A total of 139,885 patients visited dental clinics in Brunei Darussalam in 2024. Additionally, the rate of dental appointments booked through the BruHealth app is estimated to be between 90 to 95 per cent, according to the Department of Dental Services.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar shared this in his World Oral Health Day message yesterday.
The minister explained that the Ministry of Health (MoH), through the Department of Dental Services has implemented several programmes aimed at promoting oral health across all levels of society. One of these is the Program Senyum SiManja, organised at 16 healthcare clinics and hospitals nationwide for children aged one to four.
The programme aims to provide early education on maintaining good oral health for parents and guardians, along with preventative measures such as the application of fluoride varnish.
Fluoride varnish, the minister explained, is a concentrated fluoride gel applied to the surface of teeth after a dental examination. “Scientific studies have shown that it can provide additional protection against decay when used alongside routine brushing with fluoride toothpaste,” he said.
The Program Senyum Pelajar was introduced in several kindergartens and primary schools, featuring talks on oral health, fluoride varnish application, and fissure sealants. Fissure sealants are preventive treatments designed to protect posterior teeth from decay.
Another initiative, the Community Smile Programme, targets specific community groups, including the National Service Programme (PKBN) trainees and other sectors, to raise awareness and offer oral healthcare.
The Program Senyum Kasih focuses on providing dental services to patients with special needs, particularly those who are bedridden, ensuring that dental health services are accessible to those in need. World Oral Health Day, celebrated every March 20, aims to increase public awareness of the importance of good oral health. This year marks the second of a three-year campaign launched by the FDI World Dental Federation for World Oral Health Day, under the theme ‘A Happy Mouth is A Happy Mind’. The minister noted that the theme underscores the vital connection between oral health and mental well-being. “Oral health not only reflects good hygiene practices but also contributes to self-confidence, mental well-being and a better quality of life.” – James Kon
