A good place to start is our Find a Dentist page, which includes Māori oral health providers and other useful pathways to care. Find out more: TRNO Find a Dentist

In Aotearoa New Zealand, dental care is usually free for tamariki and rangatahi under 18. If a young person is not currently enrolled, a good next step is to contact the local oral health service or call Talk Teeth. Find out more: Health NZ dental care | Talk Teeth | Teen dental care

Most adults need to pay for dental treatment. In some situations, help may be available for urgent or essential care, depending on the person’s circumstances. Find out more: Health NZ dentists | Emergency dental care

If you are on a low income or benefit, Work and Income may be able to help with immediate and essential dental treatment such as fillings or extractions. A dentist usually needs to assess the treatment first. Find out more: Work and Income dental treatment support | Dental treatment form information

Some adults with a Community Services Card may be able to access emergency dental care in some areas. This can vary depending on where you live and what services are available locally. Find out more: Health NZ emergency dental care | Healthpoint dental listings | Community Services Card

Routine dental care for rangatahi is free, but braces and orthodontic treatment are not usually covered. A helpful next step is to ask the rangatahi’s regular dentist or adolescent oral health provider to assess them and advise whether a referral is needed. Find out more: Teen dental care | Extraordinary Care Fund

Dentures are not usually covered under standard urgent dental support, but some people may be able to get help through Work and Income. This can depend on the situation and may need to be paid back. Find out more: Work and Income dental treatment support | Advance Payment of Benefit

The University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry has patient clinics in South Auckland and Dunedin. The South Auckland clinic is in Manurewa. These are teaching clinics, so appointments may take longer, but they can be a useful lower-cost option for some people. Find out more: Otago Auckland patient services | Otago Dunedin patient services

Yes. Te Whare Hauora o Menemene in Dunedin is welcoming new adult patients. It is based within the Faculty of Dentistry and provides care in a kaupapa Māori setting, with tauira working under supervision. Fees range from $26 to $135, and discounts are available for Community Services Card holders. The clinic can also support Work and Income dental assistance applications for immediate and essential dental care. Find out more or book: Email: dental.menemene@otago.ac.nz Phone: 03 479 8889 and ask for the Menemene Clinic

Te Rōpū Niho Ora’s Find a Dentist page is a good place to start. It lists Māori oral health providers around Aotearoa and can help people find services closer to home. Find out more: TRNO Find a Dentist

Some whānau may be able to get help through local Māori oral health providers or kaupapa Māori health services. A good first step is to use the TRNO directory and local dental listings to see what is available in your region. Find out more: TRNO Find a Dentist | Healthpoint dental listings