The Ministry of Public Health has organized the first national symposium on oral and dental health under the theme “Towards Excellence in Oral and Dental Health.”
This event aimed to advance the National Plan for Oral and Dental Health as part of the Third National Health Strategy (2024-2030), focusing on strengthening health policies, fostering research and innovation in dentistry, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders to improve oral healthcare services nationwide.
More than 150 senior and mid-level representatives from both public and private dental sectors attended the symposium. Discussions covered key topics, including the role of general dentistry in promoting oral health, strategies for managing oral healthcare, and awareness of oral diseases affecting the elderly.
The symposium spanned four days, featuring various sessions:
- Day 1: A virtual session on oral health indicators, attended by over 5,900 dental professionals, covering topics such as general dentistry principles, dental injury management, gum health, and orthodontic care.
- Day 2: A dedicated workshop on senior citizens’ oral health, addressing challenges and strategies for integrating oral care into broader healthcare services.
- Day 3: Interactive discussions and research presentations with key health and academic stakeholders, including the Ministry of Interior, Hamad Medical Corporation, the Primary Health Care Corporation, Qatar University, Doha University of Science and Technology, and Aspetar. The session reviewed major achievements in Qatar’s oral and dental care sector over the past decade.
- Day 4: A consultation session with experts and policymakers to develop a strategic roadmap for oral health governance, policy integration, and the enhancement of future dental care services.
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programmes Department at the Ministry of Public Health, highlighted the significant advancements in Qatar’s oral and dental care sector over the past decade. He emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors to ensure comprehensive oral healthcare services.
To promote oral health awareness, the ministry regularly conducts national campaigns in partnership with various organizations. Since 2019, it has implemented an annual national oral health campaign and developed targeted health programs for different population groups.
In line with these efforts, the ministry recently conducted the third national oral and dental health survey among students aged 12 to 16. A specialized team examined over 1,700 students from 55 public and private schools, providing valuable insights into the state of oral health among Qatar’s youth.
(Source: Gulf Times)
