New Zealand Election 2020: National promises $30 million a year expansion of kids dental program

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National has promised to spend an additional $30 million a year on a children's dental programme the party says will improve kids oral health. The scheme would mean every New Zealand child would get a fresh toothbrush and toothpaste every year and more money would be pumped into paediatric and school dental service in schools. National is calling the policy MySmile and builds on New Zealand's current policy of free dental care for children under 18 years old.

National leader Judith Collins said the existing children's dental policy is underfunded and not comprehensive. There are currently 120,000 Kiwi kids on dental waiting lists. We will provide the resources to ensure children most at need can get the access to quality dental care they deserve.

The promised $30 million a year would take the Government's current annual youth dental budget up to $130 million a year. The additional funding would pay for every child in New Zealand to get a yearly dental pack containing oral health information and a toothbrush and toothpaste. It would also cover the cost of a nation wide oral health education program as well as providing funding for free targeted topical dental fluoride, in line with the Ministry of Health recommendation.

Collins said National expects the policy to save money in the long run.According to the party's calculations, every $1 spent on children's oral health now will save $5 down the road.

The party's health spokesman Shane Reti said, National believes that everyone should have the opportunity to access world-class healthcare regardless of income, background or postcode. We're giving children who might have otherwise missed out an opportunity for quality dental care.