Anxiety and fear in relation to dental procedures is more common than you might think – and the reasons are many.
With fear comes avoidance but if dental issues are left unaddressed, this can have serious long-term health implications. For many people even the idea of a routine dental check-up can feel utterly overwhelming and create feelings of shame.
Sedation in dentistry is about providing people with a respectful, comfortable and non-threatening dental experience. It allows people to move forward, beyond fear and avoidance, to take care of their dental health.
The New Zealand Society for Anaesthesia and Sedation in Dentistry Inc. promotes best practices and the safe use of sedation in dentistry. We provide information for patients and ongoing education for dentists.
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.