Low Utilization of Government Dental Facilities in Pahang Raises Concerns

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Malaysia: Pahang’s state health director, Datuk Dr Nor Azimi Yunus, has expressed concern over the low rate of usage of government dental facilities by residents in the region. According to statistics from 2022, only 24.6% of Pahang residents, or approximately one in four, were benefiting from the dental health services provided throughout the district.

Importance of Regular Checkups

Dr Nor Azimi emphasized the importance of raising awareness among the public about the necessity of maintaining dental hygiene and undergoing regular check-ups. Speaking to reporters during the launch of the state-level Dental Health Promotion Week in KotaSAS on July 8, Dr Nor Azimi remarked, “Remember your birthday, remember a visit to the dentist, because prevention and early treatment can prevent serious dental problems.”

Pahang offers a network of 73 primary dental health facilities, where basic dental treatments are provided. Out of these facilities, 64 operate on a daily basis, while the remainder offer services through scheduled visits. Furthermore, three mobile dental clinics located in Kuantan, Maran, and Lipis deliver dental health services as part of the Outreach Dental Health program. In addition to these services, the state also boasts eight types of specialist dental care available in clinics and hospitals.

Increasing Awareness

In an effort to enhance community awareness about dental health, Dr Nor Azimi stated that her department collaborates with various organizations, including education agencies, religious institutions, and those associated with Orang Asli communities. These collaborative efforts aim to educate and engage different segments of the population, promoting the importance of dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

Dr Nor Azimi also highlighted the significance of parents prioritizing their children’s dental health. She stressed the need for proper dental care practices to prevent dental caries, which is the main dental problem faced by children.

Citing the National Oral Health Survey conducted in 2015, she revealed that 80.5% of five-year-old children in Pahang were affected by dental caries, ranking the state fifth highest in Malaysia. Similarly, a survey conducted in 2017 for school students showed that 40.1% of 12-year-old pupils in Pahang had tooth decay, also ranking the state fifth highest in the country.

Dr Nor Azimi’s call for increased awareness and utilization of government dental facilities aims to address the low rate of dental health service usage among Pahang residents. By emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and preventative measures, she hopes to curb dental problems and promote better oral health in the state.