[Tauranga, 06-08-2015] - Welcome Bay Dental Care, a dental practice focusing on preventative oral health care, offers free dental treatments for adolescents in support of Dental Benefits scheme of the Ministry of Health.

Starting Oral Health Care Early
It is important for adolescents to visit a dentist regularly and attend their annual check-up appointments. Teenage years are crucial in the development of the mouth because of all the changes occurring in the mouth over these years.

In association with the Ministry of Health, they offer one full mouth examination with check-up, x-rays and dental cleaning services per calendar year when a teen registers with them. Additional treatments such as bite splints, fillings, fissure sealants, root canals and some extractions are examples of treatments also included in the Dental Benefits.

Requirements and Conditions
A teen born between year p and year 13 but has not turned 18 yet is eligible for free dental care at Welcome Bay Dental Care. The same eligibility applies to college freshmen provided they have not turned 18.

However, any dental work completed for orthodontic or cosmetic purposes is not covered by the Dental Benefits scheme and would be a private expense. The benefits of registering a teen with Welcome Bay Dental Care include a sure appointment with the principal dentist.

The practice also provides free dental care to pre-adolescents and adolescents who have seen a school dental therapist but have been referred by the therapist to a dentist for more advanced treatment. The child will only need to bring a referral letter from the school dental therapist to continue receiving free dental treatment.

Clients with questions about this service may contact the practice or visit Let’s Talk Teeth website about further qualifications for this service.

About Welcome Bay Dental Care
A member of the New Zealand Dental Association, Welcome Bay Dental Care offers sports mouth guards in different colours, teeth whitening and a line of preventative dental care treatments. Gareth Gregg, who is a member of the Academy of Sports Dentistry, owns the practice. Together with other five staff, he believes in encouraging a lifestyle that focuses on preventative hygiene.

For more information about the practice, interested clients may visit their website at WBDC.co.nz.