Are you open to the public?
Yes.
The vast majority of the 60,000+ treatments we provide each year are for members of the public.
In fact, we couldn't be here without the public's support. We appreciate you being part of our students' learning experience.
We no longer accept patients who walk in. You must have an appointment before you come to see us.
Is treatment free?
No. The Faculty of Dentistry operates private clinics as it is owned by the University of Otago.
There will be a charge for treatment, which your clinician will discuss with you before treatment begins.
If you have a current community services card you are eligible for a 25 per cent discount if you are being treated by an undergraduate student. For some patients, the cost of treatment may be covered in part or in full by one of our Te Whatu Ora Health NZ contracts.
Some patients will be eligible for treatment under the recently increased Special Needs Grant which is managed by WINZ. Let us know if you are eligible and we will fill out the required clinical forms for you to take to WINZ for approval. You can check your eligibility at the WINZ website:
Dental treatment – Work and Income
What will it cost?
The cost of treatment is dependent on your individual situation, but the cost will be discussed and agreed with you prior to any treatment. As a guide most of our dentistry undergraduate clinics run for 90 minutes with a fee of $120.00 (or $90.00 if you have a Community Services Card. If you are visiting a trainee Oral Health Therapist, then fees are estimated at $30.00 per appointment ($22.50 if you have a Community Services Card).
You are welcome to pay for the full cost of your treatment once you have been provided with a treatment estimate.
If a staff members treats me, will I be charged more?
Yes, staff charges are higher to reflect that you are being treated by a fully qualified dentist or specialist.
Can I get a discount with my Community Services Card?
Yes.
We offer a 25 per cent discount with a Community Services Card if you are being treated by an undergraduate student. For some patients, the cost of treatment may be covered in part or in full by one of our Te Whatu Ora Health NZ contracts.
Some patients will be eligible for treatment under the recently increased Special Needs Grant which is managed by WINZ. You can check your eligibility for the Special Needs Dental grant at the WINZ website:
Dental treatment – Work and Income
Let us know if you are eligible and we will fill out the required clinical forms for you to take to WINZ for approval. If you are eligible, you will need to show your Community Services Card when you attend your appointment.
Can I make an appointment for my first visit?
First, you need to contact us via email to discuss how to enrol:
Email dental.clinicaladministration@otago.ac.nz
If you have an urgent dental need you can phone us to seek assistance:
Tel +64 3 479 8889
Will I be seen by a student or a staff member?
You are most likely to be seen by a student unless you have a referral for specialist services.
Our students are well-trained and always supervised by experienced clinicians.
Can I choose to see a staff member instead of a student?
No.
Most of our clinics are undergraduate teaching clinics where the work is performed by students under the supervision of an experienced clinician.
Our postgraduate and specialist clinics are staffed by qualified clinicians who will see you if your treatment requires this.
Is it safe to be treated by a student?
Definitely! Our students receive comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training long before they ever see a patient. Our students are well-trained and supervised by experienced clinicians.
In all cases, our students operate under the supervision of our expert clinicians, who you will see during the course of your treatment both chairside and in the wider clinic.
Will someone senior oversee my student/treatment?
Yes.
All students are supervised by qualified clinicians.
How long will I need to wait on the day?
All patients have a booked appointment time. You should attend no earlier than 15 minutes before your appointment time.
Will anyone be watching me receive treatment?
Most of our clinics are large rooms with multiple dental chairs, where you will be treated in a room with other patients. In most cases, dental chairs are separated by low walls or dental equipment.
If you are treated by one of our staff, it's possible one or more students may observe as part of their training. If you're treated by one of our students, the supervising clinician will be monitoring the student's progress and your care.
If you are receiving surgery, you will be treated in a modern and sterile operating theatre. There won't be any other patients in the operating theatre, but you may see other patients in the waiting and recovery rooms.
We aim to ensure that all our patients have a positive experience while in our care. If you have any concerns, please discuss these with your student clinician and their supervisor.
How long will my treatment take?
Treatment time frames should be discussed with your clinician at your first appointment.
Treatment may take longer than usual if you are being treated by a student.
Can I have a second opinion?
Yes.
We can supply you with a written quote / treatment plan for you to take to a private dentist or specialist if you wish.
Do I have to pay on the day?
Yes.
All patients are expected to pay for their appointment before they leave the clinic. You are welcome to pay for the full cost of your treatment once you have been provided with a treatment estimate.
How can I pay?
You can pay by EFTPOS, CASH, or Credit card at any of the reception desks on all our reception floors.
Where are you located?
Our main entrance is at 310 Great King Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016.
Our contact page has full details.
Where can I park / catch a bus?
Parking is limited around the building.
The Dunedin City Council website has more information about where you can park in Dunedin.
The Otago Regional Council website has information about bus services in Dunedin. Many routes pass along George Street, which is half a block away.
We're also happy to call a taxi for you if needed – just ask our friendly reception staff.
What are your opening hours?
Urgent care is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours please go to the Emergency Department at Dunedin Public Hospital.
General Reception for payment and enquiries is located on the ground floor and is open from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Clinics operate from 9am to 12noon, and 2pm to 5pm.
Patients and their whanau/support people can only access the clinic reception areas when they have an appointment. In all other cases please visit the ground floor reception in the first instance.
Do clinics run only during semester time or also during holidays?
Student clinics only run during semester time, Monday to Friday, however our Urgent Care service runs all year round, Monday to Friday except on statutory holidays. Please attend Dunedin Hospital's Emergency Department if you require urgent care outside of our working hours.
When is semester time?
Semester time is when the students attend university and is usually from mid-February to the end of October.
Do you open over the Christmas break?
We have an Urgent Care clinic running over the Christmas period. You must ring to receive an appointment during this time.
This clinic will close for statutory holidays. You can attend Dunedin Hospital's Emergency Department on statutory holidays.
What's the difference between 'Faculty of Dentistry' and 'Dental School'?
Our actual name is the Faculty of Dentistry, however, within the Dunedin community we are more commonly known as the “Dental School”. And fair enough, because we are New Zealand's only dental school!
Technically our main building on Great King Street (the Walsh Building) is the “School”, which is run by the Faculty of Dentistry.
But for consistency on this website, we refer to ourselves as the Faculty of Dentistry. Think of it this way: “The Faculty of Dentistry is a dental school.”
How do I become a dental hygienist / dental therapist / dental technician / dentist?
Thanks for your interest! Careers in oral healthcare are exciting, interesting, and rewarding.
Click through to the following pages to learn more about studying at the Faculty of Dentistry:
- Dental Technology
- Dentistry
- Oral Health (Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy)