Heather Roy Monday, 2 May 2005
Press Releases - Health

The announcement that hundreds of teenagers are missing out on free dental care is yet another example of Annette King's health stuff ups, ACT health spokesman Heather Roy said today.

Figures from District Health Boards show that dentists are seeing fewer than half the teenagers eligible for free dental care.

"We already know the school dental service is being run down with children, who were once seen every six months, now only routinely being seen once a year," Mrs Roy said. "Now we hear that our teenagers are also missing out on treatment.

"You would think Annette King, who is a former dental nurse, would have more sympathy for the dental health of Kiwi kids."

As opposition health spokesman in 1999, King said:

"One of the new goals the next Labour Government would like to establish is improving the dental health status of New Zealanders, especially children and adolescents. The shrinking numbers of dental therapists are continuing to do a wonderful job, but they are not receiving the support they require. The National Government has failed to make the necessary investment in dental health. We are now seeing the results mouths full of rotting teeth."

"Astoundingly, six years with Annette King as health minister has only resulted in more children with mouths full of rotten teeth. King has resulted in a series of botch-ups, which cut right across the health spectrum. From race-based funding, increased waiting list deaths and the ongoing saga of the flu vaccine.

"Her complete and utter failure with school dental health is further evidence that no part of the health service is immune from her incompetence not even her favourite patch- dental health," Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

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