MOH EXPANDS DIS, TARGETS 956 FULLY DIGITAL DENTAL CLINICS BY 2027

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry (MOH) is expanding the Dental Information System (DIS) to improve the efficiency and standardisation of dental services nationwide.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said a total of 71 dental clinics have adopted the system to date, with the ministry targeting 956 clinics to go fully digital by 2027.

“We are now in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), and the health sector is moving in tandem through various digital initiatives. Digitalisation is not just about systems, it represents a new way of working that is faster, more accurate and patient-centred.

“Therefore, AI and 3D-printing technologies are also being used in the production of dental prostheses to accelerate treatment and improve precision,” he said during a meeting with staff of the Children’s Dental Centre and the MOH Training Institute (Dental) George Town here today.

DIS serves as a central platform for comprehensive access to dental-related information, including clinical data, resources, practitioners and surveys.

Dzulkefly further said that oral health is now recognised as an integral part of overall health and well-being, adding that Malaysia fully supports the implementation of the Global Oral Health Action Plan (GOHAP) 2023-2030 under the World Health Organisation and has reaffirmed the commitment at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva earlier this year.

He said oral diseases such as dental caries and gum disease have been found to be closely linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

To address this, the ministry will continue strengthening preventive and educational initiatives in oral health, including through the School Dental Health Programme, which encourages good dental care practices from a young age, and community dental services delivered through clinics and mobile units.

“In addition, we will intensify healthy lifestyle campaigns that promote reduced sugar intake, quitting vaping and regular dental check-ups,” he said.

Earlier, Dzulkefly visited the MOH Training Institute (Dental) George Town, which has produced more than 12,000 dental professionals, including dental therapists, dental technologists and surgical assistants, serving across the country.

He also announced an allocation of RM1 million for upgrading, repairs and air-conditioning improvements at the institute’s training block.

-- BERNAMA