Smile, we have much to be thankful for

It's a little-known fact that the healthy gleam of our pearly-whites is largely thanks to the sacrifice of New Zealand soldiers during World War I. As our young men prepared to leave for the battlefields of Europe, medical examinations made a startling discovery. Huge numbers of the soldiers suffered from yellowed and rotting teeth.

Terrified of an oral hygiene epidemic, the Department of Health ordered something to be done. Thomas Hunter, a colonel and director of the New Zealand Dental Corps, was given the challenge of finding a solution - a task he embraced with a military efficiency.

Hunter considered himself a close friend of Truby King, the child health reformer, and was a fan of the Plunket service he had championed. Believing women were 'temperamentally and physiologically' more suited to deal with children, and that children themselves would prefer women, he proposed a School Dental Nurse Scheme.

His idea provoked heated debate amongst the medical profession, which soon spilled over to the wider public. Several newspapers joined the fight, condemning dental nurses as 'half trained' dentists. Despite the vitriol of his opponents, Hunter's doggedness saw the scheme forge ahead.

In 1921 the first wave of 35 nurses - from 120 applicants - were chosen on the basis of their health, academic success and pleasant personality. Hunter secured a temporary school adjoining the Government Buildings in Wellington, and requisitioned equipment from the Dental Corps. For the next two years the women received intensive training in biology, science, dental care and oral hygiene.

Finally, in July 1923, the first dental nurses donned their iconic white smocks and marched proudly into Taranaki schools. By the end of the year 25 clinics had opened. Public confidence in the service quickly grew, and the service spread to encompass the whole of New Zealand. Before too long the scheme had even been adopted overseas.

Generations of healthy teeth and a revolution in dental hygiene, just two of the ways in which a war on the other side of the world profoundly altered New Zealand's cultural landscape.

Auckland War Memorial Museum commemorates the sacrifice of New Zealanders during times of war in the lead up to Anzac Day. The centrepiece of the museum's commemorations is the free Illuminate outdoor projection. Contemplate the sacrifice of our young nation as the names of the 35,000 New Zealanders who died while fighting for their country scroll across the building's northern facade.

Visitors are invited to watch from the steps of the Cenotaph and then come inside to sign a digital book of remembrance and look up relatives' war records on the Cenotaph Database. A licensed coffee cart will be open selling hot drinks and refreshments. Activities are also available to keep the children entertained.

On April 25 a Dawn Service marks Anzac Day. Immediately following the service the museum opens its doors for a full programme of family-friendly talks, tours and activities.

"Auckland War Memorial Museum forms the emotional hub for this city during ANZAC Day," says Museum Director Dr Vanda Vitali. "While the Cenotaph becomes a touchstone of remembrance for people from all walks of life, offerings such as the Illuminate projection add a further dimension to allow us to contemplate this nation's identity."