A - Z Services
Taranaki Community Oral Health Service
In Taranaki free basic dental care is provided for children and young people (aged 0-17) by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Taranaki Community Oral Health Service (previously the school dental service) and contracted dentists.
Basic dental care includes:
- dental examination and if necessary dental radiographs
- advice and education for good oral health
- preventative treatment, such as topical fluoride and fissure sealants (protective coatings)
- restorations (fillings), stainless steel crowns and extractions.
Children can be enrolled for free dental visits from birth. As soon as a baby tooth pops through the gum it is at risk of developing tooth decay. It is therefore important to look after baby teeth as decay can affect eating, speech, development and may even affect the adult teeth. As children grow regular dental care helps to keep teeth healthy and means problems can be recognised and treated early. Free dental services continue for teenagers until their 18th birthday. This is regardless of whether they attend a school or not.
Children 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. If sedation services are required with a private dentist a part charge fee may apply.
Basic dental care does not include:
- orthodontic treatment, including any dental extractions 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 choose a dentist who does not have a contract with the Community Oral Health Service. For a list of contracted dentists click here.
