8. Question No. 8—Social Development and EmploymentRICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 8—Social Development and Employment8. RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Do special needs grants for dental treatment adequately meet need for dental care considering 40 percent of adult New Zealanders are unable to afford treatment?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): This Government has shown that it is committed to ensuring New Zealanders have access to dental care when they need it. For the first time in 25 years we increased the maximum special needs grants for dental treatment from $300 to $1000 in Budget 2022. This has seen the number of non-recoverable dental grants nearly doubling from 23025 to 43479 and the total amount of support provided through the grant increasing nearly five-fold from $6395819 to $30773018. Previously you could only receive one dental grant per year even if it did not reach the $300 limit; now clients can access the grant multiple times in one year up to the value of $1000. This is making a difference for whānau but we certainly know there is more to do.Ricardo Menéndez March: Does she agree that access to preventative treatment including check-ups remains unaffordable given the average cost of a check-up is $80; if so why are check-ups excluded from the dental grants?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: I acknowledge that many New Zealanders struggle with the cost of dental care. I spoke about the increase in the grant that we've put in place. I also just need to mention that alongside that change we've lifted income limits for hardship support so that more New Zealanders can access grants including dental grants. Before November 2021 the limits were for example $591.20 a week for a single person. We temporarily increased the limits to support New Zealanders through COVID-19 and then that was made permanent from Budget 2022. This now means that a single New Zealander can earn up to $900.93 a week and still access support such as dental grants.Ricardo Menéndez March: Does she accept that not being able to cover the check-ups can lead to oral health issues going untreated leading to more severe health issues and expensive medical interventions?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: We have made significant changes. I'm not saying that there isn't more to do with regards to dental treatment and access in New Zealand. That can't all come down to the welfare system though. I think the health system and perhaps even ACC need to take a little responsibility there and there is some work that needs to be undertaken. We have made significant changes. There is a lot more covered than was previously—including if someone goes to the Ministry of Social Development with a sore tooth then they will at least get the consultation covered. That wasn't necessarily the case previously.Ricardo Menéndez March: How many people received dental grants out of the 1.5 million people in New Zealand who are unable to afford dental care?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: I can't speak about all New Zealanders with regards to dental care as I am not responsible for the dental care system. I'm responsible for the grants that we provide for the lowest-income New Zealanders with regards to providing them with support and access to some level of dental treatment. And as I said it is significantly more than what it was when we came into Government.Ricardo Menéndez March: What would she say to Max who told us his dental story and said I have been living with a tooth that needs a root canal for the last six years. I can't get it pulled out because I've been already having too many molars pulled out due to Work and Income declining grants. I'm only 32 and I need root canals."?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: I empathise with anyone who is struggling to access the dental care that they need including Max. We have made significant changes through the welfare system. I know that member doesn't believe that they go far enough but they certainly are a significant start."