The Ministry of Health says there has been a reduction in the level of tooth decay in five-year-olds and 12-year-olds over the past three years.
In 2007, five-year-olds had an average of 2.3 fillings - the latest figure is 1.9. The average number of fillings for 12-year-olds has fallen slightly from 1.5 to 1.3.
The ministry says the improvements are linked to investments in new dental buildings and mobile dental clinics.
It says $40 million has already been spent on infrastructure and a further $80 million will be spent over the next two years.
