The Auckland Regional Dental Service (ARDS) provides free dental care for children and teenagers residing in the Auckland region. This service covers children from birth until their 18th birthday, ensuring that young individuals receive the necessary dental care for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Stoddard Dental Square, we support families in understanding and accessing these essential services.
Infants to Primary School (Birth to Year 8):
Young children up to Year 8 receive free dental care through the Children’s Community Dental Service. This service operates through a combination of fixed dental clinics, mobile dental units, and dental vans placed strategically across Auckland, including areas like Mount Roskill, Three Kings, Sandringham, Blockhouse Bay, Hillsborough, Wesley, and Lynfield.
Teenagers (Year 9 to 18th Birthday):
Once students reach Year 9, they transition into the Adolescent Dental Care program, which provides free dental care until they turn 18. This service is available to all adolescents, regardless of whether they are in school or employed, through community dental practices and mobile dental units stationed at secondary schools.
ARDS utilizes various methods to make dental care easily accessible to all eligible children:
Mobile Dental Units:
To address delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ARDS has increased the number of mobile dental units visiting schools. These units prioritize treating children with urgent dental needs and those who are overdue for check-ups.
Fixed Dental Clinics:
In addition to mobile units, ARDS offers appointments at permanent dental clinics across Auckland, ensuring consistent access to high-quality dental care. Families in Mount Roskill, Three Kings, and surrounding areas can visit Stoddard Dental Square for professional dental services.
Automatic Registration for Newborns:
Babies born in Auckland’s main hospitals are automatically enrolled in ARDS.
Enrollment for New Residents:
Families who have recently moved to Auckland or New Zealand may need to register their children manually. Parents can complete the ARDS Dental Registration Update E-form online or contact a local ARDS dental clinic directly. If you need assistance, our team at Stoddard Dental Square is happy to guide you through the process.
For any inquiries or to book an appointment, ARDS can be contacted via their toll-free number:
0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583)
If you are looking for professional dental care services in Mount Roskill and nearby areas, visit Stoddard Dental Square for expert advice and treatment.
The Auckland Regional Dental Service plays a vital role in ensuring the oral health of children and teenagers in Auckland. By providing free dental care from infancy to young adulthood, ARDS helps build a strong foundation for lifelong oral hygiene and healthy smiles. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable service.
If you’re based in Mount Roskill, Hillsborough, Three Kings, Sandringham, or surrounding areas, visit Stoddard Dental Square for comprehensive dental care and guidance on ARDS services.
At Stoddard Dental Square, we proudly serve patients in Mount Roskill, Three Kings, Sandringham, Blockhouse Bay, Hillsborough, Wesley, and Lynfield. Our expert team provides professional dental care, including preventive treatments, general dentistry, and ARDS guidance. Visit our clinic for expert care today!