Oral health

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.

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