Adolescent Dental Care in Drury
for Teens From Year 9 to 18
If your teenager has been putting off the dentist, here's the good news: adolescent dental care in Drury is completely free for eligible teens from Year 9 right up to their 18th birthday. Drury Dental is a contracted provider under New Zealand's government dental benefit scheme, so your teen can get the care they need without the bill.
What Is the Adolescent Dental Benefit Scheme?
The Adolescent Dental Benefit Scheme is a government-funded programme run by Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora). It covers free routine dental care for New Zealand residents from the start of Year 9 until the day they turn 18. It doesn't matter whether your teen is at school, in tertiary study, or working — if they're under 18 and a NZ resident, they're eligible.
Drury Dental is a contracted provider under the Combined Dental Agreement (CDA), which means eligible teens can access this funded care at our Drury practice at no cost to you.
What's Included in Your Teen's Free Dental Care
The government adolescent dental benefit covers basic dental treatment — the essentials that keep your teen's teeth healthy through those critical growing years.
At Drury Dental, eligible teens can access the following at no cost:
Dental Examination — One full check-up per calendar year to assess your teen's oral health and catch any issues early.
X-rays — Diagnostic imaging to identify problems that aren't visible to the naked eye, including decay between teeth and developing wisdom teeth.
Scale and Clean — A professional clean to remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing misses, helping prevent cavities and gum disease.
Fillings — Treatment for cavities using tooth-coloured filling material to restore the tooth and stop decay progressing.
Simple Tooth Extractions — Where a tooth cannot be saved and needs to be removed.
Please note: orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners) and teeth whitening are not covered under this scheme. Dental injuries from accidents are handled separately through ACC.
Why Bring Your Teen to Drury Dental?
Drury Dental is part of the Auckland Family Dental network — a trusted group of dental practices across Auckland serving families for over 20 years. Our experienced team includes dentists trained in New Zealand, Australia, and internationally, bringing a broad range of skills to every appointment.
Our Drury practice is conveniently located just five minutes from the motorway via the Pukekohe/Drury off-ramp, making it easy to reach from Papakura, Pukekohe, and surrounding South Auckland suburbs. We understand that teenagers can be anxious about dental visits, so we focus on making the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is adolescent dental care really free at Drury Dental?
Yes. Drury Dental is a contracted provider under the government's Combined Dental Agreement (CDA), which means eligible teens receive funded routine dental care at no charge. Surcharges may apply for after-hours treatment or complex cases — our team will advise you upfront
2. Does my teen need to be enrolled at school to qualify?
No. The adolescent dental benefit covers teens from Year 9 to their 18th birthday regardless of their schooling or employment status. Full-time students, part-time students, and working teens are all eligible as long as they are NZ residents and under 18.
3. Can my teen get braces for free under this scheme?
No, orthodontic treatment including braces and clear aligners is not covered under the adolescent dental benefit scheme. Teeth whitening is also excluded. If your teen needs orthodontic work, our team can walk you through the available options at your next visit.
4. What happens when my teen turns 18?
Once your teen turns 18, they are no longer eligible for government-funded adolescent dental care. We encourage families to book a final funded check-up before the 18th birthday so your teen enters adulthood with a clean bill of oral health. Our team can help plan ongoing care from there.
5. What if my teen had a dental injury?
Dental injuries are covered by ACC in New Zealand. Bring your teen in as soon as possible and let our team know it's an ACC-related injury. We'll complete the required form before treatment begins. After-hours surcharges may still apply.