Almost half of Kiwis can't afford dental care.
New Zealand's oral health crisis has been laid bare in a damning report released by ActionStation today, highlighting a stark inequality in access to essential healthcare. Green Party co-leader Hon Marama Davidson called for free dental care for all, stating that quality dental care is "a human right."
The report reveals that nearly half of New Zealanders (49.1%) have unmet needs for dental care, with higher rates among vulnerable groups including Māori and Pasifika communities. Cost remains the primary barrier to accessing quality dental care, forcing people to make impossible choices between essential expenses such as food and rent.
The consequences of inaccessibility are dire, including chronic pain, long-term health issues, and lost productivity. The current emergency dental grant of $1000 from MSD is woefully inadequate, pushing low-income New Zealanders into debt as high as $25,000.
The Green Party advocates for a fair tax system to fund free dental care for everyone, emphasizing that New Zealanders deserve a robust healthcare system that includes oral health. As the report's findings demonstrate, it is time for a change in policy to address this pressing issue.