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Community Oral Health Service l Taranaki l Te Whatu Ora
General Dentist Service, Community
Description
In Taranaki free basic dental care for children/tamariki and youth/rangatahi (aged 0-17) is provided by Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Community Oral Health Service and contracted dentists.
Basic dental care includes:
- Examination and dental X-rays, if necessary
- Oral health advice and encouragement for good oral health
- Preventative treatment, such as topical fluoride and fissure sealants (protective coatings)
- Restorations (fillings), stainless steel crowns and extractions
Children/Tamariki can be enrolled for free dental visits from birth. It is important to look after baby teeth as decay can affect eating, speech, development and may even affect adult teeth. As children grow regular dental care helps to keep teeth healthy and means issues can be recognised and treated early. Free dental care continues for youth/rangatahi until their 18th birthday; regardless of whether they attend a school or not.
Children/Tamariki requiring treatment that cannot be provided by the Community Oral Health Service (COHS) are referred to either a private dentist or the Taranaki Base Hospital Dental Unit.
Basic dental care does not include:
- Orthodontic treatment, including the extraction of teeth for orthodontic purposes. If you are considering orthodontic treatment for your child, the Dental Council have developed an information sheet and video to help you understand your options
- Tooth whitening
- Accident (ACC) related dental treatment
Care will not be free if you chose a dentist who does not have a contract with the COHS. For a list of contracted dentists click here.
Ages
Youth / Rangatahi, Child / Tamariki
How do I access this service?
Contact us
Fees and Charges Categorisation
Free, Partial fees apply
Fees and Charges Description
If your child requires specific dental treatment that our therapists cannot 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.
Government Funded/Subsidised Dental Care
Children
Free dental care to children from birth through to the end of school year 8 (second year of intermediate school).
- Phone 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583) and follow the prompts
- Click here for more information on how to care for children’s teeth and protect their smile for life
The community oral health service staff will contact you by phone or text. If the time does not suit, please contact the clinic to change the appointment.
Government funded dental clinics for 0 - 12 years (Year 8)
|
CLINICS |
PHONE |
|
Te Henui Dental Clinic |
06 757 3405 |
|
Rangiatea Dental Clinic |
06 751 3507 |
|
Manukorihi Dental Clinic |
06 754 8077 |
|
Inglewood Dental Clinic |
06 756 8041 |
|
Stratford Dental Clinic |
06 765 8845 |
|
Hāwera Dental Clinic |
06 278 9882 |
Opening hours vary between clinics. Call your clinic contact number or 0800 825 583 for further information.
Adolescents
Free dental care for adolescents from the beginning of year 9 (first year of high school) until their 18th birthday. How to enrol an adolescent for dental care: from Year 9-17 years of age
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- Contact a dentist on the list of dentists or in the Yellow Pages and ask if they offer free dental care to adolescents up until they are 18 years of age
- Phone 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583) and follow the prompts
Disability Assistance
Wheelchair access
Document Downloads
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Consent Form
(PDF, 960.3 KB)
Consent for Dental Examinations and Preventive Services
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This page was last updated at 9:53AM on July 16, 2024. This information is reviewed and edited by Community Oral Health Service l Taranaki l Te Whatu Ora.