Week 1 = Check
State of the Nation’s Smile.
3 – 9 August 2026
The first week of National Oral Health Month focuses on understanding the current state of oral health in New Zealand.
Good oral health starts with knowing where we stand. This week, NZDA is launching The 2026 Oral Health Report Card, providing a snapshot of New Zealand's oral health, highlighting where progress has been made, where significant challenges remain, and why oral health must become a national health priority.
The Report Card draws on the evidence behind the NZDA Roadmap Towards Better Oral Health for New Zealand, identifying practical actions that can improve prevention, increase access to care, strengthen the oral health workforce and create better oral health outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Throughout the week, NZDA will engage with communities, media and decision-makers to start a national conversation about oral health. From the official launch event and live radio interviews to community engagement and advocacy activities, Week 1 is about raising awareness, encouraging action and laying the foundation for the month ahead.
Official Launch
National Oral Health Month and The 2026 Oral Health Report Card will officially launch on:
Wednesday 5 August 2026
9.00am – 11.00am
Auckland
Launching The Report Card reflects the reality that many New Zealanders continue to face barriers to accessing dental care. The event will bring together oral health professionals, community organisations, government representatives and media to highlight the oral health challenges facing our nation and the actions needed to improve oral health for everyone.
Dentists on Air
Throughout Week 1, participating Auckland dentists will also be taking oral health directly to the public through a series of live breakfast radio interviews.
3 – 9 August 2026
Dentists will visit local radio stations to conduct live oral health checks on radio hosts while discussing the importance of prevention, regular dental visits, and the findings of The 2026 Oral Health Report Card.
Listeners can also get involved, with participating radio stations giving away up to four $600 dental treatment vouchers throughout the week.
1.8 million New Zealanders delayed or missed dental care because of cost.