Routine dental checks are provided free for all children through school clinics. Free dental treatment is also available if requested.
However, many families prefer dental work to be undertaken by a private dentist. The Government's Dental Benefits Scheme aims to cover the cost of this type of care for teenagers aged 13 to 18. But involvement in this subsidised scheme is voluntary and many dentists prefer not to participate. There are also restrictions on the types of dental care available. To obtain this free service you must register with a dentist who subscribes to the scheme.
For details of local school clinics and dentists offering free services to adolescents, contact the Dental Service Manager in your local District Health Board (see the 'Hospitals & other service providers' section in the front of the White Pages).
Most public hospital dental units provide some basic and emergency services for people on low incomes. A small fee is usually charged for these services. However, their priority is to provide care for in-patients undergoing treatment for other conditions. The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) meets the cost of care resulting from accidental injuries.
Except for the treatment of children under 18, dentists do not receive a government subsidy. Their charges vary widely and are higher than those charged by GPs. Dentists are listed in the Yellow Pages. Fluoridated water has been adopted as a standard dental health practice in most parts of New Zealand.
Cost
The cost of emergency dental care is subsidised for people on low incomes. Some public hospitals also have dental departments that provide low-cost services to outpatients.
Except for the treatment of children under 18, dentists do not receive a government subsidy. Their charges vary widely and are generally higher than those charged by GPs. Dentists are listed in the Yellow Pages. Fluoridated water has been adopted as a standard dental health practice in most parts of New Zealand.
| Dentist |
Cost |
| Standard check-up, x-ray and clean |
$75-$110 |
