The challenge of delivering rural dental care

Woman with mouth open having dental services

30 Oct 2024

RNZ

Recently, the offer of free dental treatment in the Whanganui/Ruapehu region attracted hundreds of people – and highlighted how difficult it is for people living in rural or remote communities to access care.

Volunteer dentists in the iwi-led, hauora Māori initiative saw nearly 400 people, and a dentist at an Ohakune clinic treated 100 people, extracted 125 teeth and filled 40 teeth.

And, for the first time in eight years, Great Barrier Island will have a visiting dentist, which means people who can’t afford to fly to Auckland will now have the chance to seek treatment.

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Key issues

HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.

EQUITY

Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.

DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS

Covering prescription medicines and medical devices.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Focusing on efforts to promote health and prevent disease through social and economic interventions.

DIGITAL HEALTH

Exploring the potential digital transformation to provide a more connected and accessible health system.

TE TIRITI

Monitoring how the health reforms and the performance of the health sector uphold Te Tiriti obligations.