Most of the times, as an employer, you are probably unaware of whether an employee has toothache, yet you're still paying the cost.
It’s not just about tooth decay or toothaches—dental issues lead to lost workdays, lower productivity, and increased business costs. A recent RNZ report revealed that New Zealand loses $2.5 billion in productivity and $103 million in sick leave every year due to oral health problems.
Politics and universal dental care aside, the reality is that poor oral health in the workforce is costing businesses billions per year.
Let’s break down how oral health is impacting businesses—and what can be done about it.
How Oral Health Impacts Productivity
Many don’t realise how much oral health affects work performance—until it’s too late. Here’s what happens when dental issues are ignored:
🛑 More Sick Days, More Costs: According to the report, poor oral health leads to significant sick leave expenses, with $103 million spent annually on sick days related to dental problems.
⏳ Longer Recovery Times: Oral infections don’t just cause pain—they trigger chronic inflammation in the body, slowing down recovery from everyday stress, fatigue, and even minor illnesses. Employees who should be resting and recovering quickly end up needing more time off.
💡 Lack of Focus & Efficiency: Even when employees don’t take a sick day, toothache and discomfort in the mouth affects concentration and efficiency. This means slower work pace, more mistakes, and reduced overall performance.
Think about it: how well can you focus on a meeting or a task when you have a pounding toothache?
🦠 The Hidden Health Risks: Studies show that untreated gum disease and oral infections is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions—which means higher long-term health related costs for both employees and businesses.
The Cost of Inaction
Ignoring oral health isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a business problem.
✔ $2.5 billion in lost productivity per year.
✔ $103 million spent on sick leave due to dental problems.
✔ Added burden from long-term health issues caused by poor oral hygiene.
For employers, this means less workforce efficiency, increased HR expenses, and lost revenue.
A Path Forward: Awareness and Prevention
The debate continues over whether dental care should be universally funded in New Zealand—a political discussion for another time. However, one fact remains clear: dental issues are largely preventable. Maintaining a healthy mouth doesn't require significant investment. The oral health status of Aotearoa will improve when individuals recognise the importance of dental care and adopt simple habits that have significant direct and indirect impacts. Small changes can make a big difference.
Ready to make a change? Get your employees on to EasyDental. New Zealand's FREE dental care app. EasyDental 📲 Download now
