The New Zealand Oral Health Survey will study the dental health of about 2000 adults and 1000 children nationally, with the Otago participants expected to undergo examinations between July and November.
Ministry of Health chief dental officer Dr Robin Whyman said the ministry-commissioned survey, being conducted in stages throughout the country, was the first such survey looking at people's teeth, mouth and gums in 20 years.
Information gathered would show the success or otherwise of reducing the prevalence of tooth decay and loss.
"It will help us to identify what is and is not working and to recommend programmes and strategies to improve oral health, especially for children and adolescents," he said.
It was hoped that the survey results, which should be published by the middle of next year, would also identify inequalities in oral health and where the greatest needs were.
In a face-to-face interview, participants are asked questions about problems with their teeth and mouth, how often they brush their teeth and the main reason for their last visit for dental treatment.
They also undergo a dental examination.
CBG Health REsearch Ltd is conducting the interviews and registered dentists specially trained for the survey are carrying out the examinations. The dental service of the armed forces, Defence Dental, is assisting with this.
Dentists were being encouraged to make their private practice dental surgeries available free of charge, Dr Whyman said.
Previous nationwide surveys were held in 1976 and 1988.
