The Thai government is set to establish a dedicated dental health department, a move aimed at promoting oral healthcare across the nation, the Public Health Ministry announced.

 

Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Opas Karnkawinpong, revealed to the press that the government had acknowledged the Senate Public Health Committee’s proposal to form the new department, though the plan is yet to be discussed with the incoming health minister.

 

While the establishment of the department is expected to span over a few years, the Public Health Ministry is determined to push the service to the public as the department gets underway.

 

As part of its oral health care promotion, the ministry has plans to launch a dental hospital in each of the nation’s 77 provinces. This will ensure comprehensive access to oral healthcare, particularly for upcountry inhabitants.

 

On the topic of the proposed establishment of a medical school at the Praboromarajchanok Institute, a public higher education institute that caters to public health workers, Opas stated that the school is set to start recruiting medical students next year.

 

by Mitch Connor 

Dr Opas Karnkawinpong. Photo: Department of Disease Control

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-government-plans-nationwide-dental-health-department-and-provincial-hospitals

 

-- The Thaiger 2023-09-01

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Land of smiles......I'll get my coat.

Pity dentistry can't be less painful for some.  That and the prices mean people won't go even if they really need to. It's not really about accessibility.  Flogging a dead horse otherwise-  about pain and money innit!

It is odd that dental techniques remain so crude compared to other medical specialties.

 

I wonder how much extra they'll be charging foreigners if the new system is ever put into operation.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The Thai government is set to establish a dedicated dental health department, a move aimed at promoting oral healthcare across the nation, the Public Health Ministry announced.

Bit late for my MOL, she's only got one pickle dodger left.. and that's shaky.