01
Dental examinations
Regular dental examinations to check your teenager’s teeth, gums and overall oral health.
ADOLESCENT ORAL HEALTH SERVICEFree Dental Care
Free Dental Care
for Teenagers
Eligible teenagers from Year 9 until the day before their 18th birthday can access publicly funded dental care through the adolescent oral health service.
Year 9+Adolescent dental care
Under 18Until 18th birthday
OHSAPublicly funded service
Supporting healthy smiles
Looking after your teenager’s oral health
Regular dental visits during the teenage years can help identify problems early and build healthy habits for life.
ADOLESCENT DENTAL CARE
A healthy smile is worth protecting
The teenage years are an important time for oral health. Permanent teeth are established, eating and lifestyle habits change, and problems such as tooth decay and gum disease can develop without obvious symptoms.
The Oral Health Services for Adolescents (OHSA) programme provides publicly funded dental care for eligible adolescents from Year 9 at school until the day before their 18th birthday.
At The Dental Bach, we aim to make teenage dental visits comfortable, straightforward and positive — helping young people understand their oral health and take responsibility for their smile.
OHSA
What is the adolescent dental service?
The Oral Health Services for Adolescents programme provides publicly funded oral health care for eligible young people.
Designed to support adolescent oral health
Under the Combined Dental Agreement, adolescent oral health services are provided through contracted providers. The service includes an annual examination and clinically appropriate preventive and restorative care.
The exact treatment provided depends on the young person’s oral health needs and the services covered by the programme.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Care designed around their needs
Depending on clinical need and programme requirements, adolescent oral health services can include:
02
X-rays when required
Dental X-rays may be taken when clinically necessary to help identify problems that cannot be seen during a routine examination.
03
Preventive care
Preventive advice and treatment to help maintain healthy teeth and gums and reduce the risk of dental problems.
04
Fissure sealants
Where clinically appropriate, fissure sealants can help protect the grooves of permanent teeth from decay.
05
Dental fillings
Clinically necessary restorative treatment may be provided for eligible adolescents.
06
Professional cleaning
Removal of supragingival calculus and appropriate preventive care as part of the adolescent oral health service.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
From Year 9 until their 18th birthday
Oral Health Services for Adolescents are defined for adolescents from Year 9 at school until the day before their 18th birthday, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
If you are unsure whether your teenager qualifies, our team can help you understand the process and what information is required.
Enquire About Eligibility→Year 9 onwardsAdolescent oral health service
Until age 18Eligibility ceases on the 18th birthday
Regular carePrevention and treatment based on need
WHY IT MATTERS
Teenage years are important for oral health
Regular dental care can help young people build healthy habits that continue into adulthood.
Prevent problems early
Regular examinations can help identify tooth decay, gum problems and other concerns before they become more complicated.
Build healthy habits
Teenagers can learn practical ways to look after their teeth and gums as their independence and daily routines change.
Monitor developing teeth
Regular dental assessments allow the dental team to monitor developing teeth and identify issues that may require attention.
Keep smiles healthy
Preventive care and timely treatment can help teenagers maintain healthy teeth and gums through school and into adulthood.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Some treatments are outside the adolescent service
The publicly funded adolescent dental service does not cover every type of dental treatment. For example, orthodontic treatment is excluded under the Combined Dental Agreement.
If your teenager requires treatment outside the programme, our dental team can explain the available options and any associated costs before treatment proceeds.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Teen dental care questions
Here are some common questions parents and teenagers ask us.
Who is eligible for the adolescent dental service?+
The Oral Health Services for Adolescents (OHSA) service covers adolescents from Year 9 at school until the day before their 18th birthday, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
Is the dental care free?+
Eligible adolescents can receive publicly funded oral health services through a contracted adolescent oral health provider. The treatment available depends on the services covered by the programme and the individual patient’s clinical needs.
Does my teenager need to be at school?+
The adolescent service is defined for young people from Year 9 at school until the day before their 18th birthday. If you are unsure whether your teenager is eligible, please contact our team and we can discuss the requirements with you.
Are dental X-rays included?+
X-rays such as bitewing and periapical radiographs can be included where clinically required as part of the adolescent oral health service.
Are fillings included?+
Restorative treatment, including fillings, can be provided where clinically required and where the treatment falls within the services covered by the adolescent oral health programme.
What about wisdom teeth?+
Wisdom teeth can be assessed as part of a dental examination. If further treatment is required, our dental team can explain the appropriate options and whether the treatment is covered by the adolescent service.
Is orthodontic treatment included?+
Orthodontic treatment is excluded from the Oral Health Services for Adolescents under the Combined Dental Agreement.
What happens when my teenager turns 18?+
Eligibility for the adolescent oral health service ceases on the patient’s 18th birthday. Our team can discuss ongoing dental care and our available adult treatment options before they reach 18.
LOOKING AFTER THEIR SMILE
Ready to arrange your teenager's dental care?
Get in touch with The Dental Bach to ask about adolescent dental care and eligibility.
+
Information about the adolescent oral health service is based on Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora guidance and the Combined Dental Agreement. Eligibility and treatment coverage may change, so please contact us if you have questions about your teenager's care.