Understanding Our Dental Policy for Children Under 18

Caring for children’s teeth is a long-game, and we’re here for every stage. Our team, armed with vast experience, is skilled at managing a broad array of dental issues unique to children. From regular check-ups to complex treatments for developmental concerns, we ensure your child receives comprehensive, age-appropriate care.

Our clinics are designed with kids in mind. From the welcome at reception to the chair-side experience, we aim to make every visit relaxed and positive—whether it’s a first appointment or part of a longer treatment plan. Building good feelings about the dentist early helps set up lifelong oral-health habits.

How the “Free Under-18” Dental Care Works in New Zealand

New Zealand funds routine dental care for tamariki and rangatahi from birth until their 18th birthday. How you access that care depends on age:

0 to Year 8 — School Dental Benefits (SDBs)

• Children are enrolled with the school/community dental service for routine care.

• If treatment can’t be completed in the school clinic (for example, complex fillings or extractions), your child will be referred to us at Duncan Dental.

• Referred care related to the SDBs is publicly funded.

Year 9 up to the day before 18th birthday — Dental Benefit Scheme (DBs)

• Teens can choose a contracted private dentist.

• Duncan Dental is a contracted provider, so standard dental treatment is free under the DBs for eligible students in this age group.

In short: under 20 m²—whoops! wrong topic

For kids dental treatment, the key takeaway is: routine care is funded up to age 18. From Year 9–17, you can enrol with us directly for free standard care; 0–Year 8 are seen by the school dental service and referred to us when needed.

What’s Included in Free Standard Care?

Typical items funded under the schemes include:

• Regular examinations and check-ups

• X-rays (when clinically required)

• Preventive care (fluoride treatments, fissure sealants)

• Fillings and simple extractions (when necessary)

• Oral-health education for kids and parents/caregivers

Services That Are Not Free

Some treatments sit outside the publicly funded schemes and attract private fees:

• Orthodontics and cosmetic treatments — e.g., braces, aligners, whitening, veneers

• Most wisdom-tooth removals — particularly where surgery or IV sedation is required

If a private fee applies, we’ll explain options and costs upfront before anything proceeds.

ACC-Covered Dental Injuries

• Accidents that damage teeth are usually covered by ACC.

• For patients under 18, treatment for eligible injuries is often fully funded.

• For patients 18 and over, co-payments may apply for some procedures depending on the complexity and ACC schedule.

We’ll lodge claims, outline any costs, and help you navigate the process.

Enrolling Your Child with Duncan Dental

• Year 9–17: You can enrol with us under the Dental Benefit Scheme for free standard care.

• 0–Year 8: Your child is seen by the school/community dental service. If they refer you, we’ll book you promptly and coordinate care.

• For details on enrolment steps and any paperwork, please see our Payment Options page or call our team—we’ll talk you through it in minutes.

Why Choose Duncan Dental?

• Paediatric-friendly approach: gentle techniques, clear explanations, and plenty of reassurance

• Experienced clinicians: dentists and therapists accustomed to developmental and behavioural needs

• Two convenient locations:

• Fraser Street, Tauranga (Duncan Dental)

• Lakes Dental, Pyes Pa (Duncan Dental at Lakes Dental)

• Continuity of care: routine, preventive and referred treatment under one roof, with specialist referrals when needed

What to Expect at Appointments

1. Warm welcome & history check – we confirm medical info and answer questions.

2. Exam & preventive care – check-up, hygiene tips, fluoride or sealants as needed.

3. Plan & consent – if treatment is required, we map out options, timing and (if relevant) any fees.

4. Follow-up reminders – we help keep recalls on track so little problems stay little.

Our Promise

Entrust the dental wellbeing of your child to Duncan Dental, where we combine professional expertise with a gentle, caring approach. Our mission is to protect your child’s smile today and fortify their oral health for the future.

Ready to book or have questions about eligibility?

Call our Fraser Street clinic or Duncan Dental at Lakes Dental (Pyes Pa), or visit our Payment Options page for enrolment information. We’re here to help.

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