Minister of Health Emphasizes the Importance of Children's Dental Care Through Prevention and Early Diagnosis
Kuwait City, Sept 26 (KUNA) -- Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi stressed on Saturday the importance of caring for children’s teeth through prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, which lay the foundation for better health with lifelong benefits. He made these remarks during his opening address at the First Scientific Conference of the Kuwait Pediatric Dentistry Association, held in collaboration with the Kuwait Dental Association at the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre, with support from the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.
Minister Al-Awadi noted that elevating the health sector in Kuwait is a national responsibility, with oral health at the core of this vision as an integral part of public health. This responsibility encompasses children, adults, and the elderly. He pointed out that the World Health Organization’s 2022 country profile for Kuwait estimated the prevalence of untreated caries in primary teeth among children aged one to nine at 43.5 percent. This indicator underscores the importance of updating national studies, evaluating the impact of preventive programs, and directing efforts based on scientific data that reflect societal needs.
He highlighted several practical achievements in the dental sector within less than a year, including the opening and operation of a comprehensive dental department at Adan Hospital, featuring clinics, radiology, and sterilization services, as well as a fully integrated department at the West Abdullah Al-Mubarak Health Center, which includes clinics, radiology, sterilization, and a waiting area for patients.
Regarding specialized pediatric care, he announced the opening and operation of the Nasser Abdulmohsen Al-Saeed Specialized Center for Pediatric Dental Treatment in the Capital Governorate, with a capacity of 48 clinics dedicated to children, thereby enhancing the sector’s ability to provide appropriate care for their needs. He also mentioned the opening of a pediatric dental treatment department at the Mutlaa Trauma Center (N10), comprising four clinics and radiology and sterilization services, to provide specialized treatment for children aged six to 15 from Mutlaa city during morning and evening sessions.
Service development extended to the opening of the first specialized oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic at Al-Saker Specialized Center in the Health City area, along with two specialized clinics at Timaa Specialized Dental Center, strengthening specialized care for various age groups.
He emphasized that the conference represents an opportunity to strengthen the link between clinical practice and scientific and academic work, translating knowledge and expertise into applications that improve care. He expressed pride in the outcomes of the Kuwait Institute of Medical Specialties’ programs in dentistry, and in the qualified national cadres provided by the Kuwait Board programs across various specialties, which contribute to patient care and professional performance development. He commended the efforts of supervisors and trainers in preparing doctors who combine scientific qualification, clinical skills, and commitment to professional ethics.
Dr. Al-Awadi stated, “Among our future aspirations is cooperation between the Dental Department and the Information Systems Department to develop an integrated electronic patient file system. This aims to link specialized centers, primary healthcare centers, school programs, and dental departments in general hospitals, alongside radiology departments and dental laboratories, to support continuity of care and coordination efficiency while safeguarding patient data privacy and security.”
For his part, Conference Chairman Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Thani said the conference represents an important milestone in the association’s journey. It is not merely a scientific gathering but a national platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise and building bridges of cooperation between practitioners and academics, which will directly reflect on children’s health and the quality of care provided.
He added, “The conference’s objective is to enhance evidence-based practice, develop clinical skills, encourage research, and support young national talents. We also aspire to unify efforts across various specialties and health sectors, as child care relies not on a single specialty but on an integrated system.”
The conference hosts a distinguished group of speakers and experts from the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Kuwait, who will share their scientific and clinical expertise through specialized lectures, discussion panels, and research poster presentations, alongside a concurrent medical exhibition.
More than 500 doctors and dentists registered for the conference, reflecting growing interest in developing pediatric dentistry and elevating the level of healthcare provided. (End) M.N.M./A.A.H.
