Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health held the first national symposium on oral and dental health, titled "Towards Excellence in Oral and Dental Health. This event aimed to support and enhance the National Plan for Oral and Dental Health as part of the Third National Health Strategy for 2024-2030.
The symposium aimed to promote health policies related to oral and dental health, fostering research and innovation in dentistry, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders to improve oral and dental health care services in the country.
The symposium, which witnessed the attendance of more than 150 representatives of the senior and middle management of dental services in the public and private sectors, reviewed vital topics, most notably the promotion of oral health care using the principles of general dentistry, the development of oral health management strategies, the importance of oral health care among the elderly, and awareness of oral diseases that may affect them and their prevention.
On the first day of the symposium, a virtual session was conducted on oral and dental health indicators. The session aimed to review the principles of general dentistry, manage dental injuries, address gum health needs, and discuss orthodontic treatment. It was attended by more than 5,900 professionals working in various dental specialties across the country. The session was presented by a specialised team from the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation and the Primary Health Care Corporation.
On the second day, a workshop on oral and dental health was held for senior citizens to discuss the challenges they face in terms of oral health and strategies for integrating oral health care for seniors with the various health services provided to them. The aim was to access integrated health care.
The third day of the symposium also included interactive discussions and research presentations with the participation of various health and academic stakeholders such as the Ministry of Interior, Hamad Medical Corporation and the Primary Health Care Corporation, Qatar University, Doha University of Science and Technology, and Aspetar , where the most prominent achievements of the oral and dental care sector in the State of Qatar during the past decade were reviewed.
On the final day of the symposium, a consultation session was conducted for key stakeholders, including experts and policymakers. The purpose of this session was to develop a strategic roadmap for oral health governance, integrate policies, and enhance the delivery of future oral and dental care services in the country.
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, the Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs Department at the Ministry of Public Health, stated, "Over the past decade, health institutions in the State of Qatar that provide oral and dental care services have experienced significant development and increased attention. Services related to oral and dental health have been enhanced, specialised clinics have been established, and there has been a focus on the early detection of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer."
He added that the Ministry of Public Health has emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation across various sectors in the country to provide comprehensive oral health care services. To support and promote oral and dental health among all segments of society in the State of Qatar, the Ministry periodically organises national awareness programmes and campaigns in collaboration with partners. Since 2019, the Ministry, through the Department of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programs, has been implementing an annual national campaign for oral and dental health. Additionally, it has launched health programmes aimed at promoting oral and dental health for all members of society.
In this context, the Ministry of Public Health has successfully conducted the third national oral and dental health survey for students aged 12 to 16 years. During this survey, more than 1,700 students from 55 public and private preparatory and secondary schools were examined by a specialised team from various governmental and semi-governmental health agencies.
