Unacceptable inequalities exist in the oral health of New Zealand children, especially among Māori, Pacific and those children from low socioeconomic status (SES) families. The Public Health Advisory Committee report to the Minister of Health - 'Improving Child Oral Health and Reducing Child Oral Health Inequalities' described significant child oral health inequalities, and recommended that the Ministry of Health evaluate and monitor mainstream oral health services for their impact on Māori oral health.
In 2004, the Ministry commissioned Mauri Ora Associates to review 16 Māori providers, and to evaluate their operations and experiences in delivering oranga niho services. The review provides information on the types of services being delivered, the capacity and capability needs of the services, and identified preferred models of Māori child oral health services.
The review was carried out simultaneously with the School Dental Services Review.
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