Al-Awadi: Developing a unified system for electronic dental patient records in Kuwait
Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi announced that the Ministry is currently developing an integrated electronic patient file system, in collaboration between the Dental Services Administration and the Information Systems Administration. The system aims to link specialized centers, primary healthcare centers, school health programs, pediatric departments in general hospitals, as well as radiology departments and dental laboratories. This initiative seeks to support continuity of care and operational efficiency while safeguarding patient data privacy and security.
Speaking at the opening of the First Scientific Conference of the Kuwait Pediatric Dentistry Association, Al-Awadi stated that the system will serve as “One HIS for the dental services all over,” meaning a unified health information system for dental services across the country.
He revealed the Ministry’s expansion of dental services, particularly pediatric dentistry, noting the opening and operation of several specialized departments and centers in less than a year. These include the Nasser Abdulmohsin Al-Saeed Specialized Center for Pediatric Dental Care in the Capital Governorate, which has a capacity of 48 clinics dedicated to children, and a pediatric dental department at the Al-Mutlaa Trauma Center N10, comprising four clinics.
Al-Awadi clarified that the pediatric dental department at Al-Mutlaa Trauma Center N10 includes four clinics, along with radiology and sterilization services. It provides specialized treatment for children aged 6 to 15 from the Al-Mutlaa area during both morning and evening sessions.
Emphasizing that oral health care lies at the core of the healthcare vision, Al-Awadi described it as an integral part of public health and a responsibility encompassing children, adults, and the elderly. He stressed that pediatric dental care holds particular importance, as prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment lay the foundation for better health with lifelong benefits.
He highlighted the importance of accompanying treatment development with continuous investment in prevention, awareness, and early intervention. Pointing out that the World Health Organization estimated, in its 2022 report on Kuwait, the prevalence of untreated caries in primary teeth among children aged one to nine at 43.5 percent, he added, “We look forward to this conference fostering research partnerships between specialized centers and Board programs that address pediatric dental health priorities and contribute to evaluating and developing practices on a scientific basis.”
Expressing pride in the outcomes of the Kuwait Institute of Medical Specialties’ programs in dentistry, he noted the institute’s provision of Kuwaiti Board programs across various specialties, which train qualified national cadres contributing to patient care and professional performance development.
For his part, Conference Chairman Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Thani said the event represents a significant milestone in the Association’s journey and a national platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise, building bridges of cooperation among practitioners, academics, researchers, and policymakers.
He explained that the conference’s primary objectives are to enhance evidence-based practice, develop clinical skills, encourage scientific research, and support young national talents, while providing them with opportunities to present their research and interact with experts.
Highlighting that investing in a child’s oral health is an investment in their overall health, future, and quality of life, Al-Thani expressed hope that the conference would mark the beginning of a sustainable scientific journey, with the ideas and discussions presented transforming into initiatives and practices that positively impact children’s health.
For his part, Dr. Ali Akbar, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Pediatric Dentistry Association, affirmed that the organization of the conference reflects the growing interest in developing pediatric dentistry and enhancing the level of healthcare services provided to children. He noted that approximately 400 doctors and dentists have registered for the conference, underscoring the importance of the scientific topics presented and dentists’ commitment to keeping pace with the latest developments in the field.
He clarified that the conference, organized by the Kuwait Pediatric Dentistry Association in collaboration with the Kuwait Dental Association, hosts a select group of specialists to exchange scientific and clinical expertise through lectures, panel discussions, and research poster presentations, alongside an accompanying medical exhibition.
He pointed out that the program addresses several topics related to daily challenges in clinical practice, including the diagnosis of oral lesions in children using radiography and cone-beam computed tomography, biological treatment for caries in permanent teeth, modern and conservative approaches to dental caries management, the Hall technique for treating primary molars, and the management of first permanent molars and teeth affected by enamel hypomineralization.
He added that the conference also discusses cases of non-eruption of upper incisors, the role of the pediatric dentist in a hospital setting, principles of limited, evidence-based therapeutic intervention, early referral indicators for orthodontics, as well as modern preventive and therapeutic solutions.
