You can look after your oral health throughout your early childhood for free. The good news is that it doesn't stop there! Our practice offers Free Teen Dentistry all the way through their high school years.
It’s important to take care of your oral health from a young age. Embedding those habits during the teenage years is crucial to a long life of optimum oral health. That’s why we offer free teen dentistry services to take care of New Zealand's teenagers’ teeth. Free Teen Dentistry services apply for children from Year 9 in high school, all the way up until their 18th birthday.
Taking care of your teeth and mouth at a young age helps to detect problems and prevent future problems from occurring.
Please note there are some exclusions, and braces, or orthodontic treatment is not included.
What it is
All students entering high school in Year 9, and up until their 18th birthday, are eligible to receive free basic dental treatment.
Free Teen Dentistry services include examinations, x-rays (if needed), preventative treatment such as fluoride applications and fissure sealants, root canal fillings, extractions (not including orthodontic extractions), oral health education and restorative treatment.
Who can use it
New Zealand high school students entering Year 9, up until their 18th birthday, are eligible for free basic dental treatment at participating practices.
Until the day before their 18th birthday, each teenager is still eligible for Free Teen Dentistry, regardless of whether they are by then in the workforce, or studying at school or university. However they are not eligible for free orthodontic treatment.
Terms & Conditions
Free Teen Dentistry is available to all students entering Year 9, up until their 18th birthday. Once they hit 18 years old, dentistry is no longer free in New Zealand.
Free Teen Dentistry is not available at all our practices. The practice must have an adolescent contract with the District Health Board to offer Free Teen Dentistry. Check with your preferred practice when booking an appointment to make sure they do offer Free Teen Dentistry.
Children will usually visit a Dental Therapist. In New Zealand a Dental Therapist works exclusively with under 18-year-olds. Dental Therapists either work for a DHB or in a private practice.