NZ dental grant increases for first time in 25 years

New Zealand: The government has increased the Ministry of Social Development dental grant from $300 to $1000, marking the first time the dental special needs grant has increased since the 1990s.

Whereas in the past the grant would only be given to those who were in pain and whose need came from an emergency situation, it can now be used for ‘immediate and essential’ dental treatment, including fillings and treatment of gum infection. With the new increase, a total of $1000 could be used over a number of procedures in one year.

According to the Ministry, about 40,000 people got an advance payment of their benefit to meet emergency dental costs – an average of $870 per person – in 2021. Following the announcement, 40,000 – 50,000 would receive help with dental costs each year.

NZDA: Grant increase first step to improving dental access

In a press release statement, the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) says that the grant increase represents the first step to improving low-income adult dental access. 

“The $300 limit had not increased for a quarter of a century. The Association is pleased that our advocacy for increasing access to dental care for low-income families has succeeded,” said NZDA President Dr Erin Collins.

The NZDA also commented on the removal of the requirement for immediate and essential dental treatment to have arisen from a dental emergency.

“For a long-time NZDA has advocated that government needed to address dental grants. A robust report commissioned by NZDA urgently recommended it,” the press release stated.

“The Finance Minister does deserve some credit for finding the room in the Budget to make this change. We also want to acknowledge the efforts of Minister Carmel Sepuloni.”

A November report found 40 percent of New Zealanders – and half of Māori and Pasifika people – can’t afford dental care.

The NZDA previously highlighted the need to improve access to dental care for the low-income and vulnerable groups via a mobile dental clinic on Parliament’s forecourt. 

The changes to the dental grant would reportedly cost the government approximately NZ$126m (US$80m).