The NZSHCD was incorporated in 1949 as a non-profit organisation under the name of NZ Hospital Dental Surgeons Association.
In 2002, the name of the society was changed to the New Zealand Society of Hospital and Community Dentistry to reflect the increasing provision of special care dentistry within public hospital settings and the synergistic relationship between hospital based and community based dental services. In addition, society membership was broadened to other employed dental professionals to reflect the diverse nature of publicly funded dental services within New Zealand/Aotearoa.
The key aims of the New Zealand Society of Hospital and Community Dentistry are to ensure:
- A sustainable and enduring workforce to support the needs of our patient group.
- Specialist training is promoted to allow our workforce to develop professionally.
- Expert opinion on matters relating to oral health is provided.
- Equitable access to high quality hospital dental services for all New Zealanders.
- National consistency and best practice across District Health Boards, whether hospital or community based.
- Adequate funding to allow services to develop.
- A collaborative and strategic relationship with the Ministry of Health and District Health Boards to facilitate access to timely and appropriate oral health services for vulnerable, at risk and special needs patient groups within New Zealand .
- The NZSHCD supports any measure endorsed by the Ministry of Health and District Health Boards that improves the oral health of New Zealanders. It specifically supports the community water fluoridation of New Zealand reticulated water supplies.