Dental charity Smileplan says its offer of free treatment to two Otago Daily Times readers still stands - but they would have to be able to stay in Auckland for 3-6 months.
Smileplan made its offer to Tamara Smith and Michael Wilson after they appeared in a May feature in The Weekend Mix on the cost of dental care.
However, after Ms Smith and Mr Wilson sent Smileplan photographs of their mouths, they were told they had severe gum disease and their conditions could not be treated in a short timeframe.
"We greatly regret being unable to fulfil our offer," Smileplan group practice manager Gavin Ray said.
"When we originally heard their story our hearts really went out to their plight, hence the offer in the first place."
An extended stay in Auckland was not feasible for either Mr Wilson, an Ashburton solo father, or Ms Smith, a Dunedin beneficiary with two children.
Each said they had received one email and one phone call from Smileplan.
Mr Ray's email to the patients said Smileplan would help them find funding for their dental surgeries through sources such as Work and Income, and he told the ODT that offer still stood.
"In addition, we would be happy to negotiate on their behalf to try and get a reduced rate on the necessary treatment which would normally cost on average $10,000."
There might also be local dentists willing to treat the patients if a repayment plan could be negotiated, he said.
Ms Smith said Work and Income had agreed to a small contribution to her dental costs, and she intended to call local dentists to see if she could set up a payment plan.
"Unfortunately, I was taken off the list at the Dental School because I was offered the treatment," she said.
Regular trips to Auckland might be possible but she would prefer to find a local dentist.
