Free Smile NZ dental appointments for low income families in Manurewa

Manurewa residents have the chance to get dental problems requiring urgent attention seen to for free.

Smile NZ, a joint initiative run by the Southern Cross Health Trust and New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA), is offering low income adults free dental treatment care from August 8-14.

"With Smile NZ we're looking to help those people for whom dental treatment is a luxury that is simply out of reach," Southern Cross Health Trust chief executive, Terry Moore says.

There is still availability for Smile NZ appointments in Manurewa, but people must get in quick as these are filling fast.

To be eligible, patients are required to have a community services card, and a dental problem requiring urgent attention.

Each eligible person will receive one 40-minute appointment consisting of a single dental treatment for urgent and essential dental care which could range from a filling, extraction, relief of pain or sorting an infection to preventative care such as fluoride applications.

Patients will also receive oral health education and a free hygiene pack.

Appointments are still available at the following clinics, Browns Road Dental Centre on August 11, Hill Park Dental Manurewa on August 12, Clendon Dental Centre on August 13.

Patients must call 0800 FREE SMILE to book an appointment.