The NZSHCD was incorporated in 1949 as a non-profit organisation under the name of NZ Hospital Dental Surgeons Association.
In 2002 the society changed its name to the New Zealand Society of Hospital and Community Dentistry to reflect the growing input community dentistry was having on the society and to reflect a shift in the importance of special needs dentistry within the hospital setting as well as the growing enthusiasm for other publicly funded, community based dental services.
The NZSHCD has historically been associated with the provision of dental services in hospitals principally at the Oral/OMF surgery level with juniors in each department being mentored by their seniors.
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.