Northland's "tooth fairy" is still waiting for a court hearing three years after the Ministry of Health first alleged she made hundreds of dentures without certification.
Claire Wihongi-Matene, 43, dubbed the "tooth fairy" by local supporters, faces seven charges brought by the Ministry in April 2019 – one alleging she claimed to be a health practitioner; six for allegedly performing a restricted activity.
The charges are laid under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 and were sparked by complaints from dentists.
The Health Ministry claims Wihongi-Matene performed a "restricted activity" involved in the insertion and maintenance of dentures on members of the public "when she was not a health practitioner permitted to perform the activity".