Minister of Health Emphasizes the Importance of Children's Dental Care Through Prevention and Early Diagnosis - Sarmad
(KUNA) – Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi emphasized on Saturday the importance of caring for children’s teeth through prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, which lays the foundation for better health with lifelong benefits.
This came 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 Theater, with support from the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.
Minister Al-Awadi added that upgrading 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, encompassing a responsibility toward children, adults, and the elderly.
He noted that the World Health Organization estimated, in its 2022 country profile for Kuwait, that the prevalence of untreated dental caries in primary teeth among children aged one to nine years was 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 reflecting societal needs.
He pointed out that the dental sector has achieved practical milestones in 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 the opening of a complete department at West Abdullah Al-Mubarak Health Center, which includes clinics, radiology and sterilization services, and a waiting area for patients.
He highlighted specialized pediatric care, noting 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 added that a pediatric dental treatment department was opened at Al-Mutlaa Trauma Center (N10), comprising four clinics along with radiology and sterilization services, to provide specialized dental treatment for children aged six to 15 from Al-Mutlaa city during both morning and evening sessions.
He mentioned that service development extended to the opening of the first specialized oral, maxillofacial, and jaw surgery clinic at Al-Saker Specialized Center in the Capital Health Area, and two specialized clinics at Timaa Specialized Dental Center, enhancing specialized care for various age groups.
He noted 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 serving patients and developing professional performance. He commended the efforts of supervisors and trainers in preparing doctors who combine scientific qualifications, clinical skills, and commitment to professional ethics.
Dr. Al-Awadi said, “Among our future aspirations is cooperation between the Dental Department and the Information Systems Department to develop an integrated electronic patient file system aimed at linking specialized centers, primary healthcare centers, school programs, and dental departments in general hospitals, along with 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 to them.
Al-Thaniyan added that “the aim of the conference 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 is not based 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 the State of Kuwait, who will share their scientific and clinical expertise through specialized lectures, discussion panels, and research poster presentations, alongside an accompanying medical exhibition.
More than 500 doctors and physicians have registered for the conference, reflecting the growing interest in advancing pediatric dentistry and elevating the standard of healthcare services provided.
