Health Minister: Expansion of pediatric dental services and electronic integration between specialized centers, primary care, and schools
- 48 clinics at the Nasser Al-Saied Specialty Center... and 4 pediatric dental clinics at Al-Mutlaa Center
- A unified electronic patient record system linking dental services across the country
- Al-Thaniyan: The conference is a national platform for knowledge exchange, supporting young professionals and scientific research
- Akbar: The registration of approximately 400 dentists reflects growing interest in advancing pediatric dentistry
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Owaidi announced the Ministry’s expansion of dental services, particularly in pediatric dentistry, noting the opening and operationalization of several specialized departments and centers in less than a year. These include the Nasser Abdulmohsen Al-Saied Specialty Center for Pediatric Dental Care in the Capital Governorate, equipped with 48 clinics dedicated to children, and a pediatric dental department at the N10 Al-Mutlaa Accident Center, comprising four clinics.
In his address at the opening of the First Scientific Conference of the Kuwaiti Pediatric Dentistry Association, Al-Owaidi stated that the Ministry of Health is currently working, in collaboration between the Dental Services Department and the Information Systems Department, to develop an integrated electronic patient record system. This system aims to link specialized centers, primary healthcare centers, school-based dental programs, pediatric departments in general hospitals, radiology departments, and dental laboratories. This integration supports continuity of care and operational efficiency while safeguarding patient data privacy and security.
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He stated that the system will be a “One HIS for the dental services all over,” meaning a unified system for dental services nationwide.
He added that the development of dental services also included the opening and operationalization of a comprehensive dental department at Al-Adan Hospital, equipped with clinics, radiology, and sterilization facilities, as well as a comprehensive department at the West Abdullah Al-Mubarak Health Center, featuring clinics, radiology and sterilization services, and a waiting area for patients.
He explained that the pediatric dental care department at the N10 Al-Mutlaa Accident Center comprises four clinics, along with radiology and sterilization services, providing specialized treatment for children aged 6 to 15 from Al-Mutlaa City during both morning and evening sessions.
He noted that the expansion of services extended to the opening of the first specialized clinic for oral and maxillofacial surgery at Al-Sadr Specialty Center in the Capital Health District, in addition to two specialized clinics at Al-Taima Specialty Dental Center, thereby enhancing specialized care for various age groups.
Al-Owaidi emphasized that oral and dental health is central to the healthcare vision, as it constitutes an integral part of overall 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 pairing treatment development with continuous investment in prevention, public awareness, and early intervention. He noted that the World Health Organization estimated, in the 2022 Kuwait country profile, the prevalence of untreated dental caries in primary teeth among children aged 1 to 9 at 43.5 percent.
He stated that this indicator underscores the importance of conducting national studies, evaluating the impact of preventive programs, and directing efforts based on scientific data that reflect community needs.
“Interdisciplinary Partnership”
Al-Owaidi said the conference represents an opportunity to strengthen the link between clinical practice and scientific and academic work, translating knowledge and experience into applications that improve care.
He added, “We look forward to this conference fostering research partnerships between specialized centers and Board programs that address the priorities of pediatric dental health and contribute to the evaluation and development of clinical practices on a scientific basis.”
He expressed his pride in the outcomes of the Kuwait Institute of Medical Specialization’s programs in dentistry, and in the qualified national professionals it produces through its various Board programs, who contribute to patient care and the enhancement of professional performance.
He commended the efforts of supervisors and trainers in preparing physicians who combine scientific qualification with clinical skill and adherence to professional ethics.
Al-Owaidi emphasized that health responsibilities require a partnership among the physician, the family, and the school to reach the child early, supporting healthy behaviors before the need for treatment escalates.
In this context, he appreciated the efforts of the Kuwaiti Pediatric Dentistry Association in scientific activities, training, awareness, community service, and supporting Kuwaiti Board graduates, as well as the role of the Kuwait Dental Association in establishing this professional partnership.
“An Important Milestone”
For his part, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Thaniyan, the conference chair, stated that the conference represents an important milestone in the Association’s journey and a national platform for exchanging knowledge and experience, and for building bridges of cooperation among practitioners, academics, researchers, and decision-makers.
He explained that the conference’s primary objective is to promote evidence-based practice, develop clinical skills, encourage scientific research, and support young national professionals, while providing them with opportunities to present their research and engage with experts.
He underscored the importance of unifying efforts across various specialties and health sectors, noting that child care requires an integrated system of cooperation, knowledge, and shared responsibility.
He pointed out that investing in children’s oral health is an investment in their overall health, future, and quality of life. He expressed his hope that the conference would mark the beginning of a sustainable scientific journey, and that the ideas and discussions raised during it would translate into initiatives and practices that positively impact children’s health.
He appreciated the support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences for the conference, the cooperation of the Kuwait Dental Association, the hosting by the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center, as well as the efforts of sponsors, partners, supporting entities, organizing and scientific committees, and speakers.
“Latest Developments”
For his part, Dr. Ali Akbar, the secretary of the Kuwaiti Pediatric Dentistry Association, affirmed that organizing the conference reflects the growing interest in advancing pediatric dentistry and elevating the level of healthcare provided to children. He noted that approximately 400 male and female physicians registered for the conference, reflecting the importance of the scientific topics presented and physicians’ eagerness to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field.
He explained that the conference, organized by the Kuwaiti Pediatric Dentistry Association in cooperation with the Kuwait Dental Association, hosts a distinguished group of specialists to exchange scientific and clinical experiences through lectures, discussion panels, and research poster presentations, alongside an accompanying medical exhibition.
He indicated that the program covers several topics related to daily challenges in clinical practice, including the diagnosis of oral lesions in children using radiography and cone-beam computed tomography, biologic pulp therapy in permanent teeth, modern and conservative approaches to treating dental caries, 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 will also discuss cases of delayed eruption of the maxillary incisors, the role of the pediatric dentist in the hospital setting, the principles of evidence-based limited therapeutic intervention, early orthodontic referral indicators, as well as modern preventive and therapeutic solutions.
