Free Dental Service at Whakamaru

The referral-based service uses a trauma-informed, holistic model to ensure people receive dental care in a way that meets their needs.

Designed with people at its centre, the Whakamaru Dental Clinic offers free, trauma-informed dental care. 

Oral health is a key component of overall wellbeing, yet for many people it is often overlooked or out of reach. The Whakamaru Dental Service has been created to meet this need. 

Delivered by qualified Ora Toa dentists, the service provides accessible dental care for people who face significant barriers to accessing traditional dental services.

FAQs & Referral Form

There are significant unmet oral health needs across Aotearoa New Zealand, with our most vulnerable people likely to face barriers to access dental care and oral health support.
 
The Whakamaru Dental service seeks to address gaps left by existing systems and prioritises the needs of low-income and at-risk populations. The service builds on the holistic approach of Whakamaru by bringing essential dental care into a safe, supportive environment where people already feel connected and supported.
This dental service has been designed with people, not systems, at its centre. It provides free, trauma-informed dental care in a safe and familiar environment, recognising that past experiences can make traditional healthcare settings difficult to access.
 
The dental service is part of the Mission’s integrated support network. By embedding dental care within the holistic suite of services at Whakamaru, we remove financial and emotional barriers, support trust and choice, and address oral health as a vital part of overall wellbeing.

The service runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from Whakamaru on Oxford Terrace.

Clients are eligible for support via one of the three funding pathways:

  1.  Te Whatu Ora provides funding for adolescents in high school (from Year 9) who receive Oral Health Services to Adolescents (OHSA), up to the day they turn 18 years old.
  2. MSD provides up to $1,000 for immediate + essential dental treatment, over any 52-week period, who are on a low income or benefit. Applicants don’t have to be on a benefit to apply; however, there are income and cash asset limits for those not on a benefit.
  3. ACC provides funding for dental issues caused by accidents. This requires an active ACC claim number – this can be created through an initial consultation appointment with our dentists.

Please feel free to contact our Dental Clinic Coordinator, Moira, via whakamarudentist@wcm.org.nz or on 022 615 8191, if you have any questions regarding eligibility of your clients.

Appointments are made by referral only. You can refer your clients by completing the referral form below:

Whakamaru Dental Clinic Referral Form

Appointments are made by

referral only

You can refer your clients by completing the referral form below

Other support services