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HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini

Dental care for adults

Te ratonga niho mō ngā pakeke

While dental care in New Zealand is free for anyone under 18 years old, after your 18th birthday you must pay for your own dental check-ups and most dental care by seeing a private dentist.

You can find a private dentist on the Dental Council of New Zealand's website.

There are some options available for cheaper dental care. You can find details on Subsidised dental care for adults on low incomes.

Tips for getting the most out of your dental care

Seeing a dentist for regular check-ups will save you a lot of money and trouble and will help to keep your teeth looking good and working well.

Accidents

If your teeth are damaged as result of an accident, see your normal dentist or an emergency dentist. ACC will pay for part of the treatment for teeth damaged in accidents but you'll have to pay some of the cost. Phone ACC on 0800-101-996, email them or see ACC dental injury for more information.

On the next page: Subsidised dental care for adults on low incomes

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2022.

Page reference: 1151277

Review key: HIDCC-49010