, which is why calling early gives you the best chance of being seen the same day. Toothache, a knocked-out or broken tooth, a lost crown, or facial swelling all count as urgent — phone us rather than emailing. The first priority is relieving the pain; where a complete repair needs a longer appointment, we stabilise the tooth and book you back with a written plan.

For working families, Saturday hours (9:00 am – 3:00 pm) make it easier to bring everyone in, and appointments can be booked back-to-back so one trip covers the whole household. Late appointments on weekdays can sometimes be arranged — ask when you call.

Costs, health funds and no surprises

Every treatment is quoted in writing before it starts, itemised with the standard dental item numbers your health fund uses, so you can check your rebate before you commit. We’re a preferred provider with Bupa, HCF and nib, and welcome every other fund — ahm, Medibank, CBHS, GU Health, Australian Unity, Frank and more — claiming through HICAPS at reception so you only pay the gap. No health insurance? The $199 check-up offer is for everyone, and larger treatments come with payment options set out at the consultation.

Questions new patients ask