Te mahi niho hauora ki Ratana Pa: the dental health project at Ratana Pa.

Following the success of a dental health project provided for Maori communities along the Wanganui River by the Royal New Zealand Dental Corps, the people of Ratana Pa, 20 km south of Wanganui, requested a similar service. Funding for a pilot project was provided by the Central Regional Health Authority through Good Health Wanganui. The project was a joint venture between the Health Committee of Ratana Pa and Dental Health of Good Health Wanganui. The dental health of the people at Ratana Pa was generally poor, featuring a high rate of decay and serious periodontal disease. Severe halitosis was common. As a result of poor oral health, many patients, especially young women, were whakama, a state of embarrassment and shame that caused them to keep their teeth hidden. An increase in self-esteem and greater interest in dental health occurred after treatment. A second treatment phase began in March 1995. This community-driven Maori health initiative, in partnership with a Regional Health Authority, fulfils obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.