Best Dentists in Halifax: 10 Trusted Practices for Families, Cosmetic & Emergency Care

Finding a dentist you trust can feel like a bigger challenge than it should be. You want someone skilled, sure—but also someone who makes you feel comfortable, explains things clearly, and doesn’t try to upsell you on procedures you don’t need. In Halifax, you’ve got plenty of options. Here’s how to find the right one.

We’ve researched dental practices across HRM, looking at credentials, patient reviews, specializations, and the intangibles that separate good dentists from great ones.

What to Look For in a Dentist

Credentials and continuing education. Dental techniques evolve. The best dentists stay current through ongoing training, especially in areas like Invisalign, implants, and cosmetic procedures.

Communication style. A good dentist explains what they’re seeing and why they’re recommending specific treatments. You should never feel rushed or confused.

Technology investment. Digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and modern equipment improve both diagnosis and comfort.

Staff and environment. Friendly front desk staff, clean facilities, and a calm atmosphere matter more than you might think—especially if you’re anxious about dental visits.

Emergency availability. Knowing your dentist can see you when something goes wrong provides real peace of mind.

Family Dentistry

Santé Dental

Led by Dr. Melanie Fredette, Dr. Alicia Chisholm, and Dr. Eric Kriss, Santé Dental has served Halifax families for years. They provide care in both English and French, making them accessible to the city’s francophone community.

Services: General dentistry, preventive care, restorations, children’s dentistry

What Sets Them Apart: Dr. Mariette Chiasson, who has been practicing since 1993 and spent a decade teaching at Dalhousie Dental School, brings exceptional expertise. She’s been voted “Best Dentist” on the Coast multiple times.

Best For: Families, bilingual patients, those wanting experienced practitioners

“The entire team makes you feel welcome. They’re thorough without being pushy about extra treatments.” — Patient Review

Scotia Dental

Scotia Dental has built a reputation for personalized care across all age groups. Their team includes Dr. Lindsay James, a pediatric dentist known for her exceptional work with children, including those with special needs.

Services: Family dentistry, teeth whitening, emergency care, children’s dentistry, extractions, veneers, dental implants

What Sets Them Apart: The combination of general and pediatric expertise means families can keep everyone’s dental care under one roof.

Best For: Families with young children, patients with dental anxiety

Dr. Michael Arsenault & Associates

Dr. Arsenault’s practice consistently earns praise for making patients feel genuinely cared for. The reviews speak for themselves—patients describe feeling like family, not just another appointment.

Services: General dentistry, preventive care, restorations, cosmetic dentistry

What Sets Them Apart: The personal touch. Many patients mention that Dr. Arsenault remembers details about their lives and creates a comfortable, pressure-free environment.

Best For: Patients who’ve had negative dental experiences elsewhere, those wanting a more personal relationship with their dentist

“If anyone is struggling to find a good dentist, your search just ended. Dr. Arsenault makes you feel like family and the rest of the staff are friendlier than him.” — Long-term Patient

Halifax Dental Group

A well-established practice offering comprehensive dental services with multiple dentists on staff. The larger team means more appointment flexibility and shorter waits for non-emergency visits.

Services: General dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, cosmetic procedures

What Sets Them Apart: The breadth of services means most dental needs can be handled in-house without referrals.

Best For: Patients wanting one-stop dental care, those with complex dental needs

Cosmetic Dentistry Specialists

Halifax Dental Studio — Dr. Jenine Arab O’Malley

Dr. Arab O’Malley holds AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) accreditation—one of only approximately 400 dentists worldwide to achieve this status. For smile makeovers, veneers, and cosmetic transformations, she’s among the most qualified practitioners in Atlantic Canada.

Services: Veneers, teeth whitening, smile makeovers, cosmetic bonding, full mouth reconstruction

What Sets Them Apart: The AACD accreditation requires rigorous testing of actual case work. It’s not a weekend certification—it represents the highest standard in cosmetic dentistry.

Best For: Patients serious about cosmetic transformation, those wanting portfolio-proven results

Lawen Dentistry — Dr. T. Daniel Lawen

Dr. Lawen earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Dalhousie University and has developed expertise across oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and implantology. He’s also a certified Invisalign provider.

Services: Cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign, wisdom teeth extraction, oral surgery

What Sets Them Apart: The combination of surgical and cosmetic skills is relatively rare. Patients needing implants or extractions alongside cosmetic work can have everything done by one practitioner.

Best For: Patients needing both surgical and cosmetic work, Invisalign candidates

Dr. Joel Crosby

Dr. Crosby is recognized among Halifax’s top cosmetic dentists, with particular expertise in smile design and aesthetic restorations. His practice focuses on creating natural-looking results that complement each patient’s facial features.

Services: Veneers, cosmetic bonding, teeth whitening, aesthetic restorations

Best For: Patients wanting subtle cosmetic improvements, natural-looking results

Emergency Dental Care

Atlantic Dental Centre

When a dental emergency strikes—a cracked tooth, severe pain, a knocked-out tooth—you need someone who can see you quickly. Atlantic Dental Centre maintains capacity for emergency appointments and treats urgent cases promptly.

Services: Emergency dental care, same-day appointments for urgent issues, general dentistry

Best For: Dental emergencies, patients needing urgent care

Evergreen Dental

Another reliable option for emergency dental needs, Evergreen Dental works to accommodate urgent cases while maintaining their regular patient schedule.

Services: Emergency care, general dentistry, preventive services

Best For: Established patients needing emergency access, general dental care

Insurance and Payment Considerations

Most Halifax dental practices accept major insurance plans. However, coverage varies significantly, so verify specifics before your appointment.

Questions to ask:

• Do you direct bill to my insurance provider?
• What’s the expected out-of-pocket cost for [specific procedure]?
• Do you offer payment plans for larger treatments?
• What’s included in a basic cleaning and exam?

Many practices offer payment plans for significant work like implants, veneers, or orthodontics. Don’t be afraid to discuss costs upfront—good dental offices expect these conversations.

Tips for Dental-Anxious Patients

Dental anxiety is real and common. Here’s what helps:

Communicate your anxiety. Tell the office when you book and remind the dentist before they start. Good practitioners adjust their approach accordingly.

Ask about sedation options. Many Halifax dentists offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or other sedation options for anxious patients.

Start with a consultation. Meeting the dentist without any procedures can help you feel more comfortable.

Bring headphones. Many dentists allow patients to listen to music or podcasts during procedures.

Schedule morning appointments. Less time to build up anxiety throughout the day.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Pressure to do expensive procedures immediately. Get a second opinion for any major treatment recommendation.
• No clear explanation of diagnosis or treatment plan. You should understand what’s being done and why.
• Difficulty getting appointments. If a practice is consistently booked months out, you’ll struggle when you have an urgent need.
• Unexpected charges. Costs should be discussed before treatment, not after.
• Dismissive attitude toward questions or concerns. Your dental health is important—you deserve a practitioner who treats it that way.

Our Recommendations

For family dentistry, Santé Dental combines experience, bilingual service, and a patient-first approach that earns consistent praise. Dr. Michael Arsenault & Associates wins for creating genuine connections with patients who’ve struggled to find the right fit elsewhere.

For cosmetic work, Dr. Jenine Arab O’Malley’s AACD accreditation represents the gold standard. If you’re investing in a smile transformation, her credentials and portfolio speak for themselves.

For emergency care, establish a relationship with a practice that reserves capacity for urgent cases. Atlantic Dental Centre and Evergreen Dental both handle emergencies reliably.

The right dentist is worth finding. Take the time to have an initial consultation, ask questions, and trust your instincts about communication and comfort. Your dental health—and your experience maintaining it—will be better for it.

Insurance coverage and specific services vary. Contact practices directly to confirm availability and pricing.