There's concern New Zealanders are not making the most of free dental care up to the age of 18.

But one project is trying to change that, and strengthen relationships between Nelson high schools and local dentists - to get teenagers visiting them more often.

Wicked Tooth Fairy project leader Ruth Rogers told Heather du Plessis-Allan there has been a very positive response from schools.

"They have identified some children that might need a little bit of extra support around health issues. They have looked at what some of the other services have done slightly different and seen what we have a slight gap here in Nelson."

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVE WITH HEATHER DU-PLESSIS- ALLAN