Why is dentistry so expensive in NZ?
Unlike many other types of healthcare in New Zealand, adult dentistry generally doesn’t receive public funding. This means Kiwis have to pay the full costs of any dentistry treatments.
Free dental care for under 18s
Fortunately, basic non-cosmetic dental treatment for children under the age of 18 is free. To register call 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583).
From birth until Year 8 (end of intermediate school) kids receive dental care from dental nurses at schools or at community dental clinics. The nurses offer regular dental check-ups and teach oral health habits to young people under 18. They can do things like give numbing shots, fill cavities, pull out baby teeth, clean teeth professionally, apply protective sealants, and put on fluoride treatments. If an issue is too complex for them to handle, they’ll refer the patient to a dentist or specialist.
From the first year of high school until they turn 18, teenagers receive free dental care from private dentists, who receive government funding through Te Whatu Ora.
How much do dental procedures cost?
A 2023 survey by the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) outlined the average cost of dental treatments across the country:
| Region | Exam | Scaling | Panoramic X-ray | Composite Filling (Two Surfaces) |
| North of Auckland | $75 | $103 | $107 | $276 |
| Auckland | $87 | $105 | $112 | $359 |
| Waikato/Bay of Plenty | $89 | $85 | $103 | $298 |
| Wellington | $91 | $95 | $111 | $307 |
| Canterbury | $83 | $95 | $101 | $280 |
| Otago/Southland | $125 | $81 | $98 | $283 |
| Marlborough, Nelson, South Canterbury and North Otago | $82 | $96 | $89 | $258 |
| Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Central Districts and Gisborne | $84 | $94 | $97 | $264 |
Dental insurance options
AA Insurance
AA has just one health insurance policy that includes dental cover:
Policy |
Yearly Max Dental Benefit |
Covered |
Waiting Period |
Premium |
| Everyday Cover | $450 |
|
General and preventative treatments: 2 months
Major dental or orthodontic treatment: 12 months |
From $6.87/week |
AA’s Everyday Cover policy also includes limited cover for:
- GP visits and prescriptions
- Eye care
- Physio, chiro & osteo
Nib
Nib has two Everyday Cover health policies that include dental cover:
Policy |
Yearly Max Dental Benefit |
Covered |
Waiting Period |
Premium |
| Standard | $750 |
|
Preventative: 2 months (e.g. examinations, scale and clean, fluoride treatments)General: 2 months (e.g. fillings, basic extraction (excluding wisdom teeth), X-rays)
Major & orthodontic: 12 months (e.g. crowns, bridges, root canal, removal of wisdom teeth, dentures, implants) |
From $10.66/week |
| Premium | $1000 |
|
Preventative: 2 months (e.g. examinations, scale and clean, fluoride treatments)\
General: 2 months (e.g. fillings, basic extraction (excluding wisdom teeth), X-rays)Major & orthodontic: |
From $21.15/week |
These policies also include limited cover for:
- Eye care
- GP visits
- Physio, chiro & osteo
- Acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, remedial massage & vaccinations
- Speech therapy
- Mental health consultations
Southern Cross
Southern Cross’s HealthEssentials plan provides dental cover:
Policy |
Yearly Max Dental Benefit |
Covered |
Waiting Period |
Premium |
| HealthEssentials | $500 |
|
3 month stand down | From $6.30/week |
Southern Cross’ HealthEssentials plan also provides limited cover for:
- Primary care
- Eye care
- Ear care
- Physio, chiro, osteo, massage therapy, acupuncture & nutritionists
How else can I fund going to the dentist?
If you’re over 18 and don’t want to take out dental insurance, there are a few options available:
ACC
In some cases, ACC may cover some of your dental costs, if they are required due to an accident or injury. Your dentist will advise you as to whether ACC may be able to cover part of your costs and submit a claim on your behalf.
BNPL
Some dental clinics accept Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) payments, through providers such as Afterpay and Laybuy. BNPL allows you to spread out the cost of your treatment with no added interest and no additional fees. Note that not all clinics accept BNPL, so it pays to check first.
Related article: How to Increase Afterpay Limit
Payment plans
Some dental clinics offer payment plans, either through a third-party or directly through the clinic. A payment plan typically involves paying an upfront fee, with the remaining cost paid weekly over a set period (e.g. 18 months). Interest may or may not be charged, depending on your payment plan.
WINZ
If you’re on a low income or benefit, Work and Income (WINZ) may be able to help cover the cost of immediate and essential dental treatments.
Immediate and essential dental treatment covers procedures like fillings and extractions, but not routine cleanings or check-ups. You can apply for financial assistance of up to $1000 per year (within any 52-week period) to help cover these urgent dental needs. This financial aid doesn’t need to be repaid.
If your dental costs are more than $1000, WINZ may still be able to cover the cost, however, you’ll likely have to pay it back, depending on your situation.
About the author of this page
This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a Search Engine Optimiser, before joining the Canstar team.
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