His current workplace, North Shore Dental, in Auckland’s Browns Bay, announced his death on social media.
“Throughout his illness, Scott demonstrated remarkable courage, dignity, and strength,” the tribute said.
Dentist Dr Scott Ariki Waghorn, known for treating high-profile patients, is being remembered for remarkable courage. Photo / Herald on Sunday, Spy
Waghorn joined North Shore Dental in 2021 and quickly became an important member of the team.
“Many of you will remember his dedication, and exceptional skill. He was known for his incredible work ethic and his expertise in oral surgery, he truly was in his element doing complex procedures with care and precision.”
His colleagues said they were incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside him over the past five years.
“Scott was a well-loved practitioner and will be missed by both staff and patients,” North Shore Dental told the Herald.
Out of respect for his family and young children’s privacy, the practice management team did not wish to comment further.
Messages from patients flooded the post, with many thanking him for his kindness and the “beautiful” work he had done.
“Thanks Scott for giving me a smile I always wanted,” one person wrote.
BusinessDesk reported Waghorn’s specialty was a $60,000 cosmetic treatment called all-on-fours, which can replace an entire set of teeth with four implants.
Scott Waghorn has also been pictured alongside Bachelor New Zealand reality star Naz Khanjani.
In an online obituary, his family said Waghorn was “taken much too early”.
They thanked Mercy Hospice in College Hill for the “loving care” provided to him during the last two months of his life.
In lieu of flowers, his family asked for donations to the Cancer Society or Mercy Hospice.
High-profile patients
Throughout his career, his Facebook page boasted a client list that included Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni, All Blacks Damian McKenzie and Ma’a Nonu, league star Shaun Johnson and entertainers Ben Boyce and Dai Henwood.
He had also been pictured alongside radio and television host Sharyn Casey and Bachelor New Zealand reality star Naz Khanjani.
Scott Waghorn (centre) with Tariana Turia and Lance O’Sullivan.
Palmerston North-raised Waghorn once owned or co-owned eight practices, which included four mobile clinics across Auckland.
The mobile clinics had supplied 35 Auckland schools with government-funded free dental care.
However, in October 2020, his oral care practices were placed into receivership due to significant debt.
He told BusinessDesk in 2021 that he aspired to enter politics and had chosen not to renew his annual practising certificate from September 2020.
The popular dentist known for treating high-profile patients, including league star Shaun Johnson, is being remembered for his remarkable courage and exceptional skill.
At the time, Waghorn also told several media outlets he was planning to stand for the Opportunity Party in Te Tai Tokerau.
It was later mutually agreed that he would not proceed as a candidate.
In August 2020, Waghorn and his former wife Rachel sold their Glendowie mansion on Riddell Rd for $6.3 million.
He was also a high-profile fitness advocate and was involved with advertising for Les Mills, during which he said fitness had helped him give up alcohol five or six years prior.