MoH set to brush up on older people’s oral health

Media Release: Age Concern New Zealand
September 20, 2011

Ministry of Health set to brush up on older people’s oral health issues

Age Concern National President Liz Baxendine is delighted the Ministry of Health will commission a study into older people’s oral health issues.

This announcement comes hot on the heels of last week’s World Oral Health Day, which aimed to increase awareness of the importance of good oral health, as well as the impact of oral diseases on general health and well-being.

The Ministry’s research will focus on people aged 65-plus who are living in residential aged care facilities and older people living in their communities who use home-based assistance.

Mrs Baxendine says good oral health is an Age Concern priority.

“Good oral health isn’t just the icing on the cake. There is a clear link between the health of our teeth and our general health.

“Unfortunately for many older New Zealanders going to the dentist is viewed as a luxury due to the high cost and other barriers such as transport to and from appointments.”

Age Concern wants all older people to have the oral care they need and deserve.

“We also want more dentists to offer discounts to older people and for dentists to offer discounts on dental care to older people through the SuperGold card scheme.”

Government needs to see oral health as part of general health and provide life-long subsidies on the costs of dental care, Mrs Baxendine says.

While Mrs Baxendine is delighted the Ministry has identified older people’s oral health as a priority, she acknowledges it may be some time until older people see a tangible difference in the price of dental care.

In the meantime Mrs Baxendine has the following tips:

* Shop around - there can be significant differences in costs between dentists.

* Dental departments at most hospitals offer low cost treatment for Community Service Card holders, however waiting lists can be long.

* People on low incomes in need of emergency dental care can apply to Work and Income for a non-recoverable special needs grant of up to $300 in a 12 month period.

* Also, keep in mind if your teeth need treatment due to an accident the cost may be covered by ACC.

ENDS

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