9. SUE MORONEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
What work is being done to improve the oral health of New Zealanders?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Associate Minister of Health) Link to this
In addition to the $40 million child and adolescent oral health package announced in the Budget, the Government will be undertaking the largest oral health survey in New Zealand’s history. The survey will involve over 7,000 participants, and has been welcomed by the New Zealand Dental Association.
What reports has the Minister received on factors contributing to a decline in the oral health status of New Zealanders?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
I have seen reports that a lack of dental therapists has resulted in more children developing cavities. Māori, Pacific, and rural children have been the hardest hit. Amazingly, the lack of dental therapists is a direct result of the National-led Government’s decision to completely stop training new therapists. The Labour-led Government has restarted the training programme, and the first new graduates entered the profession late last year.
Judy TurnerWhen will the Minister step in with some money so that the Catholic Sisters of Compassion no longer have to fund a Saturday dental clinic for children in Lower Hutt, who currently cannot access services in a timely way when needed?
Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR Link to this
The Government has already announced expenditure of $100 million over the next 5 years for dental services. It is the first time, for a long, long time, that we have seen a real commitment from a Government to oral health services in this country.