KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman said Malaysians should continue to find ways to improve their status of oral health.
Speaking at the official opening of the Third Borneo Dental Congress 2013 here yesterday, Musa said: “Even though the ratio of the profession to population is down to 1:6,810, we need to find more ways to improve the status of oral health among Malaysians”.
“One way of ensuring good dental health is to continue educating the public on brushing techniques and to share with them methods to ensure that they do not end up with dental diseases,” said Musa whose text of speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister cum Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Yee Moh Chai.
According to Musa, the fear of seeing a dentist was the greatest obstacle.
He added that it was necessary to curb this fear to ensure good oral health, instead of waiting to see one when it is almost too late.
The Chief Minister told the delegates that it was very useful to obtain knowledge by attending scientific courses, meetings and conventions like this one to pursue updated knowledge.
“In fact, every dental practitioner should be committed to continuing professional development as a commitment to patients.
“This convention is a success due to the participation of delegates. I hope that you continue to grow in the profession and also create a better experience for patients, and as part of the participants from outside Sabah, I hope that you will take some time off your busy schedules to visit some of our natural heritage sites and experience our diverse culture,” Musa said.
Also present at the event were Malaysian Dental Association president Dr Haja Badrudeen, Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) Eastern Zone chairman Dr Hu Chang Lek and organising chairman Dr Haji Abdul Rashid Hassan.