Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan – An all-out oral health promotion and education should be conducted by the dental workforce in Brunei and that the integration of this responsibility should be made with other health care entities at primary, secondary and tertiary level, stressed deputy minister of health.

"Our general public should be made fully aware that to have a life long set of healthy teeth is an asset of healthy living and good quality of life," Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah.

Speaking during the closing ceremony for the 2nd International Dental Federation (FDI) and Ministry of Health Dental Convention yesterday, the deputy minister also strongly urged the delegates to address oral health care seriously so that the health care given to the people is effective, equitable, affordable and sustainable.

"The Ministry of Health would like to see more collaboration and coalition between the public and

private oral health services," he said.

He further expressed hope that the dental conferences and conventions that have been held for the past two days, since November 7, will forge close collaborations as well as partnerships.

Pehin Dato Hj Hazair also spoke of witnessing the progression of dental services in Brunei, especially after last year's launch of the first Oral Health Plan, also known as the Pearl 2008-2012, which will dictate how oral health services will be delivered over the next five year and more.

"This means moving away from the traditional manner of treating people only when they have already developed oral health problems to one that is preventively focused and involving fewer interventions," he said.

He also call for the formation of Brunei Dental Association which according to him will act as a platform to further enhance, promote and improve the overall quality and performance of dentistry in the country.

'With the formation of a National Dental Association, it will enable us to join and become full membership in many dental organizations in the world, such as the International Dental Federation (FDI), the Asia Pacific Dental Congress (APDC)."

He said that by becoming full members of FDI and APDC, Brunei can better contribute to dentistry regionally and globally.

Addressing over 200 dental professionals from Brunei and Asean countries, the deputy minister said the association, which is yet to be established, will look after the interests and welfare of local oral health professionals and clients.

Dr Errol Samuel, the chairman of the convention's Scientific Program, also made a brief closing speech in which he highlighted the importance of keeping abreast of advances in dental science to provide the best solutions for patients.

The convention themed "Current Trends in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry" also held a dental trade exhibition which featured the latest innovative dental products and services as well as oral health activities, such as members of the public exchanging their old toothbrushes for new ones and a coloring competition.

The main aim of the convention and exhibition was to highlight the latest development in restorative and aesthetic dentistry and to showcase the latest innovative oral health/dental products. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times