The Buller Health Trust (the Trust) aims to assist in preserving public health and wellbeing in the Buller district.
It is a charitable trust incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957. The strategic direction of the Trust is guided by the vision, values and strategic objectives set out in the Trust Deed.
The Trustees are the Mayor and Chief Executive of the Buller District Council and a community Trustee.
Kawatiri Health Dental is owned and operated by the Buller Health Trust to ensure dental service provision in Westport.
Kawatiri Health Dental is situated at 6 Bentham Street, Westport and provides a range of dental services to the Westport and Buller community such as:
The clinic has a Combined Dental Agreement with the West Coast District Health Board.
The agreement provides for:
Special Dental Services for Children (SDSC)
This provides backup for the school dental service (all children up to the end of school year 8) by way of non-ACC related urgent dental treatment when clinics are closed (eg. school holidays) and treatment beyond the scope of a dental therapist.
Historically, the volumes associated with SCSC are quite small, but the service is important. Payment is fee-for-service.
Oral Health Services for Adolescents (OHSA)
Routine dental care from year 9 until 18th birthday. Payment is by way of a partially capitated system. There is a capitated package which covers examination, preventative care and simple fillings, with the amount paid depending on the decile of the school the adolescent attends.
Other dental treatment is remunerated on a fee-for-service basis. A claim is made for each adolescent at the completion of their ‘episode’ of dental treatment (an episode could consist of just one appointment for a check-up and x-rays or could include further appointments for more dental treatment).
For more details on the agreement, visit www.cdhb.govt.nz/dentalcare
Currently the clinic has two permanent full-time dentists, Dr. Mothusi Motswasele and Dr. Mbakiso Molefe, a dental hygienist, a dental lab technician, a full-time receptionist and three dental assistants.
To contact Kawatiri Health Dental, phone or fax 03 789 5000, or email dental@kawatirihealth.co.nz
Office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Kawatiri Health Medical is Westport’s friendly, local general practice.
Kawatiri Health has experienced, highly skilled staff who work as a team to provide the best possible healthcare services for individuals, families and employers.
As well as providing family health services, Kawatiri Health offers corporate healthcare where, if businesses designate them as their preferred medical practitioner, they can supply GP services when needed. Occupational health services involve working together with the employer and the employee to advance the rehabilitation of injured employees with the goal to return to work as soon as possible.
Our team includes permanent GPs Dr Fiona Morris and Dr Thomas Ickes.
