Gentle Dentist
Gold Coast
Calm, caring and completely unhurried dental care in Varsity Lakes. Whether you're nervous about the dentist or simply looking for a practice that truly listens, you'll feel at home here.
No referral needed · New patients welcome · Same-week appointments available
360+ PatientExperiences
Female-LedClinical Team
Est. 2022Dr Rita Lai
Postgrad Dip Digital Orthodontics
A dental practice that puts you first, every single visit
At Soul Dental, we understand that walking through the door can feel like the hardest part. Whether it's been years since your last visit, you've had a difficult experience elsewhere, or dental appointments simply fill you with dread — we're here to make things different.
Founded in 2022 by Dr Rita Lai, our boutique Varsity Lakes practice was built from the ground up around one idea: that gentle, attentive dental care should feel comfortable, not confronting. We go at your pace, explain everything before we do it, and never pressure you into treatment you're not ready for.
From your first check-up and clean through to ongoing care for the whole family, every visit is designed to leave you feeling more at ease than when you arrived.
New patients welcome · All health funds accepted
What makes Soul Dental a gentle dentist Gold Coast patients trust
Not all dental practices are created equal. Here's what sets our approach apart — and why so many Gold Coast patients keep coming back.
We go at your pace — always
There is no hurrying at Soul Dental. We take time at the start of every appointment to understand how you're feeling, and every step is explained before anything happens. You are in control.
Entirely female clinical team
Led by Dr Rita Lai, our all-female clinical and support team creates an environment many patients describe as immediately more relaxed and reassuring — particularly for those who've felt uncomfortable at the dentist before.
Honest advice, not sales pressure
We will only recommend treatment that is genuinely necessary or beneficial for you. Our consultations are information-first — we want you to understand your options and feel confident before any decision is made.
A purpose-built calming environment
Every detail of our Varsity Lakes clinic — from the lighting to the layout — was designed to feel warm, welcoming and nothing like the dental practices that may have put you off in the past.
Education before treatment
We believe informed patients make better decisions about their health. Before any treatment, we take the time to explain what we found, why it matters and what your options are — clearly, without jargon.
Prevention first — always
Rather than treating problems as they arise, Soul Dental focuses on catching issues early and helping you maintain excellent oral health long-term. It's better for you — and far less invasive over time.
What to expect at your first appointment
The unknown is often the hardest part. Here's exactly what happens when you visit Soul Dental for the first time — so there are no surprises.
A warm welcome from our team
You'll be greeted by our friendly reception team, offered a seat in our calm waiting area, and given time to settle before your appointment begins. No rushing.
A conversation before anything clinical
Dr Rita or one of our team will take time to understand your concerns, any anxiety you might be feeling, and what you'd like from your dental care going forward.
A thorough, gentle examination
We assess your teeth, gums, soft tissues and jaw — explaining as we go, in plain language. Digital imaging may be taken to give us a complete picture of your oral health.
Your personalised oral health plan
We walk you through our findings, discuss any treatment that may be beneficial, and help you create a plan that suits both your health goals and your schedule. No pressure, ever.
✓ Includes examination, clean & personalised care plan
across the Gold Coast
Gentle dental care for the whole family
Soul Dental is a trusted family practice — we welcome patients from their very first tooth right through to adulthood. Our gentle approach means children have positive, stress-free experiences that set them up for a lifetime of healthy dental habits.
We're proud to support families through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), helping make quality preventative care accessible for eligible children across the Gold Coast.
Whether it's your child's first check-up, a family appointment, or simply finding a practice where everyone feels genuinely cared for — we'd love to be your long-term dental home.
Children's Dentistry at Soul Dental✓ Medicare CDBS accepted · Welcome from age 1
A practice built around
your comfort and confidence
Everything we do at Soul Dental comes back to one thing — making sure every patient leaves feeling better than when they arrived.
Nervous patients are welcome here
Dental anxiety is more common than you might think, and we've helped many Gold Coast patients rebuild their confidence with dental care. We don't judge — we just make things easier.
Dr Rita Lai — experienced and approachable
With a Bachelor of Oral Health, Graduate Diploma of Dentistry and Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Orthodontics, Dr Rita brings deep clinical knowledge alongside a genuinely warm, patient-first approach.
Modern technology, gentle in application
We use digital scanning, digital orthodontic planning and modern diagnostic imaging to make treatment more precise and less invasive — so your experience is as comfortable as possible.
Flexible payment & health fund support
We offer on-the-spot HICAPS claiming with all major private health funds, accept DVA patients, and provide flexible payment options so cost is never a barrier to the care you need.
Beyond general dentistry
When you're ready, we offer the full scope of dental care — from Invisalign® and clear aligners to porcelain and composite veneers — all delivered with the same gentle, unhurried approach.
Ready to find a dentist you actually feel good about?
Book your appointment at Soul Dental in Varsity Lakes. Welcoming new patients from across the Gold Coast — Mudgeeraba, Robina, Burleigh, Reedy Creek and beyond.
Book NowQuestions answered.
Everything patients ask us before their first visit — answered honestly.
Absolutely not. We see this all the time and we understand that life gets in the way, or that past experiences have made it hard to come back. Our only focus is helping you move forward — starting from wherever you are now, without any judgement whatsoever.
Dental anxiety is something we are very experienced with. We take an unhurried approach, explain everything before we do it, and never proceed with treatment until you feel comfortable. You're always in control — if you need a break, just let us know. Building trust takes time and we're here for the long term.
New patients at Soul Dental begin with a comprehensive examination and clean. We assess your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues, take digital imaging where needed, and give you a clear picture of your oral health. We then walk you through any treatment options at a pace that suits you — nothing is rushed or pressured.
Yes — we offer on-the-spot HICAPS claiming with all major private health funds, so you only pay the gap on the day. We also accept DVA patients and support eligible families through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
Yes — once your oral health is in a good place, we offer the full range of cosmetic and orthodontic treatments including porcelain and composite veneers, teeth whitening, smile makeovers, and Invisalign® clear aligners. All delivered with the same gentle, patient-first approach.
We're at 7/220 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227 — easy to reach from Mudgeeraba, Robina, Burleigh, Reedy Creek and surrounding suburbs. Dedicated customer parking is available near the building, with covered parking one minute away. Get directions →
Every six months is the general recommendation for most adults and children — regular visits allow us to catch small issues before they become more significant (and more expensive) to treat. Some patients benefit from more or less frequent visits depending on their individual oral health. We'll guide you on what's right for you after your first appointment.