Oral Health Appointment

25 July 2002

Oral Health Appointment

Dr Clive Wright, director of Health Promotion and Research with Dental Health Services, Victoria, Australia, has been appointed Ministry of Health Chief Advisor Oral Health.

Dr Wright is a University of Otago graduate and has held a number of teaching and research positions in New Zealand, Australia, Wales and Canada.

Ministry of Health Deputy Director-General Clinical Services Dr Colin Feek is delighted Dr Wright will be joining the Ministry as Chief Advisor Oral Health, which is a part time position.

"Diseases of the teeth and gums are among the most common of all health problems and are experienced by all New Zealanders at some stage of their life. Dental problems cause much pain and discomfort and in particular, Maori and Pacific children and adolescents have worse oral health than non-Maori and non-Pacific children."

Dr Feek said improving oral health was one of the 13 population health objectives highlighted in the New Zealand Health Strategy.

"Dr Wright has written and contributed to a large number of publications on oral health and has also been elected or appointed to many important oral health committees in both Australia and New Zealand."

"More recently he was involved in the development of the Review of Adolescent Dental Services in New Zealand which was completed in July 2001."

"Dr Wright has the confidence and ability to provide strong leadership and direction to the oral health sector in New Zealand. It is excellent that one of our most experienced dental graduates is returning to New Zealand to take up a position with the Ministry of Health."

Dr Wright will take up the post in the beginning of 2003 but will provide assistance to the Ministry from late August.

ENDS

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