A new report shows the eye-watering social, economic and fiscal costs of the current approach to dental healthcare in New Zealand.

Current dental policy settings cost $2.5 billion in lost productivity.

Further costs are incurred through sick days, inpatient care, and cardiovascular disease, prompting calls for universal dental care.

ActionStation campaigner Max Harris tells Ryan Bridge lost productivity includes many not attending job interviews because of shame and stigma.

LISTEN ABOVE