Dental care should be funded

Basic dental care needs to be funded the same as seeing a GP.  Dental care is inaccessible for many, many new Zealanders.  Recent developments to help low income people access dental care is just not enough. To many people stay in pain.  It needs to be fully funded,  so people can get regular check up's, cleaning, etc funded like a GP visit where you may pay a small surcharge on top of the visit,  about $30 but the rest is funded. Prevention rather than waiting till they lose their teeth. 

Why the contribution is important

Too many people cannot access dental care, and end up waiting till they lose the their teeth. Dental health can affect your heart. 

by Carla123 on March 19, 2023 at 09:12AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.9
Based on: 20 votes

Comments

  • Posted by raewyn March 26, 2023 at 10:14

    definitely needs to be funded properly, plus the dentist bills need to be transparent so we know what the profit margin is.

  • Posted by Fredrick March 26, 2023 at 18:49

    For a very large proportion of society, dental care is a nice to have, but chronically expensive to pay for.
    Because teeth deteriorated slowly the issues are left for as long as possible, resulting in poor outcomes.
    When people have limited means, the money is prioritised on food, living expenses and medical expenses.
    Many middle income people can’t afford dental care, those on lower incomes don’t even consider it as an option.

  • Posted by MelissaEvans April 14, 2023 at 16:41

    Dental care should be covered like GP fees for everyone. There are a lot of middle income New Zealanders who have to pull teeth out due to not able to afford regular visits once they leave high school. The culture around dental care needs to change in NZ. A good start would be to fully fund or subsidise Dental care for all New Zealanders.

  • Posted by healthy April 20, 2023 at 15:17

    Dental care should means-tested, and funded for those who qualify

  • Posted by health April 22, 2023 at 19:48

    Too many young people cannot afford to go to the dentist.
    Cost is a real problem.
    Free toothpaste and brushes could be provided in schools and costs could be subsidized similar to GP visits

  • Posted by SharpGlo April 23, 2023 at 10:19

    Certainly agree that dental work should be funded. As a pensioner we cannot afford it and suffer for this. Husbands lower plate doesn’t fit and my teeth need work.

  • Posted by Lee April 23, 2023 at 19:03

    Absolutely agree and for everyone.
    Not prioritized by race but by need regardless of age .
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