Manawatu Clinic to Host Free Dental Day for Low Income Adults

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A dental clinic in Manawatu is hosting a free dental day for low income adults this Saturday (16th May).

Broadway Dental Centre near Palmerston North will provide dental check-ups free of charge this weekend as part of a programme to make affordable care more accessible for those on the lowest incomes. Dentists will be offering their time and skills for free from 8am this Saturday to all those in possession of a community services card.

The clinic is part of the Smile New Zealand initiative, which is supported by the New Zealand Dental Association and Southern Cross Health Trust.

In addition to routine checks, patients will also be able to take advantage of basic services, including fillings, tooth extractions and pain relief for toothache. All patients will also be given a free oral hygiene pack and the dental team will be on hand to provide advice about diet, oral hygiene and giving up smoking.

When news of the initiative’s free clinics offered by dentists and doctors broke, they were booked out within days, which highlights the need for low cost care in New Zealand. Chief executive of the New Zealand Dental Association, David Crum, praised the efforts of the volunteers and dentists taking part in the scheme and said that their efforts are making a real difference to people who struggle to afford dental treatment. Despite the hard work of volunteers, there are still many people “falling through the cracks” and Southern Cross chief Terry Moore is eager to do more to create a more level playing field and improve access to affordable services.

The Smile New Zealand scheme is in place in 11 counties, with clinics provided by 18 dental practices across the country.

 

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