由于成本高昂, 近一半的新西兰成年人避免接受牙科护理, 这导致健康危机和经济损失,促使人们呼吁进行普遍公平的改革. Nearly half of New Zealand adults avoid dental care due to cost, causing health crises and economic losses, prompting calls for universal, equitable reform.

根据倡导团体和研究, 新西兰近一半的成年人因成本高昂而避免接受牙科护理, 这导致慢性疼痛,感染以及住院治疗. Nearly half of adults in Aotearoa New Zealand are avoiding dental care due to cost, leading to chronic pain, infections, and hospitalizations, according to advocacy groups and research. 据报道, 47% 的成年人没有接受治疗 - - 尤其是毛利族和帕西菲卡族群. A coalition called Dental for All is urging the government to establish universal, Te Tiriti-recognizing dental care, citing 47% of adults skipping treatment—especially Māori and Pasifika communities. 没有治疗的口腔疾病每年会使经济损失25亿美元, 生活质量也会下降30亿美元. Untreated oral disease costs the economy $2.5 billion annually in lost productivity and $3.1 billion in reduced quality of life. 尽管有公共支持和现有的低成本服务, 但需求远超过供应, 等待时间长且诊所过剩. Despite public support and existing low-cost services, demand far exceeds supply, with long waitlists and overwhelmed clinics. 支持者强调牙科护理是基本的健康, 而不是奢品, 并呼吁进行系统性改革以确保平等获得. Advocates stress that dental care is essential health, not a luxury, and call for systemic reform to ensure equitable access.