Free Oral Health Service for Adolescents (Teens)
From school year 9 until their 18th birthday Adolescents (Teens) who meet the eligibility criteria for publicly funded health services, can receive FREE basic dental care from the dental providers listed below. If eligible, this care is available for adolescents who are at high school, on a training course, work, or are unemployed.
Basic dental care includes:
- An annual check up
- Oral health advice and encouragement for good oral health
- Examination and dental X-rays, if necessary
- Preventative treatment, such as topical fluoride and fissure sealants (coatings)
- Restorations (fillings) and extractions
Please note: Orthodontic treatment (straightening of teeth using braces) is not provided.
To receive free basic dental care, Adolescents (teens) are required to enroll with a provider.
To find out more, or to enroll: Contact the dental providers in your area:
Waitaki - Oamaru to Palmerston
Invercargill City and Southland
Please note: some providers only accept Adolescents (teens) IF a family member already attends the practice annually.
To find out more or to enrol in the Community Oral Health Service, please contact:
- Otago
0800 672 543
community.oralhealth@southerndhb.govt.nz - Southland
0800 570 300
community.oralhealth@southerndhb.govt.nz