More than half of the children on the waiting list for dental surgery have been waiting more than four months.

Data from Health New Zealand shows that as of March, there were 5564 young people aged 14 and under on the waitlist, with 2942 waiting more than 120 days.

The overall waitlist has grown by about 1500 children in two years. 

New Zealand Dental Association Spokesperson Robin Whyman talks to Mike Hosking about the issue. 

LISTEN ABOVE.