There is currently a nationwide shortage of dental and oral health therapists in Aotearoa New Zealand, and unfortunately this has also affected Taranaki.
Although the Taranaki team is working hard and doing an amazing job across the region, their ability to cover all community oral health dental clinics is limited, therefore they do have tamariki (children) on waitlists for check-ups and treatment.
They are concentrating on seeing the longest waiting tamariki, along with the most urgent tamariki who have pain and infections.
They are currently delivering an engagement campaign to help the community understand the shortage and provide education to help whānau be vigilant with dental care at home.
Over the coming months they'll be sharing oral health care tips that they would appreciate help communicating with practice stakeholders and networks.
In the meantime, they are working to reassure whānau waiting for oral health care that they can still help with dental queries or concerns. They are encouraged to contact their nearest clinic or phone 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583).
They thank the community for being patient and are asking them to continue being kind to staff as they mitigate these issues and deliver the best healthcare possible for whānau in Taranaki.
Thank you for your support with this mahi.
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