Frequently Asked Questions
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Young people are entitled to free basic dental care from 0 to your 18th birthday.
What is free basic dental care?
Basic dental care include:
- 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
What happens in a dental emergency (relief of pain)?
If a dental appointment is needed urgently, and you are enrolled with a dental provider you need to tell the dental staff. If you have an accident and damage your teeth you should contact your usual dentist. Accidents are usually funded by ACC. ACC only funds part of the cost of dental care - discuss this with the dental staff or go to A and E at Base Hospital.
Where do I go for an emergency dental appointment (relief of pain’)?
Contact your local dental clinic or your dentist.
Where are the Community Oral Health dental clinics located?
Clinics |
Phone Number | Days and Hours |
Map |
Te Henui Dental Clinic |
06 757 3405 | Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm | Click here  |
| Rangiatea Dental Clinic South Road. Between Spotswood College and Spotswood Primary School |
06 751 3507 | Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm | Click here |
| Manukorihi Dental Clinic Manukorihi Intermediate School, Waitara |
06 754 8077 | Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm | Click here |
| Inglewood Dental Clinic Kelly Street, at Inglewood Primary School, Inglewood |
06 756 8041 | Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm | Click here |
| Stratford Dental Clinic Corner of Romeo and Miranda Streets, at the Stratford Health Centre, in Stratford |
TBA | Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm | |
| Hawera Dental Clinic Outpatient wing of the Hawera Hospital in Hawera |
TBA | Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm |
Which schools will have mobile dental units visiting them?
School |
Address |
|
| Bell Block School | Devon Road | Bell Block |
| Devon School | Bonithon Ave. | New Plymouth |
| Eltham School | Conway road | Eltham |
| Frances Douglas School | 201 Tukapa Str. | New Plymouth |
| Highland Intermediate | Coronation Ave | New Plymouth |
| Hawera Intermediate School | Dives Ave | Hawera |
| Kaponga School | 30 Egmont Street | Kaponga |
| Manaia School | Karaka Street | Manaia |
| Marfell school | Endeavour Str. | New Plymouth |
| Mokau | Rangi Road | Waitara |
| Normanby School | Hunter St | Normanby |
| Opunake High School | Tasman Street | Opunake |
| Opunake Primary School | Gisborne Tce | Opunake |
| Patea Area school | Kent Street | Patea |
| Puketapu School | Dillon Drive | Bell Block |
| Rahotu School | Main Road | Rahotu |
| Te Kura o Nga Ruahine Rangi | 520 Eltham Road | Mangatoki |
| Waitara Central | 12 Cracroft Str. | Waitara |
| Waitara East School | Richmond Street | Waitara |
| Waverley | Gloag Street | Waverley |
| Westown School | Sanders Ave | New Plymouth |
Will the dental care my child currently receives still be free?
Yes, from birth to 18 years old the dental care received will continue to be free of charge.
How will I know when my child is due for their yearly dental appointment?
The dental staff will contact you by phone, letter or both, with a date and time of the dental appointment.
What if the date or time does not suit me?
Phone the dental staff and change the appointment to a date and time that does suit you.
Can I have the dental checks for all my children at once to avoid having to make many visits?
Yes, we would prefer to have whanau/family dental checks together, where possible.
Will my children’s dental appointment be during school hours?
Yes, however dental checks can be provided before and after school, when possible.
Can I schedule my children’s dental appointment for during the school holidays?
Yes.
Will my children see a dental therapist or a dentist?
Generally your children will see a dental therapist. However, if treatment is beyond the dental therapist’s scope of practice, your child may be seen by a dentist. If they are a teenager they may wish to visit their family dentist.
Will my children have dental X-rays onsite or go to another dental clinic?
All the equipment, including X-ray machines will be onsite
If where my children need to go for their dental appointment changes, how will I find out where to go?
The dental staff will contact you by phone, letter or both and advise you of the date and time and where to go for the dental check.
If I cannot go to where the dental appointment is, is there any transport help or another place I can take my children for their dental check?
Yes, the dental staff can discuss your child’s dental appointment and options available with you.
Where does my child go for dental care if they have disabilities?
There is no change to the dental service provided for children and adolescents with disabilities; they continue to be provided by the permanent dental clinics.
Can I change where my child receives dental care?
Yes, it is possible to change where you receive dental care. Ask you dental staff for help.
My child’s school is on the list for mobile visits. How will I know when the mobile unit is at their school?
The dental staff will contact you by phone, letter or both to advise you of the date and time and where to go for the dental appointments.
General Information
Dental Services
The Taranaki Community Oral Health Service offers free dental care services for 0-17 (up to there 18th birthday) people living in Taranaki.
Dental check-up (examination)
Dental staff will check teeth and gums for any problems during regular examinations. They may also check how the teeth bite together and for any orthodontic problems.
Preventative Treatment
Preventative treatments may include teeth cleaning, and scaling fluoride applications X-rays. A care plan will be sent home to notify you of any necessary treatment if you do not attend with your children.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment helps make the surface of the teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. When used on small, early decay spots it may help stop decay progressing and reduce the need for a filling.
Teeth Cleaning
This is the removal of plaque and tartar from teeth. Without this gum disease may result.
Dental Treatments at Community Oral Health Dental Clinics
If your child needs dental treatment, such as a filling or removal of a tooth, your Dental Therapist will contact you.
If you require any further information about your child’s oral health care please contact your local dental therapist.
Last updated: Tuesday, December 13, 2011