Dental care for teenagers
Dental care from year 9
Free dental care is available for teenagers from year 9 until their 18th birthday.
This is provided by a number of adolescent dental care providers who are contracted by Health New Zealand — Te Whatu Ora.
Free dental care includes:
- routine examination to check teeth for decay and look at the gums and mouth for any problems
- x-rays used to find tooth decay and other problems that cannot be seen
- fluoride treatment, which helps make the surface of the teeth more resistant to decay
- fissure sealants, a protective plastic coating, which is applied to teeth that are at risk of developing tooth decay
- cleaning plaque, staining and tartar from teeth
- fillings to restore teeth that have been affected by tooth decay
- extractions to remove teeth that have been badly affected by tooth decay.
Adolescent dental care provider
If your child is currently in Year 8, this will be the last year they will have their dental check with Bee Healthy Dental Clinic or Mobile Van.
At the start of Year 9, your child's dental care will be transferred to an adolescent dental care provider.
The transfer process
Receive the letter
In year 8, your child will bring home a letter with the name of an approved adolescent dental provider they have chosen. This will be their dental care provider from year 9 until they turn 18 years old.
Receive the letter
In year 8, your child will bring home a letter with the name of an approved adolescent dental provider they have chosen. This will be their dental care provider from year 9 until they turn 18 years old.
Changing dental provider
You may change to another approved adolescent dental provider or to your current family dentist.
To change call 04 570 9273 or email Adolescent_Oral_Health@huttvalleydhb.org.nz
You will need to provide your child's:
- name
- date of birth
- provider you have chosen.
If your current family dentist is not listed in the directory, your child’s dental care may not be free. Please discuss with your dentist.
Changing dental provider
You may change to another approved adolescent dental provider or to your current family dentist.
To change call 04 570 9273 or email Adolescent_Oral_Health@huttvalleydhb.org.nz
You will need to provide your child's:
- name
- date of birth
- provider you have chosen.
If your current family dentist is not listed in the directory, your child’s dental care may not be free. Please discuss with your dentist.
Transfer complete
You will be contacted by your new dental provider at the start of year 9 to enrol with their practice and book an appointment.
Transfer complete
You will be contacted by your new dental provider at the start of year 9 to enrol with their practice and book an appointment.
Recently moved to the Wellington region
If you are new to the Wellington region, you can contact one of the dentists in the link below to enrol your child to receive free dental care from Year 9 until their 18th birthday.
Dental care once you turn 18 years old
Once you turn 18 years and over you will have to pay privately for the majority of dental services.
Dental practices set their fees based on:
- the location of their practice
- whether it is a specialist or a general dental practice
- whether there are advanced equipment or techniques used to provide treatment.
If cost affects whether or not you can see a dentist, we recommend that you shop around and ask about the fees for the services and treatment you require.
Dental services funded for adults
A limited range of dental services are funded for some adults.
- People with disabilities or medical conditions such as mouth cancer may be referred to a hospital for their dental treatment by their usual dental practitioner or GP.
- People on low incomes who have a Community Services Card may be able to get emergency dental care, such as pain relief or extractions.
These services are provided by public hospitals or dentists contracted by Health New Zealand. You may still need to pay some of the treatment cost.