Relief of Pain Service

Hutt, Kenepuru, and Wellington Hospitals

The hospital dental services in our region offer a limited relief of pain service for low-income adults who are unable to access care with a dentist in the community. Appointments are released at 8am each day and cannot be pre-booked. There are a limited number of appointments and they are booked on a first in first served basis.

Criteria:

  • Must have toothache or swelling

  • Must hold a current Community Services Card

  • Must live in the hospital region

Process:

  • Call the hospital at 8am for an available appointment.

  • Hutt Valley Hospital Dental Department 04-570-9281 Option 1

  • Kenepuru Hospital Oral Health Service 04-978-2870

  • Wellington Hospital Oral Health Service 04-385-5967

 

Urgent Referrals

General Dental Practitioners Hospital* Guidelines

Hutt, Wellington, and Kapiti

Urgent referrals are accepted for severe facial swellings, uncontrollable bleeding, maxillofacial trauma or suspected cancerous lesions only. Refer to flowchart for guidance.

*Hospital based on patients place of residence

 

Non-Urgent Dental Referrals

Hutt, Wellington and Kenepuru Hospitals – advice for General Dental Practitioners

Hospital dental services provide selected services to specific groups of patients as directed by the Ministry of Health. Most New Zealanders are not eligible for dental care in the hospital setting and should access dental care with a private provider. Financial help may be available through WINZ or ACC.

If you have a patient who cannot access dental care safely in your practice due to their medical, physical, or intellectual condition they may be eligible for treatment at the hospital. If your patient is not eligible for hospital level care, you may find a more experienced colleague who can discuss the case with you, or you may contact a hospital clinician for advice. 

Send a written referral, with copies of radiographs and/or photographs where appropriate to:

To discuss with a hospital dentist:

Email the dental service (as above) with your contact details and your query and a dental clinician will get back to you.