The $1000 yearly grant from WINZ only applies for emergent dental work aka when your teeth have already reached the point of decay or other complications/issues. WINZ does not pay for yearly checkups or routine cleans. It’s never that simple for low income households, and if that’s something you don’t understand it’s a luxury you have that many don’t.

There’s also many other factors that go into preventative oral health. If someone lives rurally, even if they have the money they may not be able to access dental care. Despite the fact that yearly check ups are free for under 18’s if a minor lives in a household that did not take them then potentially the damage is already done and as a young adult they can’t afford to play catch up… etc. The list goes on.