BETONG: The public is urged to be more sensitive to factors causing tooth decay.
Betong Community College director Andrew Douglas Gudam said that awareness of dental health care in Malaysia is alarmingly low.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Andrew pointed to statistics from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, which revealed that 90 per cent of adults are afflicted with gum disease, while a staggering 88 per cent suffer from tooth cavity problems.
In response to these dire statistics, the Betong Community College, in collaboration with the Betong Division Dental Clinic, has launched the TW1ST programme—Transformation With One Smile Together to improve community awareness, particularly among students, about the factors leading to tooth decay.
“The TW1ST 2024 Programme is a concerted effort to ensure everyone recognises the importance of dental health care,” he said when officiating the programme at the college today (Mar 19).
He stressed the essential nature of dental care practices for maintaining optimal dental health throughout one’s life, referencing World Health Organisation (WHO) standards that indicate the necessity of having at least 20 teeth by the age of 50.
The programme was marked by a series of educational activities, including a lecture by Dr. Maizatin Fitrah Akbar, a dental officer at the Betong Division Dental Clinic. An examination session saw 18 students assessed, with 13 qualifying for complimentary dental services such as extractions, fillings, and scaling.
