Download Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
1.
How do I know if my child is eligible to apply? ................................................................ 2
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What are the specific requirements that I must fulfil? .................................................... 2
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Can I send additional materials with my application? .................................................... 2
4.
What happens once I send in the application? ............................................................... 2
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What are the selection criteria for successful applicants? ............................................ 3
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When can I expect to hear whether my child’s application is successful? ..................... 3
7.
How many times can my child apply? ............................................................................. 3
8.
Will my child receive orthodontic treatment for free? .................................................... 3
9.
Do I get to choose who will provide the orthodontic treatment for my child? ................. 3
10.
Who can I contact for further information? .................................................................... 3
Wish for a Smile Trust – NZAO P O Box 179 Albany Village, Albany, Auckland 0755
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1.
How do I know if my child is eligible to apply?
To apply for specialist orthodontic treatment provided by the Wish for a Smile Trust you must meet
the following criteria:
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What are the specific requirements that I must fulfil?
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Your child must be aged between 11 and 18 years.
You must be able to demonstrate family financial hardship. (Details on the application form).
Your child must live in the local community serviced by of a registered Wish for a Smile Trust
Orthodontist.
Your child must have a severe orthodontic problem. (Your Dentist or Dental Therapist will
need to complete the Clinical Assessment Form).
Your child must be willing to have and care for braces. (Your child will need to write a letter).
You must commit to a limited parental (Whanau) contribution towards the cost of the
treatment. (Details are on the application form).
Your child will need to commit to completing 20 hours of community work during the course
of orthodontic treatment and these community activities must be approved by the Trust.
Completed application form. (Download from website)
A letter of good character from your child’s school Principal or Dean.
A letter from your child explaining why they are seeking orthodontic treatment and the
benefits this treatment will provide them.
A Clinical Assessment Form completed by your child’s Dentist or Dental Therapist. (Download
from website)
A smiling photo of your child.
Can I send additional materials with my application?
You may include any additional photographs, dental or orthodontic records and testimonies that you
feel will give the Trust assessors a more complete picture of your child’s orthodontic needs and desire
for treatment.
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What happens once I send in the application?
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The application will initially be assessed to check your child fulfils all the necessary selection
criteria. Once this is completed you will receive notification from the Wish for a Smile Trust
advising you if your child’s initial application has been accepted.
Accepted applications will be prioritised.
If your child’s application is accepted for further consideration then the Trust will arrange for
your child to visit to a local Wish for Smile specialist Orthodontist for clinical records,
photographs and relevant radiographs, which will be provided at no charge.
Wish for a Smile Trust – NZAO P O Box 179 Albany Village, Albany, Auckland 0755
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These orthodontic planning records are then forwarded to the Wish for a Smile national
selection committee which, meets three time a year after the closing appilication dates of
February 28, June 30 and October 31, to select the successful applicants.
What are the selection criteria for successful applicants?
The Wish For A Smile Trust may receive many more applications than it is able to fund treatment for.
Successful applicants will need to demonstrate significant family financial hardship, a severe
orthodontic problem and a genuine commitment to do all that is required to complete successful
orthodontic treatment.
6.
When can I expect to hear whether my child’s application is
successful?
You will be notified by email at the completion of each stage of the selection process.
7.
How many times can my child apply?
If your child’s application is unsuccessful they may reapply in the next calendar year so long as they are
18 years old or younger.
8.
Will my child receive orthodontic treatment for free?
Successful applicants will be required to complete 20 hours of approved community service while they
are receiving orthodontic treatment. In addition family and Whanau will be required to provide a
weekly contribution of up to $10 / week for 80 weeks.
9.
Do I get to choose who will provide the orthodontic treatment
for my child?
If your child is successful they will receive treatment from a specialist Orthodontist in your area, who is
a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists and who has applied to participate in the
Wish For A Smile Trust program. The Trust will decide which participating specialist Orthodontist will
treat your child.
10. Who can I contact for further information?
For more information please contact Wish For A Smile Trust Administrator, Jean Templeton
(admin@orthodontists.org.nz)
Wish for a Smile Trust – NZAO P O Box 179 Albany Village, Albany, Auckland 0755
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