This section provides oral health resources for health professionals and the public.
Quick guide to oral health services
Find out what oral health services you and your family can get – covers preschoolers, school-age children, teenagers and adults.
Something to Smile About
[Two kids in their school playground]
Boy: Are you part of our free dental service?
Girl: It’s for all of us from zero to your 18th birthday.
Boy: Kids need healthy teeth that don’t hurt
Girl: so we can eat, talk, learn and smile.
Boy: Let’s go!
Girl: When we’re at school and the dental van comes [kids approach van with the ‘Bee Healthy Regional Dental Service’ logo on it] we climb on board for an examination.
Dental therapist: Hi, I’m Grace.
Boy: Hi.
Dental therapist: So who wants to go first?
Boy: Me! [Boy sits in chair and gets given dark glasses to wear.]
Girl: The dental therapists are very friendly and dress up like super heroes. [Dental therapist with face shield on, putting on her gloves.] They have heaps of gadgets and are always telling us what they’re doing. [Therapist picking up dental mirror and starts doing the boy’s check-up.] It’s all to keep our smiles looking good.
Boy: Baby teeth are important too. [Toddler playing with toys at waiting room of community clinic.] Mums and Dads can visit the dental service in our community with babies or toddlers [A mum takes her two kids into the exam room and one of the kids gets her check-up.]
Girl [standing with older brother]: My big bro sees a dentist every year too. He goes to a dentist in our neighbourhood who sees teenagers. [Brother walking down the road to dentist, and in to talk to the receptionist.]
Boy: If you want to know who you can see for free, go to the website [www.beehealthy.org.nz] or give Bee Healthy a call on 0800 TALK TEETH [0800 825 583].
[A large group of kids all together at the playground.]
Boy: We’ve got a free dental service.
All together: Now that’s something to smile about!
Girl: Thanks for watching.
Boy: Kia kite ano.
Something to Smile About is a short film about free dental care for kids and teens from the Wellington Regional Dental Service. Dental care is free for New Zealand kids until their 18th birthday – call 0800 Talk Teeth (0800 825 583) to find out about the dental service in your area.