Free Dental Care for 13 – 18 Year Olds
Local District Health Board (DHB) pays for basic dental services until the child turn 18. Most NZ children will be automatically enrolled when they’re born.
At Shine Dental, basic dental services are free for children between the age of 13 years and 18 years.
How to Enrol?
If you haven’t received a letter or pack about your child’s teeth by their first birthday, enrol them by calling 0800 Talk Teeth (0800 825 583).
You’ll go through to a local organisation that looks after children’s dental health and they’ll guide you through what you need to know and do. A child’s first checkup should be before their second birthday.
If not enrolled yet?
If you haven’t received a letter or pack about your child’s teeth by their first birthday, enrol them by calling 0800 Talk Teeth (0800 825 583).
You’ll go through to a local organisation that looks after children’s dental health and they’ll guide you through what you need to know and do. A child’s first checkup should be before their second birthday.
What’s covered?
Free services include:
- Regular Checkups
- Cleaning
- X-Rays
- Preventative treatments like fluoride or fissure sealants
- Fillings and Extractions.
What’s not covered?
You’ll need to pay for orthodontic treatments, like braces to straighten teeth.
But children with special medical needs, for example cleft palates, can get free treatment.
If you need dental care because of an injury or accident, ACC covers some of your dental treatment costs.