No one would disagree with the statement that dental care can be rather pricey. In New Zealand Dental care for adults is one of the health services not subsidised by our taxes. At Team Dental we understand that cost prevents many people from seeking dental care. Delays in treatment often result in limited treatment options and more expensive care. There are different dental payment options that can help.

Your Own Dentist

We cant stress enough the savings to be made in having regular check ups!!! Catching things early will greatly reduce the costs associated with treatment. Your Dentist can work out a treatment plan prioritising the more urgent work. Spreading your treatments out may help with financial planning, paying in advance…$10 a week will go a long way over time. Another option is seeking support from WINZ.

Work and Income NZ

WINZ may be able to assist you, you do not have to be receiving a Benefit to be eligible for assistance. A Special Needs Grant may be available for immediate and essential dental care from Work and Income for people with a low income.

Publicly Funded Dental Care For Tamariki (Children) And Rangatahi (Young People)

Dental care for these two groups is publicly funded in New Zealand until their 18th birthday. Once they are over 18, they will have to pay for most of their dental care privately. Please ensure your young people are registered and attend while its free!!!

Publicly Funded Dental Care For Adults With Specific Physical Or Environmental Challenges

Some dental services for disabled people and low-income earners are publicly funded. It is a limited range though.

• Disabled people or people with medical conditions, may be referred to a hospital by their dentist or healthcare provider for treatment.

Reduced Price Dental Care at Dental Schools

If you live in Auckland or Dunedin you may be able to access the Otago University Dental School and be treated by Students who are supervised in what they do. While this is still a service you need to pay for, costs are generally lower than private dental care and if you have a Community Services Card or Gold Card are reduced even more.

ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) Funded Care For Dental Injuries

• The ACC will cover most of the cost of your dental treatment if it is needed because you’ve had an accident, an injury, or as a result of other medical or dental treatment. You may still need to pay the remainder of the fee.

Dental Payment Plans Available in New Zealand That Are Not Funding Based

If funded payment options are not ones of which you can take advantage, there are several other dental payment options available in New Zealand.

Team Dental’s Preferred Payment Plan

ZIP is our preferred dental payment plan. Your payment is split into four equal instalments. The first is paid at your appointment. The other three are due every 2 weeks.

Dental Care providers you may not have thought of before

• REVIVE A SMILE CHARITY for the homeless, refugees, and very low-income earners
• CLINICAL TRIALS
• COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES

If you need dental care and are worried about the cost contact us on 0508 TEAM DENTAL and make an appointment today. We’d be happy to help you find the best option.