WAIROA, New Zealand — A pop-up dental clinic in Wairoa has been overwhelmed by demand, highlighting the town’s ongoing lack of full-time dental services for more than five years.
The clinic, a collaboration between Health New Zealand, the iwi Ngāti Kahungunu, and Hawke’s Bay’s Golden Apple dentists, has been operating for two weeks, offering free dental care to local residents.
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Dr. Isha Woodhams, a Golden Apple Dental volunteer, told Checkpoint the team had performed over 100 extractions in addition to routine check-ups and cleanings. She said the number of extractions far exceeds what would be expected in a well-serviced community.
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“There is a lot of unmet demand from deferred care. Many patients are in pain and need basic treatments like fillings,” Woodhams said.
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The clinic has seen some patients waiting up to three hours to be seen, as staff try to accommodate both booked and walk-in appointments. Woodhams noted that some patients arrived with facial swelling and infections.
Historically, Wairoa has always had a dentist, but a national shortage has left the town without one for more than five years. While the Kahungunu Executive has provided a weekend locum service, the demand far exceeds what temporary care can manage.
The charitable trust recently acquired a full-time two-chair clinic, but staffing remains a challenge. “We are doing everything we can to find a long-term clinician,” Woodhams said.
Woodhams also noted that geographic, financial, and social factors make it difficult for residents to seek dental care outside Wairoa. The region was heavily affected by floods in recent years, and socio-economic challenges remain high.
The clinic’s services are free, a fact that has brought relief to many patients. “One patient thought they had to pay and was almost in tears when she found out it was free,” Woodhams said. “It’s extremely rewarding work. Cost is a huge barrier for many patients, so removing it for the day is a privilege.”
Despite her short tenure in Wairoa, Woodhams is hopeful a new dentist will arrive soon. “Health New Zealand currently funds a bonded scholarship scheme for health providers in regional areas, so I’m optimistic someone will join the clinic soon,” she said.
The pop-up clinic will conclude its services this Friday.