A plan's been laid out for potential dental reforms to address New Zealanders’ poor oral health. 

New Zealand Dental Association data shows one in three Kiwis have untreated tooth decay. 

Its policy roadmap for the next five years includes expanding community water fluoridation, introducing a sugary drink levy, and including oral care into our universal health coverage.  

Dental Policy Director Robin Whyman told Mike Hosking the big issue with the workforce shortage is distribution. 

He says that big urban centres, particularly in Auckland, have very good coverage, but in provincial areas there’s a much lower number of dentists and as a result, rural New Zealanders can struggle to get access. 

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