March 28, 2026

#hauora: Strong public support grows for bringing dental care into public health system

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 28, 2026

A new nationwide poll shows overwhelming support for bringing dental care into New Zealand’s public healthcare system, with backing cutting across political lines.

The Talbot Mills survey of more than 1000 adults found 83 percent of respondents support including dental care in the public system. Support was strong among voters from both major parties, with 88 percent of Labour voters and 78 percent of National voters in favour. Women were slightly more supportive than men, at 87 percent compared to 79 percent.

The findings are being seen as part of a growing push to address what advocates describe as a major gap in the country’s healthcare system.

Campaigners say dental care has long been excluded despite being a core part of overall health. They point to historical decisions that kept dental services outside the public system, and argue that public attitudes are now shifting as more people recognise the importance of oral health.

Currently, dental care is free for those under 18, but largely privatised for adults. While a means-tested grant of up to $1000 is available through Work and Income for urgent care, many say this falls short of meeting ongoing needs.

The same poll also measured support for making dental care free for adults, with 80 percent of respondents backing the idea. Support remained high across political affiliations, including among National, Labour, Green and ACT voters.

Health sector representatives say the results reinforce a long-term trend of increasing public support. Earlier polling in 2023 showed strong backing for free dental care, and the latest figures suggest momentum is continuing to build.

Advocates argue that integrating dental care into the public system would not only improve health outcomes but also make economic sense. A recent report estimates that the current system costs New Zealand billions of dollars each year through lost productivity and reduced quality of life.

Estimates for introducing public dental care range from around $1 billion to $2 billion annually, with proponents saying the long-term benefits would outweigh the costs.

A detailed proposal outlining how an integrated oral health service could work is expected to be released later this year, as pressure grows on policymakers to consider expanding public healthcare to include dental services.