Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour will build and upgrade facilities across New Zealand to support the network of
care across New Zealand.
Labour will strengthen the provision of ambulance services by instituting a staged
plan to deal with funding, workforce, crewing and training issues.
Oral health
The 2009 New Zealand Oral Health Survey shows that 44% of New Zealanders are not
receiving any form of dental care. Under the last Labour government significant progress
was made in improving the oral health for children, particularly for those up to Year 8 through
the School Dental Service. There are still major issues in accessible treatment, particularly
for teenagers and those aged over 18. A recent Christchurch study found 1/3 rd of the high
school students needed urgent dental treatment. 37
The case for increased attention to oral health is strengthened by the increase in diabetes
and obesity, both of which are linked to an increase in dental health problems. Also the
“baby boomer” generation are the first generation entering their older years with their own
teeth, which will require interventions for a longer period.
As with other areas of health policy, prevention needs to be a major focus in oral health
policy.
Labour will develop, in consultation with the sector, a 10 year plan to improve the oral
health of New Zealanders.
The key elements of the plan will be:
Continuation of free dental health care from birth to the age of 18 years, with
an increased focus on ensuring that teenagers are enrolled with a dentist and
are supported to attend check-ups and receive treatment.
Review the framework that funds oral health services for teenagers to ensure
that young people are enrolled, that services are delivered in an accessible
manner and that dentists are appropriately incentivised to undertake the work.
Extend incrementally, as resources allow, the provision of affordable dental
care beginning with pregnant women receiving a package of free dental
services.
Undertake a social marketing campaign around the importance of dental
hygiene, including to new parents to encourage them to enrol children with
school dental service (available from age 2 ½).
37 LANE project, Linwood High School, April 2011
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