New Zealand’s Dental Cost Reaches Billions in Lost Productivity

A comprehensive report has revealed that New Zealand’s current dental care system is imposing a substantial economic burden on the nation, according to an investigation by RNZ. The analysis, conducted by consultancy firm FrankAdvice using the Treasury’s CBAx tool, indicates annual losses of NZ$2.5 billion in productivity and NZ$3.1 billion in quality of life impacts, with an additional NZ$103 million lost to dental-related sick days.

Accessibility Crisis

The investigation highlights a critical accessibility issue in New Zealand’s dental care system, where the average dental visit costs NZ$353, leaving approximately 40% of New Zealanders unable to afford dental care. Auckland public health dentist Hugh Trengrove emphasized the wide-ranging impacts of dental problems, stating, “It impacts your ability to sleep, to eat, to function daily, and it will certainly have an impact on your productivity.”

Current System and Its Limitations

While dental care is currently free for those under 18 in New Zealand, adults face significant barriers to access. Low-income individuals and benefit recipients can apply for grants, but these are limited to immediate or essential treatment, excluding routine preventative care such as cleaning and check-ups.

Professional Perspective

Trengrove, who is also affiliated with the Dental for All campaign, highlighted the systemic issues in the current framework. “If we had effective public health measures in place, and an effective and functioning system that improves access education, and preventative services, then tooth decay could be a thing of the past,” he noted, adding, “We chose not to do that as a nation, we chose not to invest in oral health for adults, and there’s real costs to that.”

Political Response and Future Prospects

According to RNZ’s report, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has indicated that while dental care concerns are acknowledged, the government’s current priority is improving the broader health system’s performance. The administration has committed an additional NZ$17 billion to the health system over the next three years.

Campaign for Change

Max Harris, an ActionStation and Dental for All campaigner, argues that the focus needs to shift from the cost of implementation to the cost of inaction. “We know it’s creating shame, it’s creating stigma, it’s meaning people can’t participate in society, they can’t smile,” Harris explained, adding that the report’s estimates are likely conservative.

Political Opposition’s Stance

Labour’s health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall maintains that expanding dental access remains a party priority, stating, “There’s no logical reason why free healthcare stops at your teeth.” However, she acknowledges that implementation would need to be gradual due to workforce and infrastructure constraints.