One dentist says prevention is key to end New Zealanders' dental health woes.

It comes as former Prime Minister, Helen Clark's urging the government to provide universal dental care for every New Zealander.

She made the pleas on Twitter, saying it's time for a 'major government initiative'.

Dentist and owner of six practices, Dr Scott Waghorn told Mike Hosking it's not just about the high price.

"Even people on the medium to even higher amount of money don't tend to really prioritise their care and we know that if you just get a free checkup and cleaning that will really benefit everyone." 

LISTEN ABOVE AS SCOTT WAGHORN SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING