ACC Dental Injury: Everything you need to know

maykon018
6 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Dental injuries never happen at the right time. A sports clash, a fall at work, or an unexpected slip can suddenly turn into a chipped tooth, a cracked crown, or jaw pain that won't let up. The good news? ACC may be able to help.

Whether you're on the rugby field, commuting to work, or simply enjoying a weekend hike—if your teeth get injured due to an accident, you might not have to cover the costs alone.

Let’s break it down simply, so you know exactly what to do (and what to expect).

First: What Does ACC Actually Cover?

ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) provides support for accidental injuries to your teeth, jaw, or mouth. This includes:

Sports-related impacts
Slips, trips, and falls
Workplace or vehicle injuries
Even dental treatment injuries—yes, it happens

If approved, ACC may cover the full or partial cost of treatment, from emergency pain relief to more involved procedures like root canals or crowns. But the key word is accidental—that’s what separates what's covered from what’s not.

What’s Not Covered? (This Part Matters)

ACC doesn’t cover everything. If the damage is due to normal wear and tear—like biting into hard food, grinding your teeth, or general decay—then it’s not eligible.

That includes:

Tooth fractures from chewing
Damage caused by infections or gum disease
Cosmetic procedures or maintenance
Broken dentures

If it wasn’t sudden and accidental, chances are it’s outside ACC’s scope.

Illustrated 4-step timeline showing the ACC dental treatment process

Here’s what to do

See your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll assess the injury and, if it's eligible, submit an ACC claim on your behalf (using the ACC42 Dental Injury Claim form).
Know what to expect: ACC often pays most or all of the cost, depending on the treatment. But in some cases, you might still have a co-payment. The dentist will walk you through this before treatment begins.
Bring the details: To lodge your claim, you’ll need to provide the time, date, location, and a description of what happened. Be as specific as possible—ACC needs a clear picture of the event.

What Kind of Treatment Can ACC Help With?

If your claim is approved, ACC may cover:

Emergency dental care (like pain relief or temporary repairs)
Fillings, extractions, crowns, or root canal treatment
Denture repairs (if worn during the accident)
Follow-up care and x-rays

For more complex treatments (like implants), your dentist may need to request prior approval from ACC before starting.

Why Acting Fast Matters

ACC emphasises the importance of getting checked immediately after the injury. Delaying treatment could make it harder to lodge a successful claim—or lead to more serious health issues.

That’s why we always say: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Book your appointment and let your dentist guide you through the process.

If you've had a dental injury, ACC could make all the difference. Knowing what’s covered—and what’s not—helps you act fast, get treated, and avoid unnecessary costs or complications.