Are you struggling to afford dental costs?  We want to help. 

Clutha Health First has secured short term funding as part of our Comprehensive Primary and Community Care Teams (CPCT) Programme which allows us to join a locality project aimed at providing free dental care to community members residing in the Clutha District, who might otherwise struggle to afford it.

Dental treatments are available from a Gore based provider through an application/referral system, based on specific eligibility criteria.

If you're experiencing financial difficulties, don't qualify for Work and Income dental grants, and have urgent dental issues impacting your daily life, you may be eligible for this program. You must reside permanently in the Clutha District. 

How it works: 

Birch Lane Dental in Gore will help members of our community receive free dental care they may not otherwise be able to afford. Treatment is provided on an application basis within set eligibility criteria. Recipients of free dental care must be able to demonstrate that they:

• Are NOT eligible for the $1,000 Work and Income (WINZ) grant for dental treatment. This grant is available to people on a low income or benefit, to help pay for immediate and essential dental treatment. More information on who can apply for the WINZ grant can be found at www.workandincome.govt.nz.
• Are working, but find themselves in a situation where dental care is not affordable.
• Have minimal savings or disposable income.
• Have an immediate need for essential dental treatment that is affecting day to day quality of life.
• Reside in the Clutha District, are a New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident, or on a two-year working visa.
• Are over 18 years old (free dental care is available to under 18-year-olds. Call 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583) for more information).

Treatment Included:

• Initial triage, x-ray, and treatment plan.
• Extractions, fillings, and root canal treatments (if required).
• Treatment for infections.

What treatments are not included:

• Regular dental check-ups.
• Cosmetic treatments.
• Clean, scale and polish (unless required for gum infection).

General Comments:

• Free treatment will be provided for the current, specific issue.
• Patients receiving treatment at Birch Lane Dental under this initiative will not automatically be enrolled at Birch Lane Dental (unless already enrolled).
• You will be responsible for getting yourself to and from your appointment(s) at your own cost.

If you would like to download a copy of the programme overview and how it works, please click here. 

Application Form and Process

Due to popularity, our applications are now closed for 2024.

Please check back here in early 2025 for the next round of funding opportunities. Thank you for your interest.