www.ards.co.nz P: 0800 825 583
The Auckland Regional Dental Service (ARDS) operates across the Auckland District Health Board (ADHB), Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB) and the Waitemata District Health Board (Waitemata DHB) catchment areas. Free dental care is available for children from birth to their 18th birthday and includes dental examinations and x-rays, preventative treatments and treatment of dental caries, which may include fillings. Dental treatment is provided by different dental providers depending on a child's age.
The Dental Council is a regulatory authority created by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. The Dental Council ensures that oral health practitioners meet and maintain standards in order to protect the health and safety of the New Zealand public. Oral health practitioners regulated by the Dental Council are dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hgygienists, oral health therapists, clinical dental technicians, dental technicians and orthodontic auxiliaries. On the Dental Council website you can search the register for all oral health practitioners registered in New Zealand; find disciplinary decisions about registered oral health practitioners; learn your rights as a patient and raise concern or make a complaint about an oral health practitioner. www.dcnz.org.nz
Good oral health is vital for your general health and well-being. Poor oral health and pain and suffering in the mouth can have a significant impact on quality of life. NZDA's site gives information on common dental problems, treatments and oral health care for all age groups and includes dental trauma advice.