About us

Dental for All coalition

The Dental for All campaign is led by a coalition which includes the following groups:

Campaign story

In early 2022, some campaigners, dentists, and unionists got together to talk about dental access in Aotearoa. With experience ranging from anti-poverty campaigning to clinical work in oral healthcare, this group saw how the cost of oral healthcare in the private system was a barrier to healthy, thriving communities. They formed the Dental for All coalition to campaign for expansion of free dental care to everyone, regardless of age. As a core part of this there was a recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the importance of by Māori, for Māori approaches to oral healthcare.

In November 2022, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS), a member of the Dental for All coalition, released the Tooth be Told report, which established an evidential basis for the current rates of unmet oral health needs in Aotearoa, and solidified a call for universal dental care. In March 2023, a poll conducted by Talbot Mills, and commissioned by ASMS, found that 74% of people strongly agreed or agreed that adult dental care should be funded the same way it is for children. Following this, ActionStation launched a petition called Make dental care free for all, which has mobilised more than 17,000 people in support. This petition was delivered to Hon Ayesha Verrall (former Minister of Health, Labour) and Ricardo Menendez March (Health Spokesperson, Greens) in early October 2023.

During the 2023 election period, universal dental was a topic of debate and discussion within the media and amongst parties. Te Pāti Māori, Labour, Greens, and NZ First all had policies focussed on expanding access to dental, albeit in different ways (free dental for whānau earning less than $60,000 per annum; free dental expanded to under 30s; free dental care for all; and expanding free annual checkups and x-rays for 18-25 year olds, Community Service Card holders, and Super Gold Card holders; respectively). We are looking forward to seeing how these policies will be progressed at the 2026 election.

In 2024, the Dental for All coalition, led by ActionStation campaigners Hana, Kayli, and Max, is focused on a big next two years of campaigning. This has been made possible by a grant from the Clare Foundation. We have some exciting plans coming up to amplify the growing call for free, universal, Te Tiriti-consistent oral healthcare in the public health system, establish an evidence base, and keep this issue on the political agenda. Keep an eye on our research and ways you can take action, and if you would like to get involved please email hana@actionstation.org.nz.