With our public health system facing problems in every direction, it is hard to tell how bold our politicians may be on the campaign trail when it comes to oral health. The huge hole in the provision of dental care in the existing publicly funded system means adults largely miss out. Some tens of millions of dollars are paid out annually by the government in dental grants for adult dental care for those on low incomes and with limited assets. They can also highlight, without looking too hard, the shortcomings in the existing publicly funded services for those under 18. That would support free annual dental check-ups and basic dental care for all adults, funded from extra taxes such as a wealth tax.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 18, 2026 16:07 UTC