Key Takeaways
- Dental grants of up to $1000 are available to people on low incomes and with limited assets each year, with no repayment required.
- The total cost of excluding dental care from the public health system is more than the government would have to pay to fund it.
- Tens of millions of dollars are being paid out in dental grants each quarter, with a total of $90.199m issued in grants for the 12 months of 2023.
- The current system means that the government is effectively subsidizing private healthcare, with many people getting into debt to access basic dental care.
- Advocates are calling for dental care to be included in the public healthcare system, citing the significant gap in access to dental care and the economic and healthcare consequences that follow.
Introduction to Dental Grants
Dental grants of up to $1000 are available to people on low incomes and with limited assets each year, providing much-needed financial assistance for those who cannot afford dental care. These grants do not have to be paid back, and they can be used to cover essential dental treatments. However, grants above this amount may need to be repaid. According to Ministry of Social Development data, in the March quarter of last year, just under 30,000 dental grants were issued, worth a total of $22.2 million. This highlights the significant demand for dental care and the need for financial assistance to access it.
The Cost of Excluding Dental Care from the Public Health System
The exclusion of dental care from the public health system has significant consequences, both in terms of healthcare and economics. Advocates argue that the total cost of excluding dental care from the public health system is more than the government would have to pay to fund it. This is because people who cannot afford dental care often end up in emergency departments and inpatient care due to dental infections, which can lead to more costly and complex health problems. The New Zealand Health Survey found that more than 40 percent of adults had unmet need for dental care because of the cost, highlighting the significant gap in access to dental care.
The Impact on Individuals and Communities
The current system has a significant impact on individuals and communities, particularly those on low incomes and with limited assets. The Citizens Advice Bureau has reported that its clients are worried about the cost of dental treatment, and many are finding it difficult to access basic dental care. Some clients are having to create dental plans with their dental care provider, go to their local hospital emergency department, or arrange food parcels while they pay off dental bills. Others are withdrawing KiwiSaver funds or seeking help from budgeting services. This highlights the significant financial burden that dental care can place on individuals and families, and the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive public healthcare system.
Advocacy for Change
Advocates, including the Green Party and the Dental for All campaign, are calling for dental care to be included in the public healthcare system. They argue that the current system is ineffective and that the government is effectively subsidizing private healthcare. Green MP Ricardo Menéndez-March said that people are getting into debt to access basic healthcare, including dental care, and that this is a significant problem that needs to be addressed. Hana Pilkington-Ching, spokesperson for the Dental for All campaign, said that the income cutoff for grants is low and that they have to be used for urgent and immediate treatments, rather than preventive care. She also noted that people sometimes end up in emergency departments and inpatient care because of dental infections, which can be costly and complex to treat.
Response from the Ministry of Social Development
The Ministry of Social Development has responded to concerns about the cost of dental care and the need for financial assistance. Graham Allpress, group general manager of client service delivery, said that the ministry knows that people are finding the cost of living difficult and that it has increased the support eligible people can get for dental treatment through a Special Needs Grant (SNG) from $300 to $1000. He also noted that the requirement for dental need to be considered an emergency was removed, and that the dental treatment would need to be considered immediate and essential to qualify for this support. However, advocates argue that more needs to be done to address the significant gap in access to dental care and to ensure that everyone can access the dental care they need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of dental grants and access to dental care is a complex and multifaceted one. While there are some financial assistance programs available, such as dental grants, they are not sufficient to meet the needs of all individuals and communities. The exclusion of dental care from the public health system has significant consequences, both in terms of healthcare and economics. Advocates are calling for dental care to be included in the public healthcare system, citing the significant gap in access to dental care and the economic and healthcare consequences that follow. It is essential that policymakers and stakeholders work together to address this issue and ensure that everyone can access the dental care they need to maintain good oral health and overall well-being.