Frequently Asked Questions
These Milldale dental FAQs cover the questions we're asked most often: What things cost, how appointments work, seeing children, and what to expect on the day. If yours isn't answered here, call (09) 405 0222 or reception@oradental.co.nz
Getting started
Are you taking new patients?
Yes. We're a new practice and we have plenty of appointment availability. Book online, call us on (09) 405 0222, or email reception@oradental.co.nz.
Where are you?
10/1 Henry Tayler Rise, Wainui - in the Milldale Neighbourhood Centre. There's free off-street parking right outside, and ground-floor access with no steps.
What are your opening hours?
Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Saturday appointments are there so you don't have to take time off work or pull the kids out of school.
What happens at my first visit?
We offer three options for new patients so you can choose how much you want to do on day one — a short consultation to talk things through, a standard assessment with X-rays, or a fuller visit that includes a clean. The details and current fees are on our [New Patients] page.
Can I move my records across from my previous dentist?
Yes. Let us know who you've been seeing and we'll send them a request with your written authority. Records usually take a week or two to arrive. You don't need to have them before your first appointment.
Do you speak languages other than English?
Yes, we can provide care in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Children and teenagers
Do you see children?
Yes, we see children of all ages, and we're happy to see a whole family in the one place.
One thing worth being upfront about: ORA Dental is a private practice. We don't hold a contract with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora to deliver the government-funded service for under-18s, so appointments for children and teenagers here are charged at our normal private fees, the same as for adults.
That doesn't mean your child should miss out on the free care they're entitled to. In New Zealand:
Birth to the end of Year 8 — free basic dental care through the Community Oral Health Service, usually at a school or community clinic or a mobile unit.
Year 9 until the day before their 18th birthday — free basic dental care through dentists contracted to Health New Zealand. This transfer doesn't happen automatically; families choose and enrol with a contracted provider.
To find or enrol with a funded provider, call 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583) or visit the Health New Zealand website. We're glad to point you in the right direction if you're not sure where to start.
Plenty of families use both. They stay enrolled with a funded provider for routine check-ups and come to us when they'd like the whole family seen together, or for treatment that sits outside what the funded service covers. Either way, we'll tell you what something costs before we do it.
Is orthodontic treatment free for under-18s?
No. Braces and clear aligners aren't part of the government-funded service at any age, so orthodontic treatment is paid for privately whether it's done here or elsewhere.
What if my child knocks a tooth?
Dental injuries are covered by ACC. We're an ACC treatment provider, so we can lodge the claim for you. ACC covers part of the cost of treating an accidental injury - we'll explain any remaining balance before we start.
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
Current New Zealand guidance is to enrol babies with the Community Oral Health Service by their first birthday. If you'd like us to take a look at a young child at the same time as your own appointment, we're happy to.
Cost and payment
Cost comes up more than anything else in our Milldale dental FAQs, so here's how we handle it.
How much will it cost?
Our fees for common treatments are listed on our Fees page. For anything beyond a routine visit, you'll get a written treatment plan with costs before we begin, so there are no surprises.
How can I pay?
Eftpos, credit and debit card, or bank transfer. Payment is due at the time of your appointment. We don't add a surcharge for card payments.
Do you take health insurance?
Yes. If you're with Southern Cross, we can process eligible claims at the practice through Easy-Claim, so you only pay the balance. For other insurers, we'll give you an itemised receipt to claim yourself.
Do you accept ACC?
Yes, we're a registered ACC treatment provider. ACC contributes towards the cost of treating accidental dental injuries. It rarely covers the full amount, so we'll explain the gap before treatment.
Do you offer payment plans?
For orthodontic treatment, the cost is usually spread over monthly instalments across the course of treatment. For general dentistry, we can often stage larger treatment over several appointments so the cost is spread out. Talk to us - we'd rather work something out than have you put off care.
If you're nervous about the dentist
I've been putting this off for years. Will I get a lecture?
No. Whatever state your teeth are in, and however long it's been, we're not interested in making you feel bad about it. We'll tell you what we see, talk through your options, and go at a pace you're comfortable with.
I'm anxious about dental treatment. What can you do?
Tell us before you book, or note it when you book online - we'll allow extra time so nothing feels rushed. We'll explain each step before we do it, and we'll agree a hand signal so you can stop us at any point. Some people find it helps to come in first just for a chat and a look around, with nothing done on the day. That's what our short consultation option is for.
Do you offer sedation?
We provide treatment under local anaesthetic. We don't offer IV sedation or general anaesthetic at present. If sedation is the right option for you, we'll refer you to a practitioner who provides it.
Treatments
What do you offer?
Check-ups and preventive care, hygiene and gum treatment, fillings, crowns and bridges, dentures, root canal treatment, extractions including wisdom teeth, dental implants, teeth whitening, veneers, and orthodontics.
Do you do braces and aligners?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment at ORA Dental is provided by Dr Allen Hu, a registered specialist orthodontist, who consults at the practice. Both fixed braces and clear aligners are available. Orthodontic consultations can be booked directly - you don't need a referral.
I have toothache. Can I be seen today?
Call us on (09) 405 0222 as early in the day as you can. We keep time aside for urgent problems and will do our best to see you the same day or the next. If we can't fit you in, we'll tell you straight away so you can find someone who can.
What if I have a problem when you're closed?
If it's a genuine emergency - significant facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma — go to your nearest emergency department or call Healthline on 0800 611 116. For anything that can wait, leave us a message and we'll come back to you on the next working day.
Appointments
How do I change or cancel an appointment?
Just let us know as early as you can - at least 24 hours' notice if possible, so we can offer the time to someone else. We'll send you a reminder by text or email beforehand.
What should I bring to my first visit?
A list of any medicines you take and any medical conditions you have, and your ACC or insurance details if they're relevant. If you've had X-rays taken elsewhere recently, let us know.
Can I bring my kids to my appointment?
Yes. There's room in the waiting area, and children are welcome to sit in with you if that's easier than arranging care.
Is the practice accessible?
Yes! Ground floor, level entry, no steps, and space for prams and wheelchairs.
Still have a question these Milldale dental FAQs havent answered? Call (09) 405 0222or email reception@oradental.co.nz.
We're happy to answer anything before you book.
Your Smile. Your Wellbeing.
Modern, patient-centred dentistry for families and individuals across Auckland, with orthodontics provided by a registered specialist orthodontist.
Opening hours
Tuesday - Saturday: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed