Week 3 = Connect
Workforce and Advocacy. Meet the people behind your smile.
17 – 23 August 2026
This week, National Oral Health Month shines a spotlight on the people behind the profession and the important role dentists play in prevention, patient care, community wellbeing, and oral health advocacy.
Dentists are more than clinicians. They are parents, partners, friends, volunteers, sports coaches, runners, cooks, musicians, and active members of their local communities. Every day they work alongside dental teams to help people smile, eat, speak, and live healthier lives.
Throughout the week, NZDA Healthy Smiles will share authentic Day in the Life of a Dentist videos from practices across New Zealand. Follow dentists through a typical working day from getting ready in the morning and arriving at the practice, to preparing for appointments, working with their teams, caring for patients, and finishing the day with family, exercise, or other hobbies.
These videos provide a genuine behind-the-scenes look at the profession, showcasing the variety of dentistry, the teamwork involved, and the everyday moments that make caring for people so rewarding. Most importantly, they introduce the people behind the masks and help make dental care feel more familiar, approachable, and part of everyday health care.
Watch the videos
Follow NZDA Healthy Smiles during Week 3:
Facebook: NZDA Healthy Smiles
Instagram: @nzdahealthysmiles
Take the Challenge
Watch the Day in the Life of a Dentist videos and join the conversation.
How to take part
Like, share and comment on the videos, or put your own spin on the challenge by posting a day in your life.
Tag @nzdahealthysmiles, tag a friend and use:
#Connect
#NOHM26
Terms and conditions apply. Entries close on 23 August 2026.
Everyone who takes part will go into the draw to win one of our Oral Health Bundles worth $500.
Nearly one in five private dental positions are vacant, while 43% of adults report unmet dental care needs, placing increasing pressure on access to oral health care across the country.
"Every New Zealander deserves timely access to oral health care – and that starts with a sustainable workforce."
NZDA Member Advocacy Challenge
NZDA members have been supporting the Association’s advocacy work following the release of the Roadmap Towards Better Oral Health.
During Week 3 of National Oral Health Month, we are inviting practices to continue this work and show how they have helped make oral health more visible in their communities.
Your challenge
Bring together evidence of an advocacy activity your practice has completed or continues to support.
This could include:
meeting with an MP or community representative;
displaying or sharing The 2026 Oral Health Report Card;
talking with patients or community groups about oral health;
sharing an advocacy message through your practice channels;
raising awareness of prevention, access, equity or workforce issues; or
supporting another activity connected to NZDA’s wider advocacy work.
Your evidence could be a photo, screenshot, short video, social media post or another clear record of the activity.
How to enter
Email your evidence to register@nzda.org.nz.
You can also share it on Facebook or Instagram, tag @nzdahealthysmiles, and use:
#Connect
#NOHM26
Participating practices will go in the draw to win $500 towards their practice Christmas party.
Entries close on 23 August 2026.
Please ensure anyone identifiable in submitted material has agreed to be included and that no patient information is visible.
NZDA Member Advocacy Kit
NZDA members have already been using the NZDA Members’ Advocacy Kit to support the Association’s 2026 election advocacy and advance the recommendations in the Roadmap Towards Better Oral Health for New Zealanders.
Week 3 of National Oral Health Month is an opportunity to continue that work, bring together evidence of what your practice has done and help amplify oral health advocacy across the country.
Continue the conversation
The Advocacy Kit provides practical ways for members to:
arrange a meeting or practice visit with a local MP or election candidate;
attend community meetings and ask questions about oral health;
write to MPs or candidates;
promote the Roadmap through social media and local networks;
share practice and patient-community insights with NZDA; and
advocate for prevention, fair access to care and a strong, future-ready oral health system.
Your challenge
Show us how your practice has supported NZDA’s wider advocacy work.
Collate and submit evidence of any advocacy activity you have completed or continued.
Your evidence could include any of the following:
a photo from an MP or candidate visit;
a screenshot of an email or advocacy message;
a social media post promoting the Roadmap;
a photo of Roadmap or Report Card material displayed in your practice;
evidence of attendance at a community or election meeting;
a short video or written summary of an advocacy conversation; or
another clear example of your practice engaging with the Advocacy Kit.
How to enter
Email your evidence to register@nzda.org.nz.
You can also share it on Facebook or Instagram, tag @nzdahealthysmiles, and use:
#Connect
#NOHM26
Participating practices will go in the draw to win:
$500 towards their practice Christmas party
Entries close at on 23 August 2026.