Most New Zealanders are all too aware of what a kick in the teeth a bill from the dentist can be.
New Zealanders spend $2.5 million a day on dental care, averaging $350 per visit which is crippling our vulnerable communities.
A report says nearly half the country can't afford dental care - and a leading doctors group has called for universal dental care.
Reporter Jonty Dine and cameraman Nick Monro have the story.