To our Auckland whānau

This letter is to inform you about the service delivery for the Children’s Community Dental Service (Auckland Regional Dental Service).

During Level 3, there were national restrictions on the health services able to be offered to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19. This included restrictions on routine dental treatments and check-ups. Because of this, we have now commenced our COVID-19 Recovery Plan. This means we need to firstly offer appointments to children who have been identified as requiring treatment and those waiting the longest for their routine examination.  We also offer an acute service for any child who is experiencing dental pain. In addition, during the transition to Level 2 there may be some restrictions in the range of dental treatments that we are able to provide.

We apologise in advance for the delays this will cause for some children who are due a routine check-up. Please be assured that we will contact you as soon as we are able to offer your child an appointment with our service.

In the meantime, if your child is in pain or you have immediate concerns with their teeth, please phone 0800 TALK TEETH (0800-8255-83384). Alternatively, find the direct dial of your nearest clinic. Our staff will be available to discuss your concerns with you directly, and will offer your child an appointment if required.

Kind regards,
The Children’s Community Dental Service.

Auckland Regional Dental Service (ARDS)
Free dental assessments and care are provided for children and adolescents in the greater Auckland area.

Birth to Year 8
The ARDS School Dental service provides free dental services to children from birth to Year 8 who have been enrolled with the service. We operate from dental facilities across the greater Auckland area; these facilities include a mixture of fixed clinics, transportable dental units and dental vans. For more information about child dental care or to find a list of clinics near you please check our website here or phone 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583).

Adolescent Dental Care
Free dental care is provided for adolescents from Year 9 until their 18th birthday by contracted dental practices. Regardless of whether adolescents are at school, in paid employment or not, they are still entitled to free dental services. For more information about adolescent dental care or to find a dental practice who provides funded dental care near you please click here or phone 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583).

Enrolment
All babies born in Auckland's main hospitals are automatically registered with the Auckland Regional Dental Service. Your child will be invited to a dental appointment when they are about 1 year old.

If your child is new to Auckland or new to New Zealand they may not be registered with us. To enrol/register your child please complete the ARDS Dental Registration Update E-form below (see Referral Process), phone 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583), or contact one of our dental facilities.

For information and FAQ on the Pukekohe Intermediate Dental Clinic Public Health Notice please visit the dedicated website:   www.countiesmanukau.health.nz/ardspukekohe