A new mobile dental clinic in Palmerston North is set to bring much-needed oral health services to the community, with a strong focus on improving access for Māori children.
Health provider Best Care Whakapai Hauora has launched the service using a fully equipped dental clinic housed inside a bus. The initiative is designed to make dental care more accessible and affordable, especially for underserved populations.
Wayne Blissett, executive director of Whakapai Hauora, said the new clinic adds to the organisation’s growing list of services, which already include general practice, mental health support, and other health care offerings.
“This makes us a one-stop shop,” Blissett said. “We know Māori tamariki, in particular, face major barriers to dental care. In the 4412 area—Palmerston North’s western suburbs—access rates are especially low. We’ve also seen that dental costs for adults are simply too high. Who can afford a dentist these days?”
To help ease those costs, the clinic has developed a low-cost care model. The team also worked with the Ministry of Social Development to promote the government’s dental grant, which provides up to $1,000 per year for people with a community services card. Those without a card can still use the service at low to moderate prices.
Blissett said the clinic would focus on basic, high-need procedures. “Restoration, repair, extraction—that’s our catchphrase,” he noted.
The mobile unit will initially remain stationed at Whakapai Hauora’s Maxwells Line base for about six months. After that, it will begin visiting different communities in the region. The only requirements are access to electricity and water.
Blissett said the service would complement MidCentral health services. When MidCentral’s mobile units operate outside of Palmerston North, Whakapai Hauora’s unit can step in to serve the city.
“Our unique strength is mobility,” he said. “We can park at a school, provide care for rangatahi, and invite their whānau to join. It’s a chance to reach whole families in one visit.”
He added that many adults often neglect their own oral health while prioritising their children’s needs. “But if they bring their kids, they might think, ‘Jimmy’s getting his teeth checked—I’ll get mine done too.’”
The idea for the mobile dental clinic was first proposed three years ago. Whakapai Hauora pitched the concept to the former Māori Health Authority, Te Aka Whai Ora, and secured funding for the project.
The clinic was built in Hamilton and later custom-wrapped in Petone with bright blue branding. The exterior features two cartoon mascots, dubbed the “Hauora Heroes,” inspired by the Powerpuff Girls.
Currently, dentist Malcolm Takere operates the clinic one day per week. Blissett said efforts are underway to recruit more dental professionals so the clinic can run five days a week.