Happy Smiles is a fully private specialist paediatric dental practice. Our fees are not government-subsidised, and we do not bulk-bill or operate under public funding (excludes ACC).
What you invest reflects direct access to specialist-level expertise — Dr Arun is one of a small number of locally trained and registered Specialist Paediatric Dentists in New Zealand, with a Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry (Paediatrics) and over a decade of experience caring for children and teenagers.
Our pricing reflects direct and often quicker access to a registered Specialist Paediatric Dentist with advanced level training in the dental, behavioural and psychological needs of children and teenagers.
We recommend all children new to Happy Smiles begin with a New Patient Specialist Consultation. This is a relaxed, unhurried appointment — up to 45 minutes — designed entirely around your child.
The first visit is about getting to know your child — their dental history, any concerns you have, and how they are feeling about being at the dentist. In many cases we won't carry out treatment at this visit, and that's intentional. Building trust and a positive association with dental care is the most important thing we can do for your child's long-term oral health.
Following this appointment, Dr Arun will discuss all treatment options and fees with you in writing before anything proceeds.
We accept Visa and Mastercard, payment by EFTPOS and cash
Internet bank transfer
Happy Smiles is an ACC registered provider. If your child has suffered a dental injury as a result of an accident, they may be eligible for ACC funding towards the cost of assessment, treatment and follow-up visits. Please be aware that ACC-funded visits incur a co-payment — our team will always advise you of this before the treatment begins. When booking, please let us know if you will be attending under ACC so we can prepare the right paperwork.
Happy Smiles is a Southern Cross affiliated provider. If you are a Southern Cross member, simply bring your card or membership number and we'll process your claim directly — no need to pay upfront and claim back yourself. Cover varies by plan, so we recommend checking your entitlements before your visit.
If you hold another health insurance policy with dental cover, you may be able to claim back a portion of treatment costs directly through your insurer. We provide itemised receipts to help support your claim. We recommend contacting your insurer before your appointment to confirm what you're covered for.
We are always open to enquiries from new patients, and you don’t need a referral to come and see us - just give us a call or fill out the form below to arrange an appointment.
Directions to Happy Smiles Christchurch