A new healthcare model in New Zealand aims to combat poor oral health and reduce barriers to preventive dental care. Dental costs are often a hurdle for Kiwis seeking oral health services, and this issue is particularly pronounced among Māori and Pasifika communities. To address these challenges, dental clinics in seven regions across the country have joined a groundbreaking preventive oral care subscription program. This innovative approach aims to standardize healthcare costs and offers patients the opportunity to budget for preventive dental visits for as low as $1 per day.
Maykon Dias, spokesperson for EasyDental, explains that the subscription covers a dental exam, x-rays, and one hygiene treatment annually. The programme also offers a basic subscription with an additional hygiene treatment for 6-monthly visits. Education and decay prevention are a key focus, with patients gaining access to online resources and tutorials. This approach not only benefits patients but also garners support from dentists who struggle with low patient compliance.
The economic impact of poor dental care is substantial, with untreated oral disease costing the global economy billions. Additionally, the program is open to businesses, allowing them to offer dental points as part of employee benefits. These points can be redeemed to cover dental visits, offering flexibility for both employers and employees.
Furthermore, EasyDental provides a free online caries risk assessment to help individuals determine if they need dental intervention. This initiative represents a significant step forward in improving oral health and access to dental care in New Zealand.
