In New Zealand, free dental care is available for children aged 0-18. Here’s how your ākonga can access it:

In New Zealand, free dental care is available for children aged 0-18. Here’s how your ākonga can access it:

Children New Entrance to Year 8 (age 5-13)

Children at primary and intermediate school have their teeth checked each year in a Community Dental Service van that visits the school. The dental vans visit all primary and intermediate schools in Canterbury and South Canterbury. In the first instance children will be assessed in the vans. Should they need treatment (eg: filling) they will be given a home a care plan and then parents can book an appointment for their child to have the treatment done at a community dental clinic.

Teenagers Year 9 to Year 13 (age 12-18)

In year 8, children are transferred from Community Dental Services to a private dentist where they receive free adolescent dental care. Dental care with the private dentist is then free of charge from year 9 to 18 years of age. Not all dentists provide the free dental service so families need to phone 0800 846 983 to check for the free providers in your area. Parents can enrol their teen by phone, email or visiting the chosen dentist.