Dental Care Re-engagement Campaign

When The Fono's Dental Care team noticed a significant amount of unused WINZ dental grants sitting on the books, they knew something had to change. These weren't just numbers on a spreadsheet. They represented people in our community who had been approved for dental care but hadn't been able to access it.

So, the team set out to find out why and, more importantly, to help people get the treatment they needed.

The campaign objective was straightforward. Reach out to people with uncompleted treatments, understand what barriers they were facing, and provide practical support like follow-ups, transport, and care coordination.

In the first few months of the campaign, the team contacted 1,523 patients. It wasn't always easy. Some people had changed their circumstances, moved away, or simply weren't ready to engage. Despite this, the team has helped 82 people complete their treatments and supported 118 people to book their first appointments. Through this work, they ensured $281,703 in WINZ funding stayed in our community where it was needed.

The campaign led by Community Engagement Coordinator, Ridley Wright and Interim Manager Dental Care, Mary Hall.

Stories That Matter

Behind every number is a person, and some of their stories show just how much this campaign meant.

One patient had completely disengaged from care following the COVID lockdowns. After many attempts by our dental administrators to make contact, the team decided to try something different. They made a house visit.

After 10 minutes of knocking, the patient answered the door. They looked sad, worn down. They shared how tough the past few years had been. Family problems had led to isolation and deep depression, and dental care had been the last thing on their mind.

The team didn't just book an appointment for them. They brought them in for their dental visit and connected them with Semisi, a Health Coach from our Healthy Minds service. Semisi took them through mindful techniques and coping strategies. Six months later, they're a completely different person with a new lease on life. They told the team how The Fono made them feel supported and like a new person.

Another patient shared how old age and changes in their personal circumstances meant they simply couldn't find transport to visit The Fono. Through arranged transport, they were able to receive new dentures. On the way to their appointment, they told the driver, "After I receive my new teeth, you won't recognise me anymore." That boost in confidence made all the difference.

The dental reengagement campaign will continue in 2026, but it's become more than just a dental project. It's a template for how The Fono can engage with our communities across all our services in a way that's innovative, effective, and culturally sensitive.

When we listen to what people need, and provide practical support to overcome barriers, we deliver more than just health services. That's the real success of this campaign. Sometimes the biggest barrier to care isn't the treatment itself. It's everything else - transport, isolation, life getting in the way. When we address those barriers, we restore dignity, rebuild confidence, and show our people they're truly cared for.