Health Targets

Improving Oral Health

What is the target?

Progress is made towards 85 percent adolescent oral health utilisation.

Why is this target important?

The Government’s Oral Health Action Plan promoting good oral health for the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society is one of the priorities. Research shows that improving oral health in childhood and adolescence has benefits over a lifetime. A major reconfiguration of child and adolescent oral health services is underway, and that includes the upgrade of many fixed units and the purchase of mobile units. This will ensure that the capacity to provide oral health services to children and young people is fit for future purpose.

What progress has been made in 2007/08?

1,800 more adolescents accessed dental services in the 2007 Calendar year than in 2006. This means that 167,567 young people or 58.7% of eligible adolescents are now enrolled in adolescent oral health services against a national Health Target of 59%.

Information on adolescent enrolment is based on claiming information from dentists and dental therapists in the community. Hospital based dentists also provide care for those with complex conditions, including some disabilities that cannot be provided by community based services.

View more information on progress towards this target in 2007/08, including graphs, on the Improving Oral Health Quarterly Reports page.

Specific information on each DHB's progress towards their local targets is provided on their individual pages. You can access them on the Targets by DHB page.

What has helped this achievement?

A concerted effort by many DHBs has seen significant increases in adolescent enrolment at local levels although expanded adolescent oral health services are still in the planning phase. A significant increase in utilisation is expected as fixed and mobile services become more widely available from 2009.

Adolescents using dental services increased in 17 DHBs – all except Whanganui, MidCentral, Wairarapa, Hutt Valley.
Access increased in most North Island DHBs where access levels have traditionally been lower.
Working in partnership with a private mobile dental service provider, Counties Manukau has doubled the proportion of adolescents accessing dental services over the last six years by taking services into high schools.

Who is the Ministry of Health champion of this target?

Dr Robin Whyman, Chief Advisor, Oral Health

Related information

In this section:
Targets by DHB
Oral Health Success Story

In other sections in this website:
Oral Health section

Page last updated: 12 October 2008