The cost of dental treatment struck a raw nerve with Otago Daily Times readers last Saturday.
A feature (Dental costs taking too big a bite?) in The Weekend Mix magazine drew an enormous response — it was the third most-read story on www.odt.co.nz over the week — and elicited an offer from charitable trust Smileplan to fly two people profiled in the story to Auckland for free dental treatment.
Ashburton solo father Michael Wilson cannot afford tooth extraction and a new plate, so lives with gum disease and teeth which cannot chew many foods.
Dunedin beneficiary Tamara Smith has rotten teeth which cut the inside of her mouth.
Both have been offered dental treatment by Smileplan.
Ms Smith was looking at a $3000 bill to repair her teeth, and was delighted when she heard of Smileplan’s offer.
"I’m over the moon; it’s absolutely amazing," Ms Smith said.
The response to Bruce Munro’s article — including statistics suggesting less than 40% of adults regularly visit the dentist — came as no surprise to Auckland dentist Assil Russell.
The Revive A Smile founder said the charity received dozens of applications a day from people asking for dental help.
"People are presenting with severe infections that have been left untreated for prolonged periods: some have tried DIY dentistry and caused serious complications," Dr Russell said.
"Many people who come to our charity clinic have serious infections that are completely preventable.
"Dental health is as important as physical or mental health, and affects both if not looked after."
An online www.odt.co.nz poll this week drew 1700 respondents, with 86% saying they had put off dental checkups or treatment due to the cost.
Dr Russell has set up a petition calling for adult dental care to be publicly funded; it is closing in on her 4000-signature target, and will be presented to Parliament when it does.
"Dental care is a basic human right and access to dentists can and should be improved.
"The solution to New Zealand’s adult dental crisis is simple: subsidise dentist visits for at-need communities."
