Under the age of 18 years general dental care is free, unless you choose to visit a dentist not funded by the government dental benefit programme. For more information please click here. If you are over 18 years of age, dental care is not subsidised and you are responsible for the costs of your dental care.

If you require emergency dental care and you are experiencing financial hardship you may be eligible for a one-off special needs grant. You do not need to be receiving a benefit to be eligible for this. For more information please view the Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) website and contact WINZ for further enquiries.

Some District Health Boards (DHBs) provide cheap basic emergency dental care clinics. These are generally walk-in but tend to have a high demand and limited places. For more information please contact your DHB. To find out which DHB you are covered by please view the Ministry of Health (MOH) website.

If you need dental care due to an accident this will be covered by ACC.