Tamariki and rangatahi in Tairāwhiti receive free basic oral health services from birth until the childs 18th birthday.
Our Service provides oral health care to tamariki from birth to year 8 and is delivered by our Dental/Oral Health Therapist's and Dental Assistant's at our fixed clinic, Wahaora Dental Clinic and in our mobile dental trucks and out in the community.
- We take enrolments from birth
- We like to see tamariki for their first appointment between 5 months to 9 months of age
- Tamariki receive oral health care either at our Wahaora Dental clinic or a mobile dental truck based on where they live
- Tamariki attend our clinic/mobile dental truck along with a parent/caregiver until they attend Primary School
- Once tamariki are enrolled at a Primary/Intermediate School, they will be seen by our mobile dental truck onsite at the school
- When tamariki are in Year 8, parents advise which dental practice they would like their tamariki transferred to for oral health care and we inform the dental practice
- From Year 9 up to their 18th birthday, Rangatahi are cared for by our private dentists in the community
How to enrol
- Your midwife or Well Child/Tamariki Ora or Plunket nurse can help you complete the enrolment form
- Your GP practice can assist you in getting your tamariki enrolled
- You can visit the Wahaora Dental Clinic and the team can help you complete the enrolment form
- If your tamariki is a pre-schooler or at primary school, forms are provided and can be completed and returned to the school or to the Wahaora Dental Clinic
- If you’re relocating to Gisborne, you can call 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583)
In this table you will find the oral services available depending on age:
|
|
Publicly Funded Services |
Referral Process |
|
0-9 months(Dental Care During Pregnancy) |
Hapu Mama Oranga Niho Service: a service that exists for expectant mothers who meet the criteria. |
Referral can be through Tūranga Health and/or Midwives. |
|
Birth to 4 years age |
Your child is likely to be first seen at Wahaora Dental Clinic located next to Illminster School unless you live in Western Rural and East Coast Areas(services delivered using mobiles) |
Referral can be through GPs, Well Child Nurses, Midwives or people can self refer. |
|
5 years to 13 years of age |
Children/Teenagers are provided with their dental checks at their school using a mobile dental van or at a fixed clinic. NO treatment is provided without seeking consent from parents/caregivers |
No referal required |
|
13 Years to 18th birthday |
Free Basic Dental Care is provided by private dentists. |
Self-referral is accepted by practices. |
|
18 plus |
DHB Led Services:A small number of people who are over 18 and suffer from Rheumatic fever are provided free basic care by the DHB. Other Services:There are two private practices that provide dental care at reduced prices to holders of Community Services Card. |
Referral is through Well Child Services |