Find a Dentist
There are several ways to access dental care across Aotearoa, including Māori oral health providers, contracted dentists, public services, and private clinics.
Find a Māori Oral Health Provider
You can connect directly with Māori Oral Health Providers through our directory. These providers offer culturally grounded services, and many deliver care through fixed and mobile clinics.
Find a Local Dentist
If you are looking for a general dentist in your area, you can search national directories.
New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA)
You can also search for a dentist through the New Zealand Dental Association.
University of Otago Dental Schools
The University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry operates teaching clinics in Dunedin and South Auckland, where patients can receive dental care provided by dental students working under the supervision of registered dentists and clinical staff. Because these clinics are part of a teaching programme, treatment may take longer but fees can be lower than many private dental practices.
Publicly Funded Oral Health Care
Some dental care in Aotearoa is publicly funded, especially for tamariki and rangatahi. Services include:
Tamariki / Child Dental Services
Free routine dental care for children from birth to Year 8 through the Community Oral Health Service. Care is delivered by dental/oral health therapists, with referrals to contracting dentists when needed.
Special Dental Benefit Scheme for Children
Covers referrals from oral health therapists to contracting dentists or emergency care outside school hours.
Rangatahi / Adolescent Dental Scheme
Free routine dental care from Year 9 until a young person’s 18th birthday with contracted dentists under the Combined Dental Agreement.
For further information
0800 TALK TEETH / 0800 825 583
Other Dental Care Options
Special Needs and Medically Compromised Adults
Hospitals provide specialist dental care for people with intellectual, physical, or medical conditions requiring facilities not available in private practice.
Low Income Adults
Some hospitals hold contracts to provide relief-of-pain or limited routine dental services for low-income adults with a Community Services Card. WINZ may also assist with funding.
Private Dental Services
Most New Zealanders receive dental care privately at their own cost. Fees vary between practices, and private clinics may offer a wider range of services.
Stay Connected
Te Rōpū Niho Ora
Peak body for the Māori Oral Health Provider sector.
Contact
021 263 1385
admin@maorioralhealth.org.nz
Connect
Charitable Trust
Te Rōpū Hauora Māori ā Niho o Aotearoa Incorporated
Charity Registration number CC61640