Story: Dental care

Oral health of New Zealand children, 2017

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern responds to questions about the oral health of New Zealand children. Data collected by the Ministry of Health in 2017 showed that around 40% of 5-year-olds examined by the Community Oral Health Service suffered from some form of dental caries (decay). This figure increased significantly in lower socio-economic regions such as Northland (around 56%), where poor oral hygiene and high sugar diets are contributing to disproportionate levels of tooth decay amongst children.

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How to cite this page:

Andrew Schmidt and Susan Moffat, 'Dental care - Consolidation and challenges: 1950s to 21st century', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/47129/oral-health-of-new-zealand-children-2017 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Andrew Schmidt and Susan Moffat, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 6 Nov 2018