The Ministry of Public Health recently held its first-ever National Symposium on Oral and Dental Health, titled “Towards Excellence in Oral and Dental Health,” aimed at enhancing the National Plan for Oral and Dental Health under the Third National Health Strategy for 2024-2030. The event, attended by over 150 dental professionals from both public and private sectors, focused on advancing oral health policies, fostering innovation in dentistry, and encouraging greater collaboration to improve healthcare services across the country.
The symposium highlighted several key areas of focus, including the integration of general dentistry principles into oral healthcare, developing effective management strategies, and addressing the oral health needs of elderly populations. The event also emphasized the prevention and awareness of oral diseases that impact older adults.
On the first day, the symposium featured a virtual session that reviewed crucial topics such as dental health indicators, managing dental injuries, addressing gum health, and orthodontic treatment. More than 5,900 dental professionals participated in the session, gaining insights into the latest practices across various dental specialties.
The second day saw a focused workshop dedicated to the oral health challenges faced by senior citizens. Discussions centered around strategies for integrating oral healthcare for the elderly into the broader healthcare system, aiming for a more cohesive and accessible healthcare approach for this demographic.
On day three, interactive discussions and research presentations were held, bringing together key health and academic institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Qatar University, Doha University of Science and Technology, and Aspetar. These sessions reviewed the significant strides made in Qatar’s oral health sector over the past decade, highlighting achievements in service delivery and health outcomes.
The final day of the symposium hosted a consultation session, where experts and policymakers collaborated to develop a strategic roadmap for future oral health governance. The session aimed to integrate policies, enhance service delivery, and ensure the sustainable growth of Qatar’s oral and dental healthcare services.
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programmes at the Ministry of Public Health, highlighted the considerable progress Qatar has made in oral and dental care over the past decade. He noted the establishment of specialized clinics, early detection initiatives for gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer, and a growing focus on comprehensive care.
In addition to policy development, the Ministry continues to emphasize public awareness and engagement. Since 2019, the Ministry has organized annual national campaigns on oral health and implemented programs to promote oral hygiene across all sectors of society. The Ministry also conducted the third national oral and dental health survey, assessing the oral health of more than 1,700 students aged 12 to 16 from 55 schools, further reinforcing its commitment to improving dental health for future generations.
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