The NZDA celebrates the first Friday in November as ‘National Oral Health Day'. 

The aim of the day is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health through education, advocacy and access to oral care. 

Check out this link for more information https://www.nzda.org.nz/public/switch-to-water

Te Ao Marama - The New Zealand Maori Dental Association Incorporated (1995) and Charitable entity (2014) Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 30^th May at 10am, via ZOOM.

Minutes from 2019 AGM will be available soon under Members Menu

For any enquiries, please email

Te Ao Mārama members continue their support for fluoridation of reticulated water supplies, to optimal levels and also support the use of fluoride-containing dental materials and products.

Have you been asked about fluoride?

Here are some quick facts to keep in mind

The oral health of those who have fluoridated water is significantly better

• When compared with those who are living in non fluoridated areas. A recent New Zealand survey shows that non-fluoridated areas experienced 60% more tooth decay than those in fluoridated areas.

Low levels of fluoride added to water have been proven safe and effective

• The recommended level, 0.7-1.0 parts-per-million, is the equivalent of putting one teaspoon into an entire bathtub of water! To ingest toxic levels of fluoride you would need to drink several thousand glasses of water at once.

Fluoride occurs naturally in many water supplies

• Topping the levels up so it benefits community oral health is safe and cost effective. Water fluoridation doesn't diminish the "mauri" of water, because it improves the health and wellbeing for all.

Fluoridation reduces decayed, missing or filled teeth

• By between 58,000 and 267,000 in New Zealand each year.

Each damaged tooth costs at least $130 to treat

• That's the cost of a single filling. If you compare this to the miniscule cost of 50c per person per year to fluoridate the water supply it is very clear that the benefits far outweigh the costs.

Fluoride is a critical part of keeping your teeth healthy

• That's along with brushing, flossing, a healthy lifestyle and dental care. Water fluoridation improves the oral health of all people, whether you brush your teeth or not.

Fluoride products used in New Zealand are required to meet quality and safety standards

• The Standard for the Supply of Fluoride for Use in Water Treatment published by the New Zealand Water & Wastes Association outlines these standards

The fluoride derived from fluorosilicates is exactly the same

• It's the same as the fluoride which is present in calcium fluoride and sodium fluoride when these substances dissolve in water.

Below are videos by the Ministry of Health on the benefits of community water fluoridation:

Te Ao Mārama continues to be an association that welcomes members from every part of the oral health and wider health sectors, who are committed to improving oral health outcomes for Māori

Membership is open to Māori who are:

• Dentists and Dental Specialists
• Dental Hygienists
• Dental Therapists
• Bachelor of oral health graduates
• Dental Technicians
• Oral Health Promoters and Educators
• Māori Oral Health Researchers
• Māori Oral Health Providers
• Dental Assistants and Administrators
• Oral health students
• Other health professionals/workers or those committed to Hauora Niho

Membership is also open to other health professionals who are committed to Hauora Niho and Hauora Māori.

For more information, please email us at  

Benefits to membership

• By becoming a member of Te Ao Mārama you are making a contribution to our vision of ‘Hei oranga niho mo te iwi Māori’ – Good Oral health for Māori, for life.
• Representation on numerous boards and organisations. An opportunity to have your say.
• Keep up to date with issues pertaining to Māori oral health
• Entitlement to attend hui a tau with exposure to presentations from key people in the dental or general health sector
• Opportunity to network with colleagues in the dental field or a specialist area
• Opportunity to be involved with the mentoring programme and engage students
• Opportunities for continuing professional development
• Access to the members only login section of the Te Ao Mārama website
• Receive Te Aō Marama Panui/Newsletters

Membership Fees 

Membership for Te Ao Mārama is valid for 12 months.

• Clinician $50 (Dental specialist, Dentist, Dental therapist/Oral Health Therapist/Hygienist, Dental technician)
• Non-clinician $50 (Dental Assistant, Dental administrator, Oral Health Promoter/Educator, Researcher, other health professional/worker or other)
• Honorary Life Member no fee
• Kuia, Kaumātua no fee
• Student Member no fee

For more information, please email us at  

Become a member

Health providers are shown on the map below

Māori Oral Health providers are highlighted with a red*, please scroll down for contact details.

North Island

Northland

Northland District Health Board
www.northlanddhb.org.nz
P: 0800 MY TEETH / 0800 698 3384
P: 09 430 4100
L: Northland
Service: Community Oral Health and Hospital Dental Service.

Ngati Hine Health Trust
P: 0800 73 75 73
P: 09 404 1551 Kawakawa
P: 09 430 2386 Whangarei
L: Northland
Services: Community Oral Health Service and Adult Relief of Pain Service

Te Hauora O Te Hiku O Te Ika
www.hauora.net.nz
P: 09 408 4024
L: Northland
Services: Community Oral Health Service

Auckland

Auckland District Health Board
www.adhb.govt.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/0800 825 583
P 0800 4 DENTAL/ 0800 433 6825
P: 09 367 0000
L: Auckland
Services: Community Oral Health Service and Hospital Dental Service

Waitemata

Waitemata District Health Board
www.waitematadhb.govt.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P 0800 4 DENTAL/ 0800 433 6825
L: Waitemata region
Services: Community Oral Health Service and Hospital Dental Service

Counties Manukau

Counties Manukau District Health Board
www.cmdhb.org.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 0800 4 DENTAL/ 0800 433 6825
P: 09 276 0000
L: Counties Manukau region
Services: Community Oral Health Service and Hospital Dental Service

Waikato

Waikato District Health Board
www.waikatodhb.govt.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 07 859 9160
L: Waikato region
Services: Community Oral Health Service

Raukura Hauora O Tainui
www.raukura.org.nz
P: 07 839 5298
L: Hamilton, Northern Waikato, Manurewa
Services: Community Oral Health Service and General Dental Services for Adults

Bay of Plenty

Bay of Plenty District Health Board
www.bopdhb.govt.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/0800 825 583
P: Tauranga 07 579 8000 ext.6835
P: Whakatane 07 306 0999 ext.6835
L: Bay of Plenty region
Services: Community Oral Health Service

Te Manu Toroa
www.temanutoroa.org.nz
P: 07 577 4183
P: 07 574 9830 extn.3
L: Bay of Plenty region
Services: Community Oral Health Service and Adult Relief of Pain Service.

Lakes

Lakes District Health Board
www.lakesdhb.govt.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825583
P: 07 349 7955 ext.7762
L: Rotorua and Taupo
Services: Community Oral Health Service and Hospital Dental Service

Tipu Ora Charitable Trust, Community Dental Service
www.tipuora.org.nz
P: 07 348 9613
L: Rotorua
Services: Community Oral Health Service and Adult Relief of Pain Service

Tairawhiti

Tairawhiti District Heath Board
www.tdh.org.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 06 869 0500
L: Gisbourne, East Coast region
Services: Community Oral Health Service

Ngati Porou Hauora
www.nph.org.nz
P: 06 864 6803
L: East Coast
Services: Community Oral Health Service

Taranaki

Taranaki District Health Board
www.tdhb.org.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 06 753 7706
L: New Plymouth, Taranaki region
Services: Community Oral Health Service

Whanganui

Whanganui District Health Board
www.wdhb.org.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 06 348 3120
L: Whanganui
Services: Community Oral Health Service

Hawkes Bay

Hawkes Bay District Health Board
www.hawkesbay.health.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 06 878 8109 ext.5763
L: Hastings and Napier
Services: Community Oral Health Services and Dental Department Service

Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, Oranga Niho Service
www.ttoh.iwi.nz
P: 06 871 5352
L: Ngāti Kahungunu region
Services: Community Oral Health Service and General Dental Service

MidCentral

Mid Central District Health Board
www.midcentraldhb.govt.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 06 350 8619
L: Palmerston North
Services: Community Oral Health Service and Hospital Dental Service.

Capital and Coast

Capital and Coast District Health Board
www.ccdhb.org.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 04 570 9048
P: 04 385 5967 Wellington
P: 04 978 2871 Porirua
L: Wellington Hospital and Kenepuru Community Hospital
Services: Community Oral Health Service

Ora Toa
www.oratoa.co.nz
P: 04-2375925
L: Wellington
Service: General Dental Services

Hutt

Hutt Valley District Health Board
www.huttvalleydhb.org.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 04 570 9292
L: Hutt Valley
Services: Community Oral Health Service

Wairarapa

www.wairarapa.dhb.org.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 06 370 5020
L: Wairarapa, Masterton
Services: Community Oral Health Service

South Island

Nelson Marlborough

Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board
www.nmdhb.govt.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 03 546 1286 Nelson
P: 03 520 9999 ext.7286 Malborough
L: Nelson and Malborough
Services: Community Oral Health Services and Hospital Dental Services

Canterbury

Canterbury District Health Board
www.cdhb.govt.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 0800 846 983
P: 03 364 0250 Hospital
L: Canterbury region
Services: Community Oral Health Service and Hospital Dental Service

South Canterbury

South Canterbury District Health Board
www.scdhb.health.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 0800 846 983
L: Canterbury region
Services: Community Oral Health Service

West Coast

West Coast District Health Board
www.westcoastdhb.org.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 03 768 0499 ext.2740
L: Buller, Greymouth and South Westland
Services: Community Oral Health Service

Southern

Southern District Health Board
www.southerndhb.govt.nz
P: 0800 TALK TEETH/ 0800 825 583
P: 03 476 9835 Otago
P: 03 214 5774 Southland
L: Otago and Southland regions
Services: Community Oral Health Service and Hospital Dental Services.

Te Whare Kaitiaki
P: 03 479 7268
L: Dunedin Dental School
Services: General Dental Service

The 0800 TALK TEETH/0800 825 583 free phone number is a Ministry of Health initiative which directs inquiries to the appropriate providers all over NZ.

• If aged between 0 and 12yrs old press 1
• If between school year 9 and 17yrs of age press 2
• If you have a general question about teeth and oral health press 3

If there is no relief of pain or low income adult service provided by your DHB phone 0800 TALK TEETH/0800 825 583 to find a contracted private dentist who can provide subsidized emergency dental care.

To find a private dentist go to www.dcnz.org.nz/cgi-bin/searchohp.pl or search the yellow pages www.yellow.co.nz to find a dentist near you.

Check out the Locate a DHB or Māori Oral Health Provider Map for a directory of providers in your area.

Dentistry in NZ is either publicly or privately funded.

Publicly Funded Services
Routine dental care is available to all NZ children and adolescents up to the age 18 free of charge.

Child Dental Services
Children, from birth to year 8 schooling, must be enrolled with the School Dental Service to receive free routine dental care at their school or community dental clinics. Routine dental treatment is provided by dental therapists and if treatment required is outside a therapist’s scope, referral to a contracting dentist occurs which is free under the Combined Dental Agreement.

Special Dental Benefit Scheme for Children
This scheme covers any referrals to a contracting dentist by a dental therapist or provision of emergency treatment out of school hours. If the dentist is not contracted a charge may incur.

Adolescent Dental Scheme
Adolescents from Year 9 until their 18th birthday are eligible for free routine dental care by dentists that are contracted by DHB under the Combined Dental Agreement. A fee may incur for other services that are not routine. Specialist services such as orthodontics and tooth whitening are not covered under the scheme.

For further information about the Community Oral Health Service in NZ phone
0800 TALK TEETH/0800 825 583

Special Needs and Medically Compromised Adults
Hospitals also provide special need services for intellectual, physical and medically compromised individuals that require specialized facilities that cannot otherwise be provided privately. Care is also provided by hospital for those involved in acute trauma or referred in where a patient needs specialized management such as general anesthesia.

Low Income Adults
Most public hospitals may also hold contracts to provide a relief of pain or limited routine dental service for low income adults who cannot access care privately. To access the service a current community services card is necessary and a part charge is also required. Work and Income NZ may also assist with funding for dental care. Contact your local hospital dental unit to enquire whether this service is available and the eligibility criterion.

Private Dental Service
Most New Zealanders receive their dental treatment privately at their own cost. There is no standard fee structure nationally and therefore fees are set by individual practices. Compared to public hospital, there is often more treatment options available such as whitening and implants. Go to www.dcnz.org.nz/cgi-bin/searchohp.pl or search the yellow pages www.yellow.co.nz to find a dentist near you.

New Zealand Dental Association

www.nzda.org.nz
The NZDA, established 1905, is an organisation with voluntary membership which represents dentists in NZ. The association advocates for oral health in NZ and supports the interests of the dental profession through advocacy and the provision of services.  

www.nzda.org.nz/public/your-oral-health
This website also provides up to date informative information such as guidelines on food, nutrition and oral health for infants, toddlers, children, teenagers and adults, reviews, journal articles and reports. Information on oral health problems such as orthodontics, fissure sealants, trauma, tobacco, gum disease, erosion, tooth whitening, dry Mouth, tooth Sensitivity, amalgam and oral piercings is also available.

New Zealand Dental Council

www.dcnz.org.nz
The DCNZ is the regulatory body that regulates dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental technicians and clinical dental technicians. The dental council is constituted under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 to protect the safety of the public by ensuring all clinicians are safe and competent to practice.  All practicing clinicians must be registered with the dental council and ensure continuation of professional development and maintain high standards of practice.

NZ Dental Oral Health Therapist Association

www.nzdohta.org.nz
The NZDTA, established 2012, is a voluntary membership organisation which represents and supports the dental therapy/dental hygiene profession to ensure members provide a high standard of quality and ethical oral health care for the public. Continuing professional development is also encouraged and facilitated by the association.

NZ Institute of Dental Technologists

www.nzidt.org.nz
The NZIDT, established 1977, is an organisation that represents and supports the clinical and non-clinical dental technician profession.

Oral Health Clinical Advisory Network

www.nzohcan.org.nz                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     The OHCAN provides clinical leadership to the oral health sector and advice to the Ministry of Health on oral health issues, with a particular emphasis on publicly-funded oral health services. Through the Chair, the Executive could also provide independent advice on oral health matters directly to the Minister of Health if necessary.

Website provides best practice Clinical Guidelines for Child and Adolescent Oral Health.

Ministry of Health, Oral Health

www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/oral-health
The Ministry of Health is the principle advisor of the government concerned with the health and disability of all New Zealanders. Check out their website for resources on oral health such as pamphlets and posters.

In Aotearoa, ethnic inequalities in oral health between Māori and non-Māori exist, with Māori having the poorest oral health outcomes of any ethic group. 

Te Ao Mārama is an assertion of Article II (self-determination) of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi, and the NZ government has an obligation to reduce these inequalities.

Publications
Here is our Position Statement on Sugar-sweetened beverages  CLICK HERE

Matauranga Oranga Niho CLICK HERE

The Māori Language Act 1985 verified Māori as an official language of New Zealand alongside English. Since 1975, Maori Language Week has been established as an opportunity for everyone to embrace our NZ toanga/treasure. The week creates an opportunity for all New Zealanders to improve their reo Māori skills and improve pronunciation.

For more information around Māori Language week go to

• www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/maori-language-petition-1972
• Facebook group search ‘Te wiki o te reo Māori, Māori language week’

In future, Te Aō Marama would like to create resources for Te Wiki o Te Reo that are of relevance to the dental setting. We shall keep you posted once the resources are available.  

Mā te Reo Funding
If you are thinking of organising an event, project or creating resources for Te Wiki o Te Reo 2013 check out www.ma-tereo.co.nz website. Mā te Reo is a Government funded programme established in 2001 to support projects, programmes and activities that contribute to local level Māori language regeneration.  

Māori Language Awards
The Māori Language Awards recognises private sector, community, government, media and educational institutions commitment to language regeneration of Te Reo Māori across Aotearoa. For further information and eligibility criterion go to www.korero.maori.nz

From 2013, World Oral Health Day will be celebrated on 20 March. The original date of 12 September was moved following a decision made in Hong Kong by the World Dental Federation (FDI) congress.

The aim of the day is to increase the awareness of oral health, oral diseases and their link with general health and well-being. If you have an idea that you would like to turn into a community activity to celebrate World Oral Health Day check out www.healthysmiles.org.nz as there is funding available.

If you would like to share details about your World Oral Health day activities, on our website or in our panui, please contact

Te Ao Mārama The NZ Māori Dental Association

c/- Leeann Waaka

13 Tawhara Place

Edgecumbe 3120

Phone: 021 674 472

Email:

CURRENT VACANCIES:

Dental Jobs on Kiwi Health Jobs Mahi Hauora website

If you have a vacancy within your organisation and would like to advertise in this space, please send the advertisement with contact details to

Te Ao Marama 2018 Members Hui + AGM – Papaiouru Marae, Tama Te Kapua, Rotorua, Saturday 21 April.

A tribute to our beloved Bishop Hamilton Manaia Pihopa Kingi resting in peace at Kauae Cemtery, Rotorua attended by a great amount of our membership. 

                     Many memories, insights, and experiences shared throughout our hui!   

  Click here to view HUI Programme

 2018 Sponsors

Te Kaiārahi (translated ‘the mentor’) mentoring programme was set up in 2011, to help connect current dental students (tauira) with experienced dental clinicians.

Te Kaiārahi aims to provide support and strengthen tauira throughout their undergraduate training and also to give them the opportunity to link up with dental clinicians, to gain knowledge and hands on experience before entering the workforce.

Te Kaiārahi provides mentors and mentees an opportunity to network, develop leadership, provide guidance, learn new skills and experience different clinical settings.  

The idea of a mentoring programme was first discussed at HAT 2009 in response to a request by students for more clinical support from those already in the workforce.

In 2010, the mentoring programme was included into the TeAM strategic plan and a pilot programme carried out for 6 months in 2011. The pilot involved fourteen participants and was proven to be a success with benefits reported from both parties.

The Te Kaiārahi programme grew quickly, with 20 mentors and mentees matched at in 2012.

Aims

• To strengthen Māori dental student undergraduate training
• To provide Māori dental students with mentoring from Māori and non-Māori clinicians
• To increase membership and participation with TeAM beyond graduation

Objectives

• To provide contact with clinicians already in the workforce
• To improve knowledge of the workforce environment before entering the workforce
• To improve the clinical network between students and clinicians

Methodology

• Direct communication is to be provided between the mentor and mentee via internet/email/kanohi ki te kanohi
• Direct communication via a clinical experience where possible for the dental student, based on the individual capacity of the mentor
• A record of all contact is to be kept by both parties

Expectations

• It is important that each mentee and mentor set clear expectations each year
• A hui kanohi ki te kanohi will be held at each HAT in order for mentors and mentees to meet, discuss expectations and be matched accordingly

For more information, please contact

Ngā Mōkai O Ngā Whetū is the NZ Māori Dental Students' Association, that was founded in 2007, and set up by the students', for the students', to help support and promote participation, development and success of all Māori students in Oral health.

The association includes postgraduate and undergraduate students from all fields in Oral health, including Dentistry, Dental Specialities, Dental Therapy, Dental Hygiene, Dental Technology, Bachelor of Oral Health.

The logo above was designed by Raniera Ellison in 2016, and symbolises bringing things to fruition; being guided by the heavens in creating their will; moving in a way of peace; being aware of and catering to the spiritual and environmental, while also providing for the wider communities.

The objectives of Ngā Mokai are set to enhance the whakawhanaungatanga between students and staff while maintaining the authenticity of Māori and integrity of the University to develop well academically but in an environment that caters for the individuality of Māori.

Our objectives

• Provide peer support to all Māori students interested in dental related fields.
• Provide mentors for new and graduating dental students through the Te Kaiārahi programme.
• To make a contribution to and awhi dental excursions, events, ventures and skill development of our members.
• To give students the opportunity to liase and network with other health professionals.
• To provide the Dental School with guidance when asked on Māori matters pertaining to oral Health.

Current Activities

• Being a part of the Otago Dental School mihiwhakatau, the official welcoming of new students
• Attending Te Ao Mārama Hui a Tau and involvement in the Te Kaiārahi mentoring programme
• Representation on Te Ao Mārama by an executive member
• Attendance at the biannual HSFY hui organized by the Māori centre at Otago University
• Regular meetings with the executive and members
• Financial support for members on clinical placement
• Provision of dental school tours and presentations for prospective students
• Organisation of celebrations of te wiki o te reo at the Otago dental school
• Presenting graduating students with a Tohu from Ngā Mokai
• End of year formal dinner

Ngā Mōkai O Ngā Whetū -  Ki Ōtākou Executive Committee, University of Otago

Ashley Howse Ngāi Tahu(BDS5 Student) - Tumuaki

Margaret-Rae Clark Ngāti Awa, Te Ātiawa (BDS5 Student)  - Tumuaki Tuarua

Tapekaoterangi Hakopa Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu-Ki-Wairarapa, Kāi Tahu (BDS3 Student) - Kaituhi

Malcolm Doherty Ngāti Kahungunu-ki-Wairarapa(BDS3 Student) - Kaitiaki Putea

Natalia Pocklington Ngāpuhi (BDS5 Student) - Kaiwhakahaere Matauranga

Ashley Mason Kāi Tahu, Ngā Ruahine  (BOH3) - BOH Kaiwhakahaere

Ki Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland University of Technology

Cat RoscoeTainui (BOH3) -  Tumuaki

If you would like to know more about Ngā Mokai o Ngā Whetu, have a question or would like to be a part of the association:

To make contact with a representative of Ngā Mokai o Ngā Whetu ki Ōtākau (Dunedin Campus):

Ashley Howse - Email

To make contact with a representative on Ngā Mokai o Ngā Whetu ki Tamaki (Auckland Campus):

Cat Roscoe - Email

or join our group on Facebook:

There are plenty of organisations, tertiary institutes, government agencies and iwi trusts who are giving away money to students; all you need to do is apply. The eligibility criteria amongst the scholarships will differ slightly, and a little effort is required to apply, but the financial support enables you to focus on what is important, your study.

There are a lot of databases advertising secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships. Below are a few possible website avenues for directing your efforts, however the list is not exhaustive so please do not limit further research into other avenues.

• www.matatini.co.nz/scholarship
• www.fis.org.nz/index.php?page=BreakOut
• www.otago.ac.nz/study/scholarships
• www.aut.ac.nz/study-at-aut/fees,-scholarships-and-finance/scholarships
• www.maorieducation.org.nz/
• www.kiaorahauora.co.nz/scholarships-database
• www.maoritrustee.co.nz/scholarships
• www.minedu.govt.nz/NZEducation
• www.healthcareers.org.nz/

Iwi Scholarships

• www.ngapuhi.iwi.nz/funding/scholarship-fund
• www.tuwharetoa.co.nz/iwi/educational-support/grants-scholarships.htm
• www.waikatotainui.com
• www.tetapuae.co.nz/

Dental/Health Scholarships

University of Otago Dental scholarships
There are undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships available. For more information go to www.dentistry.otago.ac.nz/

MidCentral District Health Board Dental Therapy Scholarship
Bonded scholarship available to final year therapy students
http://www.midcentraldhb.govt.nz/Working/Scholarships/temp1.htm

Canterbury DHB Māori and Pacific Scholarships
Go to www.hop.org.nz

Taranaki District Health Board Health Scholarship
Go to www.tdhb.org.nz/

Ministry of Health Hauora Māori Scholarships 
Available to students undertaking or completing a course in health and disability studies that is NZQA accredited. Scholarship closing date is around March/April and the value varies. The scholarship is open to any person who is

• Enrolled and attending a University, Polytechnic, Wānanga or College of Education
• Studying a health related NZQA accredited course of at least 12 weeks duration
• Can demonstrate a commitment to and/or competence in Māori health and wellbeing studies
• Has whakapapa and/or cultural links with te Aō Māori or Māori communities

For more information on application go online to www.maorihealth.govt.nz or email

Te Hauora O Te Hiku O Te Ika Trust Dental Scholarship $10 000pa
Applicants must be full time Māori students enrolled in a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Application process opens at the end of September 2012. For more information contact Jill Edwards E: or P: 094084024 ext.799.

General Māori Scholarships

Ngārimu VC & 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship fund
The purpose of the Ngārimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship Fund is to financially assist Māori students who are attending a recognised tertiary institution. A Manakura scholarship is also offered to those not attending university who display leadership skills in their field of interest. To find out more about this scholarship and to apply click here.

Six scholarships are available:

• three undergraduate awards - $10,000.00 each per year of full time study, for up to five years.
• one masters award - $15,000.00 per year of full time study, for up to two years.
• one doctoral scholarship - $25,000.00 per year of full time study, for up to two years. The Doctoral scholarship is to support doctoral candidates throught the final 24 months of study.
• one Manakura scholarship - $30,000.00 for one year.

Secondary Students

Tū Kahika Programme
The University of Otago Tū Kahika programme is a foundation year ideally for secondary school leavers. The programme helps prepare students academically for the Health Sciences First Year course and a career in health. The tuition fees are paid in full and there is also assistance for accommodation costs. For more information, go to www.otago.ac.nz/tukahika

On Campus Experience
The On Campus Experience is a fully funded scholarship that provides Year 13 Secondary Students of Māori descent interested in studying at Otago the opportunity to explore the University of Otago and the scarfie lifestyle. For more information, go to http://www.otago.ac.nz/prospectivestudents/index.html

We like to keep our website updated with current scholarship information, so if you know of one that is not listed please let us know by emailing us at

Dentist/Ngaio Niho

A dentist can examine, diagnose and treat diseases, trauma and other problems of the oro-facial structures. Treatment may also require referral to other dental specialists. Becoming a dentist, may also lead on to specialisation, academic research or teaching pathways. Working independently as your own boss or within a supportive setting such as the hospital are just some of the options available after graduating.

There are just over 2000 registered dentists working in NZ, of which 55 or 2.8% of those surveyed in 2009 by NZDC identified their ethnicity as Māori.

Entry Requirements: A Bachelor of Dental Surgery or overseas equivalent accepted by the NZ Dental Council and a current Annual Practising Certificate and Registration is required.

Secondary Education: A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter into training to become a dentist. Subjects of use include biology, chemistry, Physics, Math, English and Maths with Statistics or Calculus. Entry into dentistry is based on academic performance in Health Sciences First Year course, UMAT score and interview with the School of Dentistry Application Board.

Dental Specialists

A dentist also has the option of specialising in a specific scope of dentistry by undertaking further training and certification which involves at least three years of postgraduate study. Specialist areas of dentistry include:

• Endodontist: Specialising in root canal treatment
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Diagnose pathology of the oro-facial structures and carry out the necessary surgical correction.
• Oral Medicine: Diagnosis and Management of pathology involving the oro-facial structures.
• Oral Pathologist: Study of the causes and development of pathology of the oro-facial structures, which also includes histological analysis and diagnosis of specimens.
• Orthodontist: Diagnosis and correction of malocclusion and facial abnormalities such as cleft palate.
• Paediatric Dentist: Provide management of oral health for children and adolescences. The child may often have associated medical, behavioural, physical or developmental disabilities.
• Periodontist: Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gums to prevent tooth loss.
• Prosthodontist: Treatment of malfunction due to missing or damaged dentition, leads to improvement of both function and aesthetics.
• Special Needs Dentist: Providing oral health care for those with medical, physical, intellectual and psychiatric disabilities.

Entry Requirements: A Bachelor of Dental Surgery or overseas equivalent accepted by the NZ Dental Council, current Annual Practising Certificate and Registration.

Dental Therapist/Kaihaumanu Niho

The scope of a dental therapist is to provide routine examinations, preventative and dental treatment for both children and adolescents up to the age of 18. Referral to a dentist for more specialised treatment may be possible.

In 2009 there were just over 650 dental therapists registered with the NZDC with 74 or 11.4% identifying their ethnicity as Māori.

Entry Requirements: Otago University offers a Bachelor of Oral Health to become a dental therapist, which allows registration in both scopes of therapy and hygiene.  Auckland University of Technology provides a Bachelor of Health Sciences specialising in Dental Therapy.

Secondary Education: A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter into training to become a dental therapist. Subjects of use include biology, chemistry and English.

Dental Hygienist/Kaiakuaku Niho

A dental hygienist is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease. A Hygienist also provides education to empower individuals to maintain good oral hygiene through healthy oral behaviours to prevent disease.

In 2009 there were just over 400 individuals registered as hygienists with the Dental Council with 19 identifying as Māori.

Entry Requirements: A bachelor of Oral Health, current practising certificate and registration with the NZ Dental Council is required to practise as a dental hygienist.

Secondary Education: Level 2 Biology or NCEA equivalent required.

Dental Technician/Kaihangarau Niho

A dental technician designs, constructs and repairs fixed and removable oral and extra oral appliances to replace missing teeth, repair or protect damaged teeth or oro-racial structures usually at the direction of a clinician. A technician can also become a Clinical dental technician which enables them to work with the public in a clinical setting.

There were just over 350 individuals are registered as Dental Technicians with 9 or 2.6% identifying as Māori.

Entry Requirements: A Bachelor of Dental Technology is required to become a dental technician. To become a Clinical dental technician, 2 years working as a dental technician is required and completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology.

Secondary Education: A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter into training to become a dental technician. Subjects of use include biology, art, maths and physics.

Dental Assistant/Kaiāwhina Mahi Niho

A dental assistant supports a dentist or therapist/hygienist in their role and also helps in running the dental clinic.

Entry Requirements: There are no specific entry requirements to become a dental assistant and training is often received whilst working. However, a Certificate of Dental Surgery Assisting is available through NZDA.

The oral health discipline is a branch of medicine that involves research, preservation, diagnosis and treatment of a person’s oral health and function. A career in oral health can be challenging, yet rewarding. Providing relief of pain and enabling people to smile are just some of the benefits to a career in oral health.

Working as a clinician in oral health requires clinical competence, ethical behaviour, cultural awareness, and excellent communication, empathy and building a rapport with the patient based on trust. Oral health is continually developing with new evidence based recommendations on the care of patients. Therefore clinicians need continuous professional development to keep current with emerging research and new techniques and technologies.

There are multiple roles within the oral health workforce namely, Dentist, Dental therapist, Dental hygienist, Dental technicians, Dental assistant, Oral Health Promoter, supporting administration. For more information on each profession take a look at Career Pathways.

If you are considering a career in oral health, take a look at the websites listed, they are recommended as good sources of information.

• www.healthcareers.org.nz
• www.kiaorahauora.co.nz
• www.nzda.org.nz
• www.incubator.net.nz
• www.dentistry.otago.ac.nz/study
• www.aut.ac.nz/study-at-aut/study-areas/health-sciences/oral-health

(ED BSc (Massey) BDS PhD PGDipComDent DipGrad (Otago) JP)

(Ngai Tahu, Ngati Kahungunu Ki Heretaunga)

Emeritus Professor: Preventive and Social Medicine and Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, University of Otago.

John is responsible for the integration of Hauora Māori/Oranga Niho in the curriculum of the undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery and the Bachelor of Oral Health.

John is a past director of the Ngai Tahu Māori Health Research Unit within the Centre for Hauora Māori.  The Unit was established in 1996 as a partnership between Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu and the Dunedin School of Medicine.

John has published widely on oranga niho. His PhD thesis topic was ‘Oranga niho: A review of Māori oral health service provision utilizing a kaupapa Māori methodology’. The thesis was originally submitted for the Master of Community Dentistry but on the recommendation of the examiners it was awarded the higher degree of a PhD.

John established Te Whare Kaitiaki, a Māori oral health clinic for whanau within the Faculty of Dentistry in 1990. He has spearheaded two oranga niho research projects. The first is the International Collaborative Indigenous Health Research Partnership which is a multinational, multi-million dollar Health Research Council funded project with Indigenous research partners in Australia and Canada. In Aotearoa, the research partners are Raukura Hauora O Tainui and the Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development. The project focussed on the oral health of mothers and their new born babies who will be followed through from infancy. The second oranga niho research project is with research partners Te Manu Toroa in Tauranga. This project, also funded by the Health Research Council will focus on the oral health of tangata whaiora.

John was a co-curator of the exhibition “Te Aō Māori: Māori Treasures from the Otago Museum”, which opened at the Shanghai Museum in China in July 2011 where he also presented a public lecture and had two papers published in Mandarin. John is also an internationally recognized Māori playwright and a recipient of the Bruce Mason Playwright Award. A new production of his acclaimed play, Michael James Manaia, was a standout hit at the International Festival of the Arts in Wellington.

ProfessorJohn Broughton was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours, for services to Māori health, theatre and the community. John is a commissioned officer in the New Zealand Territorial Force. he was awarded the Efficiency Decoration and the New Zealand Defence services Medal.

 Te Ao Mārama has dedicated group of leaders. The Ngā Kaiwhakahaere (executive committee) fulfills both a leadership and management role. Successful nominees are confirmed at the Annual General Meeting and represent a range of oral health professionals from the sector.

Te Kairangi - Patron
Emeritus Professor John Broughton  Ngai Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu Ki Heretaunga

Kuia
Dame Areta Koopu Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngāti Kahu ,          

 Ms Vicki Murray, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāpuhi

Life members
Professor John Broughton Ngai Tahu,   Inez Kingi Ngāti Whakaue,    Mrs Astrid Tawhai Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Te Ehutu ,   

Dr Albert Kewene Tainui, Mrs Minnie McGibbon,   Mrs Christine Rimene, Mr Hunaara Kaa Ngātai Porou

He Kaiwhakaū

 The late Mr Pihopa Kingi

Kaiārahi  Ahurea -  Cultural Advisor

 Hone Hone Hurihanganui Ngāti Tahu, Ngāti Whaoa, Ngātai Porou, Ngāti Whakaue  

Ngā Mōkai O Ngā Whetū -  Ki Ōtākou Executive Committee, University of Otago

Ashley Howse Ngāi Tahu (BDS5 Student) - Tumuaki

Margaret-Rae Clark Ngāti Awa, Te Ātiawa (BDS5 Student)  - Tumuaki Tuarua

Tapekaoterangi Hakopa Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu-Ki-Wairarapa, Kāi Tahu (BDS3 Student) - Kaituhi

Malcolm Doherty Ngāti  Kahungunu-ki-Wairarapa (BDS3 Student) - Kaitiaki Putea

Natalia Pocklington Ngāpuhi (BDS5 Student) - Kaiwhakahaere Matauranga

Ashley Mason Kāi Tahu, Ngā Ruahine (BOH3) - BOH Kaiwhakahaere

Ki Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland University of Technology

Cat RoscoeTainui (BOH3) -  Tumuaki

Ngā Kaiwhakahaere   - Te Ao Mārama Executive Committee 

Leeann Waaka Ngāpuhi (Dental Therapist, Bay of Plenty DHB) Tumuaki

 Samuel (Sam) Carrington Te Arawa, Ngāti Pikiao  (Oral Health Therapist, Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago)

  Dr Atamira Roa Waikato Maniapoto (Dentist, Rural Dental Services Limited)

Anne-Marie Maikuku Tainui (Oral Health Therapist,Waikato DHB)

Hatea Ruru Te Aitanga ā Mahaki,  Ngāti Maniapoto (Oral Health Promoter, Bay of Plenty DHB)

Ngā Kaiwhakahaere (The Executive Committee) are responsible for the activities of the roopu, setting the strategic direction of the organisation, managing resources and implementing all major initiatives. The executive committee also represents Te Ao Mārama on several influential oral health discussion panels, advisory boards and interest groups.

To contact the Executive Committee, please email  or post your correspondence to 13 Tawhara Place, Edgecumbe 3120. 

Te Ao Mārama was formed 26th May 1995 to address concern over the dismal state of Māori oral health highlighted by research. The association was ably led by foundation president Mrs Inez Kingi, kaumātua Mr. Pihopa Kingi and executive director John Broughton.

Te Ao Mārama takes its name from the historic Te Ao Mārama building in Ohinemutu, Rotorua where the first hui took place, and was conferred on the group by Ngāti Whakaue kaumātua Pihopa Kingi.

In 1996 the Te Ao Mārama logo was designed by Wayne Hapi. The two manaia (mythical creatures) are figures synonymous in the Māori culture with being guardian entities. In this whakaahua (illustration) the manaia are guardians of oral health, which is represented by the toothbrush and toothpaste. The intertwining arms of the manaia represent the seamless relationship between oral health, general health and spiritual wellbeing. The koru designs framing the manaia symbolise the nurturing of our vision, ‘Hei oranga niho mo te iwi Māori’ – Good oral health for Māori, for life.

Te Ao Mārama is an organisation of around 100 members, who provide leadership, representation and support to the Māori oral health workforce including clinicians, specialists, health promoters, support staff, researchers, teachers and students. Our membership remains committed to our vision of ‘Hei oranga niho mo te iwi Māori’ – Good Oral health for Māori, for life.

Te Ao Mārama is an important forum for members to showcase and share information about new initiatives that have positive outcomes for Māori oral health. We are also a professional body that acknowledges and celebrates members who are driving positive change, optimizing leadership potential and working towards reducing inequalities in Māori oral health.  

The future work for Te Ao Mārama includes supporting the professional development of the Māori oral health workforce and developing rewarding career pathways, building research capability to conduct significant Māori research projects and working closer with Iwi and Māori communities to ensure the best access possible to the best services available.

Our Vision:
Good Oral health for Māori, for life

Our Outcome:
Māori enjoying good oral health at all ages

Our Purpose:
To provide leadership for Māori in oral health

Our Role:
To advocate on behalf of Māori for improved oral health and to support and develop initiatives that lead to Māori oral health

Our Objectives:

• Uphold Māori oral health as guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Pursue the delivery of oral health services to Māori at the optimum level
• Safeguard and promote the oral health of te iwi Māori
• Promote the opportunity for te iwi Māori to access quality oral health services

Kaupapa Māori values:

• Manaakitanga: Having respectful intentions and behaviour towards all other
• Whanaungatanga: Strong links and relationships that support a shared purpose and goals. The ability to develop and maintain relationships that enhance identity and service the community, Iwi, hapu and whanau
• Pūkengatanga: Respect for on-going education and learning and supporting the development of skills and knowledge from Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pakeha
• Wairuatanga: Te Ao Mārama is a wairua-nurturing environment that recognises the importance and value of kaumatua leadership in relation to the spiritual dimension
• Kotahitanga: Unity of purpose and direction
• Rangatiratanga: Leadership attributes: Rights and responsibilities; Autonomy
• Ukaipotanga/ Turangawaewae    : A place (organisation) to belong, where people with common goals and interests have purpose and are important; A place where we gain strength and energy

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Te Ao Mārama is the professional association for Māori oral health professionals - dental therapists, dental hygenists, dentists, dental specialists, oral health promoters, dental assistants and administrators, researchers, teachers and students.  Collectively, we advocate for better oral health for Māori.

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