The Otago District Health Board Community Oral Health Service (COHS) plans to replace school dental clinics with a more centralised service.
COHS project manager Graham Bugler described the proposed service as a hub in which centralised clinics would be placed in populated communities, and mobile clinics would service the surrounding rural areas.
Schools voiced concerns about the proposal in the media because there did not appear to be any consideration given to how pupils would get to and from the centralised clinics.
A Dunedin parent also emailed Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne with her concerns about the DHB's provision of oral health services at Otago schools.
As a result, Mr Dunne said health officials recommended the ODHB review its funding allocation proposal.
In a letter of reply to the concerned parent, Mr Dunne said: "In light of your concern with Otago DHB's decisions, officials from the Ministry of Health have asked that the DHB review its funding allocation proposal and ensure its appropriateness for Dunedin and Otago communities.
"The DHB is planning to undertake this review in collaboration with Southland DHB and the dental school at the University of Otago. A ministry official will also be involved. The review is expected to be completed at the end of July."
The letter appeared unexpectedly on Otago Primary Principals Association president Steve Hayward's desk late last week.
"Schools have never been notified of this review. How can a proper review be carried out if the key parties involved are not consulted?
"Oral health services for our children are of great concern to parents and schools. It is time that the ODHB and the Ministry of Health treated this matter seriously as well."
Mr Hayward said the last communication he had had about the proposal was from Mr Bugler on May 25 this year when he advised schools about the planning work for the "re-orientating" of school-based dental services.
He told schools the work was due to be completed in mid-June.
"We are about to begin August and we are still waiting to hear from Mr Bugler," Mr Hayward said.
Mr Bugler was unavailable for comment.
However, Otago and Southland District Health Boards regional deputy chief executive officer Lexie O'Shea said schools would be consulted on the review, but not until it was completed.
The Otago Primary Principals Association would be contacted soon to notify them of the opportunity.
Mrs O'Shea believed the association should already have been aware of the opportunity through media reports but a check in the Otago Daily Times archive found no such reports.
"I'm sure it was in the ODT, but apologies if that is not the case," she said.
