The Ministry of Health has said it expects to increase the number of dental clinics in the Kingdom to more than 5,000 during the next two to three years, an Al-Hayat newspaper report said. The number of dental clinics will increase to more than 6,700 within the next 10 years, the ministry said.

"The ministry is aware of the need for more dental clinics and has devised a strategy to ensure that all citizens will have access to a dental clinic," said a statement. The rate of dental cavity in the Kingdom has reached a record high of 96 percent among six-year-old children while 93.7 percent of 12-year-old children have dental cavities.

There are currently 35 dentistry centers in the Kingdom, 24 of them are large and fully equipped while 11 are small with limited resources. The ministry also plans to increase dental services available to include face and jaws surgery, root canal treatment, orthodontics, gum surgery and pediatric dentistry services.

The ministry will cooperate with the private sector to create preventive measures against certain dental conditions. The ministry will also work with the private sector to use the latest equipment and ensure that the quality of services meet international standards.

The ministry has a strategy to promote transparency. It will ensure that its programs are available in all of its facilities and its latest campaigns and plans are posted on its website. The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties is already working on training and certifying dentists on branch specialties.

The ministry presented its new plan in the GCC Oral Health Unified Week, which took place from March 25-31.

SOURCE : SAUDIGAZETTE