Introduction

The Community Oral Health service has a strong emphasis on prevention of tooth decay and providing parents with advice to support their children's good oral health, at the time of their child's appointment.

The service offers FREE basic dental care, to children who meet the eligibility criteria for publicly funded health and disability services, from birth until they begin high school. 

Free basic dental care is available at Community Oral Health clinics and mobile dental units throughout the Southern District.

Basic dental care includes:

• An annual check up
• 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

Please note:  Orthodontic treatment (straightening of teeth using braces) is not provided.

Contact Details

Otago
03 476 9835
0800 oral health (0800 672 543)  (free from cell phones) 
oralhealth@southerndhb.govt.nz

Southland
03 214 5774
0800 570 300  (free from cell phones) 
oralhealth@southerndhb.govt.nz

Visit us on

Visit www.letstalkteeth.co.nz for more information on how to care for teeth.