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 treatment by seeing a private dentist.
You can find a private dentist on the New Zealand Dental Association's website or 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
- Always ask how much the treatment is likely to cost.
- Ask if there are any subsidies you can use.
- Check to see if you can pay off the cost of treatment (you might be asked to fill in a credit application if you want to do this).
Seeing a dentist for regular check-ups can save you 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 after-hours dentist. ACC will pay for part of the treatment for teeth damaged in accidents but you may 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 2025.
SourcesReview key: HIDCC-49010
