Oral health promotion should be based on the principles of the Ottawa Charter, which
suggest that the population, not just those individuals at risk, needs to be involved in
directing action towards the causes of ill health. This is particularly important in New
Zealand where the principles of partnership, participation and protection should also
guide thinking when planning a programme or intervention. Oral health promotion will
be successful when the population is empowered, rather than compelled, to achieve
oral health.