Free Dental Care Offered for Teens in Matamata

At Applecross Dentists, caring for young smiles starts early and continues right through the teenage years. Many parents know that children receive free dental care — but did you know that this benefit continues throughout high school? Our Free Teen Dentistry service ensures that every young person in Matamata and surrounding areas can access high-quality dental care at no cost until their 18th birthday.

Healthy Habits Built for Life

We believe that strong oral health habits should start young. The teenage years are a crucial time for protecting developing teeth and maintaining good hygiene as permanent teeth settle in. Regular dental visits not only help prevent decay and gum issues, but also give teens the confidence of a bright, healthy smile.

At Applecross Dentists, we focus on education, prevention, and gentle care, ensuring every visit is comfortable and stress-free. We take the time to teach correct brushing, flossing, and diet habits that protect teeth for years to come.

What’s Included in Our Free Teen Dental Programme

Our team of contracted dentists provides a full range of free basic dental treatments for all students from Year 9 through to the day before their 18th birthday.

This means teenagers in Matamata can keep their smiles healthy without worrying about cost barriers.

Our free dental care includes:

• Regular examinations to monitor tooth and gum health

• X-rays (when required) to detect issues early

• Preventative care, including fluoride treatments and fissure sealants

• Fillings and root canals to treat decay and infection

• Extractions (excluding orthodontic extractions)

• Restorative treatments to maintain function and appearance

• Oral health education tailored to teenage lifestyles

These services are provided by our friendly, qualified team right here in Matamata, making it simple and convenient for local families.

Who Can Access Free Teen Dentistry?

The programme is available to:

• All New Zealand high school students from Year 9 until their 18th birthday

• Teenagers who leave school early — whether they begin tertiary study or enter the workforce — are still eligible for free care

• Orthodontic treatment (such as braces and aligners) is not covered under this service

So, whether your teen is studying, working, or transitioning into adulthood, they can continue to receive free dental check-ups and essential treatments from Applecross Dentists.

Why Regular Check-Ups Matter

Teenagers experience many changes — not just in lifestyle but in oral health too. From sports injuries and sugary snacks to wisdom teeth emerging, this stage of life comes with new dental challenges.

Routine check-ups allow our dentists to spot small problems before they become bigger issues, helping maintain strong, healthy teeth for the long term.

By encouraging regular visits, we help teens feel confident about their smiles — and more likely to carry good oral hygiene habits into adulthood.

Supporting Healthy Smiles in the Matamata Community

At Applecross Dentists, we’re proud to support the local community with accessible, caring dental services. Our mission is simple: to help Matamata’s young people enjoy healthy, confident smiles without financial stress.

Whether it’s a simple clean, a filling, or preventive treatment, we’re here to make every visit easy, educational, and effective.

Book Your Teen’s Free Dental Appointment Today

If your child or teenager is due for their next check-up, contact Applecross Dentists Matamata today to book their free teen dental appointment.

Together, we’ll help them build a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles — starting right now.