The primary purposes of the Society are to:

• To support dentists and dental specialists with expert knowledge and experience in hospital, community and dental public health in Aotearoa New Zealand in a way that upholds the commitments and obligations as outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• To represent the views and interests of oral health professionals working in all aspects of public health dentistry, hospital and community oral health services, in Aotearoa New Zealand
• To establish a national network of hospital and community employed dentists throughout Aotearoa New Zealand
• To promote the study and practice of dentistry for all patients needing hospital and community dental services
• To collaborate with and encourage organisations, including the New Zealand Dental Association, Te Ao Marama and the Pasifika Dental Association in the advocacy of high standards of oral health within the community
• To provide expert opinion on matters related to oral health
• To encourage research relevant to the practice of hospital and community dentistry

• To support members in their employment relations with Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
• To work in collaboration with Manatū Hauora, Te Aka Whai Ora and Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora to support high quality public oral health services
• To promote post graduate education and training in all aspects of dentistry with special emphasis on areas pertaining to hospital and public health dentistry
• Do anything necessary or helpful to the above purposes