Carlton Dental Care

Carlton · Est. 2016

The clinic

A modern dental clinic in Carlton, Melbourne, built around gentle, evidence-based care — and a hands-on approach we’ve been sharpening on Elgin Street since 2016.

Dentist working in the Carlton Dental Care treatment room

Gentle care, modern dentistry

Carlton Dental Care opened its doors on Elgin Street in 2016 with a simple goal: to make going to the dentist something people don't dread. Dr. Sarah Chen had spent years in practices where patients were rushed through, and she wanted to build something different — a clinic where you're given time, where every option is explained clearly, and where the technology is modern but the approach is human.

Over the years we've grown from a single-chair practice to a four-chair clinic with a team of three dentists and a dedicated hygienist. We've invested in digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and 3D scanning so that our patients can see exactly what we see. But the core of what we do hasn't changed — we still book longer appointments, we still call you the day after a big procedure, and we still treat every patient like a neighbour, because in Carlton, you are.

Whether you're popping in for a routine clean, exploring Invisalign, or needing emergency care on a Saturday morning, our team is here to make it as straightforward and comfortable as possible. We're proud to be a part of the Carlton community and to care for the smiles of Melbourne's inner north.

Dr. Sarah Chen, Principal Dentist & Founder at Carlton Dental Care

Dr. Sarah Chen

Principal Dentist & Founder

Dr. Sarah Chen has spent fifteen years caring for smiles across Melbourne. After graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne in 2009, she worked in both public and private practice across Victoria before founding Carlton Dental Care in 2016. Sarah is passionate about gentle, patient-centred dentistry — she believes a visit to the dentist should never be something people dread. She holds membership with the Australian Dental Association and has completed postgraduate training in cosmetic and restorative dentistry through the Melbourne Dental School.

  • — 15 years of clinical experience
  • — BDSc, University of Melbourne
  • — Member, Australian Dental Association
  • — Founder of Carlton Dental Care, 2016

Three people, one chair-side manner

Dr. James Patel, Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. James Patel

Cosmetic Dentist

James joined Carlton Dental Care in 2019 and leads our cosmetic dentistry programme. He has a particular interest in veneers, bonding, and smile makeovers, and has completed advanced training in digital smile design. Patients appreciate his calm chairside manner and attention to detail.

Dr. Emily Watson, Orthodontist

Dr. Emily Watson

Orthodontist

Emily is our resident orthodontist, specialising in Invisalign and ceramic braces for teens and adults. She qualified at the University of Melbourne and has helped over 600 patients achieve straighter smiles. She's known for her thorough treatment plans and honest advice.

Maria Rossi, Dental Hygienist

Maria Rossi

Dental Hygienist

Maria has been a dental hygienist for over ten years and is often the first friendly face patients see at their check-up. She focuses on preventive care and periodontal health, and runs our popular children's oral health programme every school holidays.

Walk through the door

Inside Carlton Dental Care — a walkthrough of our treatment rooms and equipment

Inside Carlton Dental Care

5 min · Clinic tour

Video is illustrative for demo purposes.

Come see for yourself

Book an appointment, or just walk in if a chair’s free. We’re on Elgin Street, Monday to Saturday.