ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN (from birth until the end of Year 8 at school)
We offer free basic preventive, treatment and specialist oral care to children that meet our eligibility criteria for publicly funded health care.
Supporting oral and dental health to get off to a good start is an important part of ongoing good health and well-being throughout childhood and beyond.
Free basic dental care is available to New Zealand children and includes:
- Dental Checkups
- 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
Children will receive their checkups from the Community Oral Health Service. Our Mobile Dental Clinics visit various locations across the Southern region.
Who is eligible for free basic oral and dental care?
Basic oral and dental care is available to children who are in the care of:
- A NZ Citizen or holder of either a New Zealand Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa
- An Australian Citizen or Australian permanent resident who has spent, or intends to spend, at least 2 consecutive years in New Zealand
- An interim visa holder who was eligible immediately before their interim visa started
- A refugee, protected person or victim of people trafficking
- A NZ Aid programme student
To find your local Community or Mobile Clinic, click on the area nearest you:
Waitaki - Ōamaru to Palmerston
Invercargill City and Southland
To find out more or to enrol in the Community Oral Health Service, please contact:
Otago: 0800 672 543 Email:
Southland: 0800 570 300 Email: