74146 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

74146 (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 April to June 2024?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the April to June 2024 quarter, a professional steering group developed a set recommendations to retain this workforce. In addition, Health New Zealand continued to run an international recruitment campaign targeting oral health professionals. I am further advised that dentists and oral health specialists continue to be eligible for the Voluntary Bonding Scheme, which provides payments to newly qualified healthcare professionals in hard-to-staff specialties and locations.