Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health at the Singapore Dental Association’s 75th Anniversary Gala Dinner, 20 Apr 2013

Dr Kuan Chee Keong,

President, Singapore Dental Association

Distinguished Guests

Ladies & Gentlemen,

1. Thank you for the invitation to join you this evening at the Singapore Dental Association (SDA)'s 75th Anniversary Gala Dinner. It is indeed a pleasure for me to be part of the Association’s celebrations to commemorate 75 years of dedicated service to Dentistry and the Dental profession in Singapore.

2. I am pleased to note that the Association, since its inception as the Malayan Dental Association in 1938 and then later as the SDA in 1947, has developed and grown in strength and prominence. It has been looking after not only the interests of the profession but also the interest of the public which it serves.

Accessible and Affordable Dental Treatment for Singaporeans

3. Oral Health is an integral part of general health that affects our overall well-being and quality of life. The SDA, as the representative body of the dental profession, has played a key role in supporting the delivery of oral healthcare services in Singapore, working with my Ministry as well as International Health Agencies such as the World Health Organisation and the Federation Dentaire International in formulating oral health policies and initiating and supporting nationwide initiatives.

4. The Ministry of Health will continue to ensure that dental healthcare remains affordable and accessible to all Singaporeans. I’m heartened to learn that the SDA is currently working with the Agency for Integrated Care on the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) that allows Singaporeans to seek subsidized dental treatment at private dental clinics. The list of dental treatments covered by CHAS has been expanded to include more tertiary dental procedures, such as crowns, dentures and root canal treatment. This could help reduce waiting times at public hospitals and polyclinics, as eligible patients can enjoy government subsidy even if they are treated at the participating dental clinics. This would bring about greater convenience for Singaporeans.

SDA Promoting the Art and Science of Dentistry

5. I understand that the SDA has hosted and organized many international dental conventions annually and continues to do so, drawing many renowned speakers in their respective fields to share their knowledge with our dentists and with those from the Asia Pacific region.

6. I am also pleased that the SDA has also been actively organizing Continuing
Dental Education programmes and workshops to help our dentists keep up to date with advances in Dentistry. This has allowed our patients to benefit from a higher quality of care.

Serving the Public through Mediation Services

7. I would like to take this opportunity to make special mention of the SDA Ethics Committee and the many volunteer dentists who continue to provide ‘pro bono’ mediation services for our public. They serve to facilitate communication between the patients and their dentists. This has resulted in the resolution of many disputes, avoiding costly and time-consuming litigation.

8. These volunteer dentists have taken time off their busy schedules to attend mediation courses so that they are able to better manage public complaints and grouses. This is a good example of how the SDA serves the patients by providing a ‘listening ear’ and providing advice on how best to resolve miscommunications, misunderstandings or conflicts between them and their dentists whilst safeguarding consumer rights in a fair and impartial manner. This mediation service in turn benefits the dental profession as I understand that SDA members currently enjoy one of the lowest professional indemnity insurance premiums in the world.

MOH, SDA and SDHF Launch "Know-Your-Mouth" Website

9. I am also pleased to learn that the SDA and the Singapore Dental Health Foundation will be launching, the much awaited, "Know-Your-Mouth" online portal this evening, which you have all worked hard to put together.

10. This portal is a directory of dental services and contains clear and simple
“step by step” explanations of the various types of dental treatments available, ranging from general dentistry to specialized treatments such as orthodontics. It is a useful guide for the general public to raise their awareness of the importance of good oral health and hygiene. I believe that with this knowledge, Singaporeans will be able to make better informed decisions and be empowered to achieve better oral health.

Conclusion

11. In closing, I would like to once again congratulate the SDA on your 75th Anniversary and hope that we will continue to work together to further enhance the provision of accessible, affordable and quality dental healthcare for our patients.

12. I wish you all many more years of continued success and excellence ahead.

13. Thank you.