Al-Oudai: Expansion of dental services and electronic integration between specialized centers, primary care, and schools
Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Oudhi announced the Ministry’s expansion of dental services, particularly 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 Specialized Center for Pediatric Dentistry in the Capital Governorate, equipped with 48 clinics dedicated to children, and a pediatric dentistry department at the Mutlaq Accident Center n10, comprising four clinics.
In his address at the inaugural conference of the Kuwaiti Pediatric Dentistry Association, Al-Oudhi stated that the Ministry of Health is currently working, in collaboration between the Dental 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 health programs, pediatric departments in general hospitals, radiology departments, and dental laboratories. The initiative is designed to support continuity of care and operational efficiency while safeguarding patient data privacy and security.
He noted that the system will be “one HIS for all dental services,” indicating a unified system for dental services across the country.
Al-Oudhi added that the development of dental services also included the opening and operationalization of a comprehensive dental department at Al-Adan Hospital, featuring clinics, radiology, and sterilization facilities, as well as a comprehensive department at the West Abdullah Al-Mubarak Health Center, which includes clinics, radiology services, sterilization, and a waiting area for patients.
He clarified that the pediatric dentistry department at the Mutlaq Accident Center n10 comprises four clinics, along with radiology and sterilization services, providing specialized treatment for children aged six to 15 from the Mutlaq city during both morning and evening shifts.
He highlighted that the service expansion extended to the opening of the first specialized clinic for oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Al-Sadr Specialized Center in the Capital Health District, alongside two specialized clinics at the Taima Specialized Dental Center, thereby enhancing specialized care for various age groups.
Al-Oudhi emphasized that oral and dental health is central to the healthcare vision, as it is an integral part of overall 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 lifelong health.
He pointed out the importance of pairing treatment development with continuous investment in prevention, 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 one to nine 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 Collaboration”
Al-Oudhi 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, addressing priorities in pediatric dental health and contributing to the evaluation and development of practices on a scientific basis.”
He expressed pride in the outcomes of the Kuwait Institute of Medical Specialization’s dental programs and the qualified national competencies provided through its various board programs, which contribute to patient care and professional performance development.
He commended the efforts of supervisors and trainers in preparing physicians who combine scientific qualification, clinical skill, and adherence to professional ethics.
Al-Oudhi affirmed that healthcare responsibilities require a partnership among physicians, families, and schools to reach children early and support 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-certified graduates, alongside the role of the Kuwait Dental Association in establishing this professional partnership.
“A Key Milestone”
For his part, Conference Chair Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Thaniyan stated that the conference represents a key milestone in the association’s journey and a national platform for exchanging knowledge and experience, and building bridges of cooperation among practitioners, academics, researchers, and decision-makers.
He explained that the conference’s primary goal is to promote evidence-based practice, develop clinical skills, encourage scientific research, and support young national competencies, while providing them with opportunities to present their research and engage with experts.
He emphasized the importance of unifying efforts across various specialties and health sectors, as child care requires an integrated system of cooperation, knowledge, and shared responsibility.
He noted that investing in a child’s oral health is an investment in their overall health, future, and quality of life, expressing hope that the conference will mark the beginning of a sustainable scientific journey and that the ideas and discussions raised will translate into initiatives and practices that positively impact children’s health.
He appreciated the support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, 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 Advancements”
For his part, Secretary of the Kuwaiti Pediatric Dentistry Association Dr. Ali Akbar stated that organizing the conference reflects the growing interest in developing pediatric dentistry and elevating the level of healthcare provided to children. He noted that nearly 400 male and female doctors 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 select group of specialists to exchange scientific and clinical experiences through lectures, discussion panels, 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, pulp biologic therapy in permanent teeth, modern and conservative approaches to treating dental caries, the Hall technique for treating primary molars, and managing 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 the hospital setting, principles of limited, evidence-based therapeutic intervention, indicators for early orthodontic referral, as well as modern preventive and therapeutic solutions.
