Dental Care
If you have pain or problems affecting your teeth or gums, you can visit a dentist.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is vital for your overall wellbeing. Whether you need a routine check-up, emergency treatment, or children’s dental care, Canterbury has a range of dental services available in a friendly and professional environment.
What services are available?
A dentist can help with a variety of tooth and gum issues, including:
- Routine dental check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays
- Fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants
- Root canal procedures, wisdom tooth extraction, and oral surgery
- Emergency and after-hours dental care
- Child and adolescent dental care (including free or subsidised services)
- Cosmetic treatments (teeth whitening, veneers)
Where to go for support
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a dentist. You can find a dental clinic and book an appointment directly using the Healthpoint directory.
Most adult dental services in New Zealand are provided by private clinics, with pricing set by the individual clinic. You can request a quote when booking.
Clinics may also accept private health insurance.
Funded dental care is available for children and young people under 18, as well as some adults.
If you need dental treatment because of an accident or injury, you can apply for ACC funding.
Need support now?
- If you’re experiencing tooth pain or facial swelling, clinics like G & E Dental and Pathway Dental offer emergency or after‑hours dental care.
- If you can’t access an after-hours dental service and need urgent care, you can visit the emergency department at Christchurch Hospital.
