Oral Health

Oral health services in the Wairarapa are in the process of transformation.

Wairarapa was the first DHB in the country to have their business case accepted for a redevelopment of their oral health services, following a national survey of dental facilities that showed many were unable to meet modern building standards. Our Oral Health Service manager has had a significant input into the design of the new purpose-build mobile units.

The new model of care was developed in consultation with schools, dentists and dental therapists and is an exciting departure from traditional services.

Two, 2-chair mobile units were delivered in late 2009. (read media release) Each is staffed by two therapists and an assistant . The mobile units will be towed to sites all over the Wairarapa, bringing on-site screening, examination and treatment. The mobiles will be supported by fixed clinic, built into the planned new Community and Public Health building adjacent to Wairarapa Hospital. This will provide a consistent single point of entry to services - especially for parents of pre-schoolers.

Wairarapa continues to achieve high rates of coverage of our children through school based interventions, and high rates of enrollment of adolescents with Dentists.