Southern DHB Adolescent Oral Health Service

The service offers FREE basic dental care, to adolescents who meet the eligibility criteria for publicly funded health and disability services, from Year 9 until their 18th birthday, regardless of whether at school or in paid employment.

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 enrol with a provider.

To find an Adolescent (teen) provider, click on the area nearest you:

Waitaki - Oamaru to Palmerston

Dunedin City and South Otago

Alexandra and Central Lakes

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  Email: community.oralhealth@southerndhb.govt.nz
Southland: 0800 825 583 Email: community.oralhealth@southerndhb.govt.nz

You can access any of our oral health services by getting in touch with any of our clinicians and discussing the care you need.