Tales from Te Papa - Dental Nurse Equipment

In this mini-documentary, Radio New Zealand's Simon Morton investigates New Zealand's dental health history, from its origins in WWl to the opening of Wellington's Dental Service Training School in Willis St in 1960. New Zealand began training dental nurses in 1920 to address what Education Minister James Parr called an "appalling" state of childrens' teeth. Women were chosen on account of their 'maternal' approach (plus they could be paid less). But the the old foot-powered drill and a lack of anesthetic meant trips to " the murder house" were dreaded by generations of Kiwis.

The upskilling of women to provide dental care in schools was not supported by everyone. Numerous meetings were held around the country and submissions were made to the government opposing the training of women to perform dentist’s work.

– NZ History article on reaction to female dental nurse trainees in the 1920s

Key Cast & Crew

Thomas Robins

Director

Simon Morton

Presenter