Free Oral Health Service for Children
We offer free basic preventive, treatment and specialist oral care to children from birth until the end of school year 8. Children must meet the eligibility criteria for publicly funded health services.
Overall good health and well-being begins with good oral health. Click the buttons below to check for eligibility and to enrol your child for free dental care.
Free basic dental care is available to children who meet the eligibility criteria for publicly funded health services including:
- Checkups
- Oral Health advice including oral care and dietary advice
- Examination and dental X-rays, if necessary
- Preventative treatment, such as topical fluoride and fissure sealants (coatings)
- Restorations (fillings) and extractions
Children receive this care from the Community Oral Health Service. We have a mix of community-based clinics and mobile dental buses across the Southern region.
Who is eligible for free basic dental care?
Basic dental care is available to children who are in the care of:
- A NZ Citizen or permanent resident
- An Australian Citizen or Australian permanent resident or an Australian planning to live in NZ permanently.
- An interim visa holder
- A refugee, or protected person or survivor of people trafficking
- A NZ Aid programme student
- Is in the care or control of the chief executive of The Ministry of Social Development.
To find out more or to enrol in the Community Oral Health Service, please contact: