19830 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

19830 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, have been taken to increase the recruitment and retention of dental professionals in the quarter October to December 2023?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the October - December 2023 quarter, Health New Zealand ran an international recruitment campaign targeting oral health professionals. I am also advised that dentists and oral health specialists are eligible for the Voluntary Bonding Scheme, which provides payments to newly qualified healthcare professionals in hard-to-staff specialties and locations during the first three to five years of their career.