In findings released on Monday, 83 percent of participants said they supported the move for free dental care. File photo: NZMEThere is escalating support for dental care to be absorbed by New Zealand's public health system and to be made free for adults, new research shows. The survey also asked participants whether dental care should be free for adults, with 80 percent supportive and 15 percent opposed. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists' policy research director Harriet Wild said a 2023 poll showed that 74 percent of people supported free dental care. "This poll shows public support continues to build to bring dental into our public healthcare system," she said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 29, 2026 23:23 UTC