Free Dental Care for Teenagers in Wellington

Funded dental care for eligible teenagers from Year 9 until their 18th birthday.

At Real Dentistry, we provide free dental care for eligible teenagers in Kilbirnie, Wellington, through New Zealand’s publicly funded adolescent dental care programme.

Our dental team helps teenagers look after their teeth and gums with regular examinations, preventative care and necessary dental treatments.

Whether your teenager is starting secondary school, needs a routine dental check-up or is looking to change dental providers, our team can help with enrolment and appointments.

Book Online | Call 04 387 9392

72 Rongotai Road, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022

Who Is Eligible for Free Teen Dental Care?

Eligible teenagers can receive publicly funded dental care from the beginning of school Year 9 until their 18th birthday.

To qualify, teenagers must meet New Zealand’s publicly funded healthcare eligibility requirements. They do not need to be attending school or studying to receive the service.

Real Dentistry is a participating adolescent dental care provider in Kilbirnie, Wellington.

If your teenager has recently started Year 9, moved to Wellington or wishes to change dental providers, contact our team to discuss enrolment.

Call 04 387 9392 to enrol your teenager.

How to Enrol for Free Teen Dental Care in Wellington

Enrolling your teenager with Real Dentistry is straightforward.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Your teenager should be in Year 9 or above, under 18 years of age and eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand.

Step 2: Contact Real Dentistry

Call 04 387 9392 or use our online booking option to arrange an appointment.

Step 3: Complete Enrolment

Our team will guide you through the required enrolment information and confirm eligibility for funded adolescent dental care.

Step 4: Attend the Dental Appointment

Once the appointment is arranged, your teenager can attend the clinic for their dental examination and any clinically necessary care.

Changing Dental Providers

If your teenager is already enrolled with another participating dental provider, you can request a transfer to Real Dentistry.

Contact the existing provider to advise them of the change, then contact Real Dentistry to arrange enrolment. Please let us know when your teenager last had a funded dental examination.

What to Expect at Your Teenager's First Dental Appointment

During a routine appointment, the dental professional will examine your teenager’s teeth, gums and mouth.

The appointment may include:

  • Checking for tooth decay and other dental concerns.
  • Assessing the health of the gums.
  • Taking X-rays when clinically necessary.
  • Discussing brushing, flossing, diet and preventative dental care.
  • Explaining any recommended treatment or follow-up appointments.

The dental team will discuss findings and answer questions so teenagers and parents can understand the available treatment options.

What Free Dental Treatments Are Available?

Free teen dental care helps eligible teenagers maintain their oral health through routine examinations, preventative care and necessary dental treatments.

What FREE dental care will you get?

Retain and enhance the existing treatment information box.

Yearly dental examination: A routine assessment of the teeth, gums and mouth.

Dental X-rays: Where clinically necessary to identify tooth decay or other dental concerns.

Professional dental cleaning: Removal of plaque, staining and tartar when indicated.

Fluoride treatments: To help protect teeth against decay.

Fissure sealants: Protective coatings for teeth at risk of developing decay.

Dental fillings: To restore teeth affected by decay.

Tooth extractions: Where necessary for teeth badly affected by decay.

Treatments are provided according to clinical needs and the rules of the funded adolescent dental care programme.

What Dental Treatments Are Not Covered?

Although a range of routine and necessary dental treatments is funded, not every dental procedure is included.

Orthodontic treatment, such as braces, and cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, are generally not covered under the standard free adolescent dental care programme.

Some complex or specialised treatments may require separate assessment, approval or payment.

Our dental team can explain the treatment options and advise whether a recommended procedure is covered before proceeding.

Dental Care Tips for Teenagers

Developing good oral health habits during the teenage years can help protect teeth and gums into adulthood.

  • Brush twice daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush thoroughly.
  • Clean between teeth: Floss or use other appropriate interdental cleaning methods regularly.
  • Limit sugary food and drinks: Frequent sugar consumption increases the risk of tooth decay.
  • Attend regular dental examinations: Keep up with recommended appointments, even when there is no toothache.
  • Seek advice early: Contact a dental professional if your teenager experiences pain, swelling, bleeding gums or other dental concerns.
Our Dental ServicesBook Now

Teenagers from the beginning of school Year 9 until their 18th birthday may qualify for free dental care if they meet New Zealand’s publicly funded healthcare eligibility requirements. They can receive funded care even if they are no longer attending school.

Eligible teenagers are entitled to one routine funded dental examination per calendar year, generally around 12 months apart. Additional consultations and necessary basic dental treatments may also be provided when required under programme rules.

The dental professional examines the teeth, gums and mouth, checks for signs of decay and discusses oral health concerns. Depending on clinical needs, the appointment may also include X-rays, preventative care or a discussion of recommended treatment.

Standard funded care includes routine dental examinations, necessary X-rays, fluoride treatment, fissure sealants, cleaning, fillings and extractions where clinically indicated. Coverage depends on programme requirements and the treatment needed.

Braces and other orthodontic treatments are not normally covered by the standard free adolescent dental programme. Cosmetic treatments, including teeth whitening, are also generally excluded. Ask our team about any proposed treatment and associated costs.

No. Funded adolescent dental care is provided by dental practices and oral health professionals participating in the Health New Zealand programme. Real Dentistry is listed as a participating provider in Kilbirnie, Wellington.

Call Real Dentistry on 04 387 9392 or use our existing online booking option. Our team will help you with enrolment, eligibility confirmation and arranging an appointment. We also accept transfers from other participating adolescent dental providers.

Yes. Eligible younger children can access publicly funded dental services through the community oral health system. In Greater Wellington, Bee Healthy Regional Dental Service provides care for children through Year 8.

Families can contact Bee Healthy or Health New Zealand for information about enrolling younger children.

Book Free Teen Dental Care in Kilbirnie, Wellington

Real Dentistry welcomes eligible teenagers from Kilbirnie and across Wellington for funded adolescent dental care.

Our team is accepting new adolescent dental patients and can assist with enrolment, routine dental examinations and transfers from other participating providers.

Book Online | Call 04 387 9392

Real Dentistry
72 Rongotai Road
Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022

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