Dental Public Health Conference - Speech by Minister Cassar

Speech by the Hon Joe Cassar, Minister for Health, the Elderly and Community Care at the Dental Public Health Unit’s annual dental conference, Smile for Health XIV.  The Conference is open to all dental surgeons, dental hygienists, dental technologists and dental assistants.

Colleagues, Good Morning, 

Thank you for inviting me to address this conference today.

I promptly welcomed the opportunity to address this conference regarding oral health because oral health is one aspect of health which needs to be given central importance and perhaps, more prominence, in our country plans, strategies and investment and resources allocation.

Advances in the field of dental health in our country have been significant in the last couple of decades.  Amongst other developments, the establishment of the Dental Public Health Unit, which was launched in September 2011, was a major milestone in our quest to address the challenges of oral health in our population. 

The overarching aim of this unit is of course to promote oral health, and to integrate oral health into the wider public health agenda and to put oral health on the agenda of all national health policies. I trust that the unit is well on track towards reaching this aim.

Oral Health is more than just good teeth. I need not explain this…the audience here surely comprises many professionals and students from the field of dentistry!

Oral health is a determinant factor for quality of life. Good Oral health is essential for well being - It is an integral part of general health.

Against the backdrop of these facts, evidence pertaining to the high prevalence of dental caries across children in most European countries, and the simultaneous rising costs of dental care is seriously worrying.

Oral health can therefore no longer be seen as a stand alone domain but should be seen as part of general health policy.  This is what government, steered by myself as Minister of Health is committed to.

We know that we have to address the major oral health challenges of children and adolescents, of busy adults leading rushed lives, of the increasing elderly members of our society and of the populations with special needs the list goes on we need to address the challenges of all differently but equally!

Oral health inequalities need to be leveled out as promptly and as efficiently as can be, if we are to keep on track towards enhancing the health of the nation. This is what we are all working towards.

In order to ensure that all citizens can have healthier smiles in the future we need to keep working together - government ,NGOs and the private sector, aw well as all members of the public.

 

I am aware that a lot of initiative is being chanelled towards the oral health of our nation.  During the last scholastic year the Dental Public Health Unit organized a school-based dental awareness programme, ‘A Healthy Smile for a Healthy Body’. In view of the European Year of Active Aging, the unit sought to actively promote dental health in older adults through informative leaflets .

Such activity is positive, and indeed encouraging.  We need to pursue   our effort and work toward optimal oral health.  I augur that today’s conference will contribute further towards this goal. I am confident in the continued contribution and co-operation of all.

Thank you