Source: PHARMAC
Pharmac will fund silver diamine fluoride for the treatment and prevention of tooth decay from 1 December 2025 for people accessing dental services through public hospitals, and Health New Zealand’s Community Oral Health Service for children and some adolescents. This follows public consultation and is expected to children, and those who may find some traditional dental procedures challenging.
Silver diamine fluoride is a treatment that halts the progression of tooth decay and reduces tooth sensitivity. It comes in a liquid form that is applied to the tooth, making it less painful and invasive than a filling.
Adrienne Martin, Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals says feedback from the public was supportive of Pharmac’s proposal to fund this medicine.
“People told us that the proposal would help improve oral health and reduce pain and suffering from dental disease for some of our most vulnerable people. We also heard that this would be helpful for some neurodiverse people who find traditional dental procedures challenging.”
Some respondents also commented that silver diamine fluoride should be funded for private dental use. The part of the application relating to listing on the Community Schedule has been declined as funding of medicines via private community dental clinics sits outside of Pharmac’s responsibility.
Funded silver diamine fluoride treatment will be available for people of all ages accessing dental services through public hospitals, and Health New Zealand’s Community Oral Health Service for children (school year 8 and under) and some adolescents.
Pharmac would like to thank everyone who provided feedback to our consultation.
“Your input is really important to us and helps us shape our decisions,” says Martin. “Silver diamine fluoride may help prevent the need for more invasive dental treatments and relieve some of the anxiety some children and others who are eligible feel about going to the dentist.”
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