Time for free dental care, says Clark
Former prime minister Helen Clark has urged the Government to consider funding free dental care for Kiwis.
Clark said it was time for a ‘‘major government initiative’’ on dental care.
She made the comments on Twitter, saying she had heard ‘‘very concerning reports’’ of people who ended up with serious problems because they could not afford regular check-ups.
Small problems became big ones when dental issues went untreated.
Clark said she thought Work and Income could be more helpful when it came to funding dental care.
‘‘NZ makes hospital care free. Why not a right to dental care?’’
The former prime minister tagged Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.
Health Minister David Clark said he wanted to see dental care become more accessible and affordable over time. ‘‘As I’ve previously said, I’m concerned that an increasing number of children require hospital treatment for preventable dental problems.’’
The Government’s intentions to tackle child poverty would also have an impact.
‘‘We know that deprivation negatively impacts on children’s health, including their dental health.
‘‘Too many children live below the poverty line and are in material deprivation. Our Government will get on with helping children in need.
‘‘The Prime Minister is personally committed to this, and has created and delegated the portfolio for child poverty reduction to herself.’’
Basic oral health services are fully funded for everyone until they turn 18. Some emergency dental services are funded for some adults, including those with community services cards, and those with specific disabilities or medical conditions.