The organisation representing dentists hopes there will be a sugar tax one day, but it believes other steps could be taken much sooner.

Health Minister David Clark has confirmed a sugar tax, which National wouldn't consider, is now on the table.

Dental Association spokesman Dr Rob Beaglehole said making sure schools are free of junk food would help.

But he said sugary drinks are the place to start because they're the way most people under 30 get their sugar fix.

"The food labelling needs to be modified. Wouldn't it be great to have the teaspoon icon on sugary drinks to say exactly how many teaspoons of sugar," he said.