Wellington, Aug 6 NZPA - About 2000 adults and 1000 children will be taking part in an oral health survey that is being conducted from March to November.

The Health Ministry-commissioned survey will gather information about the oral health of children and adults and the oral health services they use.

It will be the first nationwide survey looking at people's teeth, mouth and gums in 20 years.

"Information from the survey will tell us whether or not we are succeeding in reducing the prevalence of tooth decay and tooth loss," ministry chief dental officer Robin Whyman said.

"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."

Dr Whyman said district health boards could use the information to improve oral health promotion programmes and services.

The survey results will also give universities an understanding of the training needs of the future workforce.

The results could also be used in efforts to raise public awareness on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums, Dr Whyman said.

The survey consists of a face-to face interview and a dental examination.

Two nationwide surveys conducted in 1976 and 1988 provided snapshots of the prevalence and severity of New Zealanders' oral health problems and identified inequalities in oral health related to ethnicity and socio-economic status.