Following this, eligible tamariki from school year 9 are transferred to the Adolescent services to continue free dental care until their 18th birthday. Please refer to Frequently Asked Questions to see eligibility information. Based on clinically assessed dental risk level, your child will be provided a recall of 6, 12 or 18 months. Should your child require specific dental treatment that our therapists have assessed as being unable to provide, a referral to a contracting dentist for free treatment may be provided.
Please note that if sedation is required, there may be costs associated with this. For urgent dental treatment needs outside of our normal operating hours, please contact your nearest dentist and ask if they are contracted to offer free emergency after-hours care for children.
Free hour advice on what to do in a dental emergency is also accessible through Healthline on Please click here for Dental Trauma First Aid poster for your information.
Free dental care is available for eligible children from birth to their 18th Birthday and includes dental examinations and x-rays, preventive treatments and treatment of dental caries, which may include fillings.
Your child will also have their dental needs assessment completed. The assessment will help determine the best time for your child to be seen for their next general dental check - 6- or months time. View a list of hub clinics in your area. Give sugar-free snacks such as bread, cheese, vegemite, fresh fruit, vegetables, egg, plain crackers.
