Education vital to improve M'sians' oral health: CM

 
Kota Kinabalu: Education is vital to improve the oral health status of Malaysians, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman Saturday.

He said oral care and healthcare services must be further extended to suit a growing population.
"Even though the ratio of the profession to population is down to six for every 6,810 patients, we need to find ways to improve the status," he said when opening the Third Borneo Dental Congress, here.

His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai.

Musa said continuously educating the public such as on good brushing techniques would help keep dental diseases away, including, the common fear of visiting the dentist.

He said for dentists, knowledge transfer is equally important to strengthen the dental healthcare services.
He said today, knowledge attainment could be received through scientific courses, meetings and conventions such as the Dental Congress.

Musa said there should be no excuse for practitioners not to keep abreast with the latest in the industry.
"With the presence of speakers from overseas, I am sure that delegates will gather more knowledge and learn from experiences of dental experts from beyond our shores," he said.

He hoped with the convention dentistry will continue to grow in providing the best oral healthcare.

Meanwhile, about 350 delegates of all sectors in the dental fraternities gathered for the Third Borneo Dental Congress, Scientific Convention and Trade Exhibition.

The Congress from Jan 25 to 27 will include activities like Hands-on Workshop, Best Dental Scientific Posters Competition as well as booths from dental care companies.