Help with costs
WINZ dental grants
If you're on a benefit or a low income, Work and Income (WINZ/MSD) may help with the cost of urgent dental treatment through a Special Needs Grant, and we make the process simple. We prepare the written quote WINZ asks for free of charge and guide you through each step, so cost is less of a barrier to getting out of pain and back to health.
How a WINZ dental grant works, and how we make it easy
WINZ dental grants are aimed at immediate and essential treatment: relieving pain, treating infection, an extraction, or fixing a broken tooth, rather than cosmetic work. The process usually means getting a written quote from a dentist, taking it to Work and Income, and coming back once your grant is approved.
We do the quote part free of charge and set it out exactly how Work and Income needs it, so there's no back-and-forth. Bring your referral or approval letter if you already have one, and we'll take it from there. No judgement, just help getting you sorted.
How much the grant covers
Work and Income can help with immediate and essential dental treatment through a Special Needs Grant. The amount is set by Work and Income and reviewed from time to time; in recent years it has been up to $1,000 in a 52-week period for many people. It's worth checking your current entitlement with Work and Income, and a Special Needs Grant usually doesn't have to be paid back.
You don't always have to be on a benefit to qualify. People on low incomes can be eligible too. Work and Income looks at your income and situation and makes the decision; we simply prepare the quote you take to them.
Your visit
What to expect
- 01
Come in
We assess what treatment you need.
- 02
Free quote
We prepare the quote WINZ/MSD asks for, at no charge.
- 03
Get treated
Once your grant's approved, we book you in.
Common questions
Questions, answered
Work and Income sets the amount and reviews it from time to time. In recent years it has been up to $1,000 in a 52-week period for many people. We'll help you understand your entitlement and prepare the quote; check the current amount with Work and Income.
You don't have to be on a benefit. People on low incomes can also qualify. Work and Income assesses your income and situation, and we prepare the quote for you to take to them.
A Special Needs Grant for dental treatment usually doesn't have to be repaid. Work and Income will confirm this when they assess your application.
Usually immediate and essential treatment: relieving pain, treating infection, extractions, or fixing a broken tooth. It's not for cosmetic work.
Get a written quote from a dentist (we do this free), take it to Work and Income, and come back once it's approved. Bring any referral or approval letter you already have.
Yes. We don't charge for preparing a WINZ/MSD quote.
Bring one if you have it; if not, come in and we'll guide you through.
Ready for a super smile?
Whether it's been six months or six years, you're welcome here. New patients, whānau and emergencies, always.