In 2001, the Ministry of Health introduced a new contract for dentists providing dental care for teenagers up to the age of 18 years. Dentists could choose to work under the new contract (the Adolescent Oral Health Service Agreement), or remain working under the old regime.
The Ministry of Health website, nzhis.govt.nz provides further information about the new system for adolescent care.
The services provided under each scheme are similar, however dentists working under the new contract can provide some additional treatments at no cost. Details of the no charge treatments available, are given on the web site of the New Zealand Dental Association www.nzda.org.nz