Read on to find out about changes that have occurred regarding dental care for our tamariki in Hokitika and how to access this service within the new changes.

We wanted to update you on the current pathway for dental care for our akonga at Westland High School. In the past, the dental bus would visit the school for Year 7 & 8 students, offering on-site dental care and then referring them to a dentist for ongoing care as they moved into Year 9-13. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of available dental nurses, this service is no longer provided.

The new pathway is as follows:

- You will now need to register your tamariki at The Family Dental Centre in Greymouth for their dental care. Contact details are: 40 Tainui Street, Greymouth, (03) 768 6243. Website: https://lumino.co.nz/dentists/family-dental-centre-greymouth/

- Once registered, it will be your responsibility to take your tamariki to the dentist for their appointments.

If you prefer, you also have the option of visiting the Hokitika dentist. However, please note that this option is private care and is not funded, which may incur additional costs.

We understand this change may present challenges, we will be discussing this further with other schools in the region to see how we can further support a more sustainable solution for the future. 

Te Hono o Nga Waka are offering assistance with the registration process and possibly transport if needed. You can contact them at 47 Revell Street, Hokitika

kaiwhakahaere@tehonoongawaka.org 021 077 6994. Website: https://www.tehonoongawaka.org/

We encourage you to reach out to Te Hono if you need assistance with the registration process or transportation to appointments. Alternatively you can contact our office and we will do what we can to assist. We are here to support you and the health and wellbeing of your tamariki. 

Things are changing often in this space, and we are hopeful that in the future, dental work can once again be offered in Hokitika. We will keep you updated with any changes as they occur.