Dental and Oral Health Service

Who do we look after?

The Oral Health Service provides specialist treatment and advice on treatment for patients suffering from oral conditions which are beyond the scope of general practice dentists.Comprehensive dental care is provided for patients who are mentally, physically or intellectually compromised to an extent where their dental treatment cannot be provided in the private sector, or where the backup facilities of a hospital are required.

Where appropriate dental care under general anaesthetic is provided for children and special needs patients.

Referrals can be received from private practice dentists, general medical practitioners, medical specialists, dental therapists, hospital based clinicians and a number of self referrals. Referrals are accepted for patients who reside in the CCDHB area.

Some patients from the wider region who require tertiary hospital support for their dental treatment may also be eligible.

Low income service

We provide a limited service for patients, who reside in the CCDHB area, have toothache and who have difficulty accessing care from the private sector because of financial constraints.

To access this service you must hold a current Community Services Card and ring in the morning (Monday to Friday) at 8am for an appointment on that day, although only very limited appointments are available.

Will I need to pay?

Part charges are made for almost all treatments. The exceptions include children, adolescents, those receiving acute care and individuals who receive dental care while an in-patient.

Charges are lower than those in private practice. You will be asked to pay any charges on the day you receive treatment. If you require a form so you can request assistance from WINZ please discuss this with our receptionist.

How do I get an appointment?

People can access the service through referral from their private dentist or medical GP. For relief of pain services, eligible people can phone the Service directly.

Will I need to wait?

Each referral is assessed by a senior clinician for eligibility and urgency. Appointments are scheduled according to this priority.

Where are we?

Wellington Hospital Oral Health Service is located in the Ward Support Block, Level 10.

Kenepuru Hospital Oral Health Service is located on the Porirua hospital campus.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm

Contact us

Wellington

Telephone: (04) 385 5967

Fax: (04) 385 5426

Porirua

Telephone: (04) 978 2871

Fax: (04) 978 2870

Dental care for young people (0 to 18)

Bee Healthy Regional Dental Service is the community-based dental service for the Wellington Region. Bee Healthy provides support, education and free dental care for young people from birth up to 5 years old, and for Primary School Aged Children (Year 1 to Year 8). 

Visit the Bee Healthy Website to find out how to enrol your child.

For young people aged Year 9, through to their 18^th Birthday, there are a number of adolescent dental care providers in the community that provide FREE* dental care. 

A list of these providers is available on the Bee Healthy Website.