Greens co-leader Marama Davidson says it’s time to bring free dentistry into the public health system.
A research report out this week by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists and Auckland City Mission says 40 percent of New Zealanders – including half of Maori and Pasifika people – can’t afford dental care.
Ms Davidson says that’s unacceptable.
“These also lead to other longer term health issues so actually it would be a fantastic investment to keep our people well. It’s the right thing to do. It will prevent other issues and other health issues and it’s completely affordable for government. It’s just about political will and priorities,” she says.
