MEDIA RELEASE
8 August 2016
Open wide… Smile NZ to provide free dental care for low income Kiwis in August
Low income adults are eligible for free dental treatment from 8-14 August through Smile NZ – a joint initiative run by
the Southern Cross Health Trust and New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA).
33 dental practices across 15 regions consisting of 57 volunteer dentists will donate their time, offering free dental
work to low income adults.
CEO of the NZDA, David Crum, said that last year the initiative provided treatment to approximately 1500 people across
New Zealand.
“While some DHBs and WINZ offer help with emergency work or pain relief, a significant number of people are falling
through the cracks and are living with constant pain,” he says.
“Often the physical discomfort will extend to social discomfort and limit employment because of the appearance or odour
of teeth. The Smile NZ campaign can make a significant difference to those that need help the most.”
A 2016 Southern Cross Health Trust survey of 2000 randomly selected New Zealanders showed:
• 53% of people have put off a visit to the dentist
• For those who don’t visit a dentist yearly the main reason (71%) was due to the cost
• 34% only go to the dentist when they have a toothache or problem
• 38% of Kiwis are unhappy with their teeth - with discolouration and missing teeth being the main reasons. 15% reported
pain as the reason for their unhappiness.
Health Trust CEO, Terry Moore, says that while this research is troubling, the situation is much worse for low income
adults.
“With Smile NZ we’re looking to help those people for whom dental treatment is a luxury that is simply out of reach.”
Each eligible person will be given a 40-minute appointment for a single dental treatment ranging from fillings,
restorations and extractions, to fluoride applications and pain relief. Patients also receive oral health education and
a free hygiene pack.
Smile NZ appointments will be promoted through GPs, social workers, Red Cross, WINZ, night shelters, food banks and
other community agencies that are in contact with high need, vulnerable people. To be eligible patients are required to
have a community services card, a dental problem requiring urgent attention.
ends