SDHB oral health clinical director Tim Mackay said, under the new oral health model, it was important for parents to come to their child's appointment at the dental clinic so they could be given information about their child's oral health, treatment options and how to prevent new decay occurring.
At present, most clinics wrote to parents informing them of an appointment time for them to bring their child to the clinic, he said.
"We expected it would take some time for parents to become familiar with the new process, as dental therapists no longer take children out of class for their check-up."
In a bid to make the process more convenient for parents, the South Dunedin Clinic is piloting a system in which letters are sent to parents asking them to contact the clinic to make an appointment for their child.
"From July, this clinic will be open during the school holidays and will also offer appointments one evening a week, which may make it easier for working parents to attend.
"Once the appointment has been made, we can also text to remind them, if the parent would like this to occur.
"So far, the response to the new way of making appointments has been positive.
"We have been really pleased with the positive feedback we've received from parents about the service and the new facilities, as well as how informative and helpful attending their child's appointment has been."
Dr Mackay said Mosgiel would be the next clinic to trial the new system, which was expected to start next month.
