Our services at Niho Ora ki Manukau
Niho Ora ki Manukau (Oral Health Manukau) operates as a teaching clinic. Second and third-year AUT oral health students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health) provide oral health care supervised by experienced and registered oral health practitioners and strictly following Dental Council guidelines, standards and competencies.
As this is a student clinic, your treatment may take more than one appointment.
Please note: We do not offer services to provide immediate relief from acute pain in adults.
What we offer at Niho Ora ki Manukau
- Free dental examinations and treatment for children and adolescents until their 18th birthday
- Free preventive oral health care for hapū (pregnant) māmā and pēpē (baby)
- Periodontal (gum) treatments
- Comprehensive examination and oral health assessments
- Diagnostic dental radiographs (x-rays) to assess teeth and bone conditions
- Full mouth scale and polish (removal of plaque and calculus/tartar), with local anaesthetic (numbing) if required
- Diagnostic saliva testing
- Oral cancer screening and risk assessment
- Bleaching (whitening) tray and mouthguard fabrication
- Information about how to look after your teeth and gums, and products you may need
- Specialist referrals
Our treatments may focus on
Periodontal disease refers to inflammation and infection of the tissues that support your teeth, caused by buildup of dental plaque. Dental plaque is an acidic biofilm that forms when oral bacteria interact with sugars and starch from your diet, and over time can harden into calculus (tartar) that must be professionally removed.
Redness, swollen and tender gums that bleed easily are often the first symptoms of early-stage inflammation, which can be reversed with treatment and effective homecare. However, this can progress into permanent tissue damage, causing connective tissue destruction and bone loss. This condition must be managed with regular appointments for periodontal treatment.
Our student clinicians will thoroughly examine and assess your mouth, explaining any findings and diagnoses along with establishing a treatment plan. We will also provide professional advice and instructions on how to best take care of your oral health.
Dental caries is a disease process that results in the breakdown (decay) of teeth. It occurs when oral bacteria interact with the sugars in your diet, producing acid that damages your teeth. Over time, your teeth start to dissolve, creating lesions and cavities (holes).
Small cavities are often only visible through clinical examination and radiographs and should be restored with a filling before they worsen. If left untreated, bacteria may invade further and infect the pulp (“heart”) of the tooth, causing nerve damage and toothache.
Our work involves the prevention and treatment of dental caries in children up to age 18, along with providing the education and tools for managing your oral health. By having regular checkups, dental caries can be detected and treated early, minimising the amount and extent of procedures in the future.
Images from the AUT oral health clinic in Manukau
How to book
Booking an appointment at Niho Ora ki Manukau is easy. Get in touch and we will answer all your questions and schedule your treatment.
Our pricing
The cost of your treatment is determined by the assessment of your oral health, including any identified issues or problems. Following the initial consultation, you will be provided with an estimate for the treatment expenses.
Your feedback is important to us
Let us know what you think about Niho Ora ki Manukau – whether it’s something we could do better or something you particularly liked about our services.