Free Dental Care for Rakatahi

In Aotearoa New Zealand, free routine dental care is available for all eligible teenagers/rakatahi every year until their 18th birthday, even if they have left school. In the Southern region, their free dental care transfers from the Community Oral Health Service to a participating local dental provider at the start of school in year 9. 

As the end of the year is rapidly approaching, please see the information sheet attached, to find out which providers your child can enrol with as they move through their secondary schools years.

We are also mindful that family/whānau may want to choose a provider in another area for various reasons, so the info sheet includes all three lists that cover the Southern region.

Thank you for your continued efforts helping to support good oral health for your tamariki. 

Kā mihi

Sarah Chisnall 

Health Promotion Advisor | Kaiwhakatairanga Hauora

Community Oral Health Service - Southern