19835 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

19835 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What measures, if any, have been implemented in the quarter October to December 2023 to ensure that rural and remote communities have adequate access to dental services?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the October - December 2023 quarter, progress was made in addressing key healthcare issues - including dental services - identified by rural communities. Key themes identified by these communities were access to services; having services closer to home, and raising awareness of available services for local communities. I am further advised that during the quarter, Health New Zealand focused on building oral health commissioning capacity, and continued the planning and manufacturing of mobile dental clinics.