Call for free dental care for all

Progressive leader Jim Anderton has launched a dental health care policy under which free care would be extended on an incremental basis, targeting the most vulnerable groups first. File photo / NZ Herald

Free dental care should eventually be extended to all New Zealanders, Progressive leader Jim Anderton says.

He today launched a dental health care policy under which free care would be extended on an incremental basis, targeting the most vulnerable groups first.

Labour Party health spokesman Grant Robertson welcomed the plan, saying it was a useful tool in improving overall dental health care.

"We know many New Zealanders are not receiving the dental care they need, with the most recent nationwide survey showing that 44 per cent are not receiving any at all," Mr Robertoson said.

"This represents a major future risk both in terms of health status, but also in costs to individuals and the taxpayer."

Mr Robertson said Labour would look closely at Mr Anderton's proposal in terms of the pace and extent at which it could be implemented.

- NZPA