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© 2025 KidsCan. All rights reserved.

KidsCan Charitable Trust is registered under the Charities Act 2005 CC10386

KidsCan Dental Programme

Improving oral health for our tamariki

The KidsCan Dental Programme supports ECE centres and kōhanga reo to develop healthy oral care habits for our tamariki. We provide the toothbrushes, toothpaste, resources and guidance needed to build simple daily toothbrushing routines that fit into your day.

See how the KidsCan dental programme works

KidsCan Dental Programme

This short video explains what the programme includes and how it supports centres, kohanga reo, tamariki and their families.

Why oral health matters for children

Too many Kiwi children are experiencing preventable tooth decay. Every year, thousands of tamariki need hospital treatment, including having teeth removed, because decay has gone untreated.

Removing barriers to oral health

Many of the children supported by KidsCan are growing up in households with tight budgets, where families may not be able to afford toothbrushes and toothpaste. As a result, children in need are more than three times more likely to need teeth removed.

Supporting healthy habits from an early age

KidsCan’s Dental Programme supports centres and kōhanga reo to help children develop healthy toothbrushing habits early through simple daily routines.

The programme also provides toothbrushes and toothpaste for whānau, helping ensure families have the supplies they need to maintain good oral health at home.

Healthy habits start early, and prevention now can help avoid serious dental problems later in life.

How the KidsCan Dental Programme Works

At the centre

  • Tamariki brush their teeth once a day, supported by teachers or kaiako

  • KidsCan provides everything needed: toothbrushes, toothpaste, holders and fun learning resources

  • Toothbrushes are labelled and stored safely

  • Daily brushing takes around 15 minutes and fits into normal routines   

At home

  • Centres and kōhanga reo can order new whānau dental packs every three months

  • Each pack includes toothbrushes and toothpaste for the whole family

Together, these routines help children learn how and why to care for their teeth, in a fun, supportive environment.

What whānau and kaiako are saying

Questions about the dental programme?

If you have any questions about how this programme could work for your centre, we’d love to hear from you — just email us at eceadmin@kidscan.org.nz.

You can also click to find out more about our ECE Food for Kids programme here.

KidsCan Dental Programme Supporters