By Sim YH –
Senyum Kasih Program aims to increase access to oral health care services for people with special needs and provide oral health care services to institutions with special needs.
The program was launched through the collaboration of the Special Needs Dental Unit and the Oral Health Division, under the Department of Dental Services, Ministry of Health where the program also provides oral health examination and education services at the homes of patients who have difficulty accessing dental clinics for example, people with disabilities (OKU) who have limited movement or are bedridden.
The program also promotes preventive treatment and raises awareness about oral health care for those with special needs. The program ensures that individuals with barriers such as transportation problems or difficulty finding appropriate oral health care services will be able to receive the help they deserve, without facing any difficulties when accessing dental services comprehensively.
SPECIAL NEEDS DENTAL UNIT AND PUBLIC ORAL HEALTH SECTION AND ITS ROLE
The Special Needs Dental Unit was established in 2018 where it is a new unit that was incorporated into the oral health care system in Brunei Darussalam.
The unit consists of two specialists where it is committed to providing dental care to those who require special care due to physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, intellectual or emotional challenges.
The Special Needs Dental Unit not only provides the usual dental treatment but it also provides special oral health care services to patients who face challenges in coming to a dental clinic.
The Public Oral Health Division plays a key role in promoting and encouraging overall better oral health care.
The division constantly provides new ideas, insights and organizes programs to promote oral health care.
The Public Oral Health Division also often collaborates with other units to make plans to deal with oral health problems for all ages to develop a healthier future.
The unit and the concerned department make visits to the homes of patients with special needs and provide dental services including routine examinations, providing advice and methods of oral health care that are suitable for each patient’s condition.
They will show patients and caregivers the correct way to brush their teeth and assess if additional tools such as Superbrush (special toothbrush) is required.
As a preventive measure, they will also apply fluoride varnish to the teeth that has a high level of fluoride (22,600 ppm) to strengthen the teeth and help prevent tooth decay and share educational materials to help them maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The program also gives priority to the preventive aspect of helping patients to take the first important step towards oral health and avoid more serious dental problems in the future.
If there are patients identified as needing further special treatment, they will be given a follow-up appointment at the dental clinic.
PARTICIPATION IN THE SMILE OF LOVE PROGRAM AND WHY PARTICIPATE?
For those who want to participate in the program it is easy to do, they can register by contacting the department at 2380426 extension 146.
The relevant division team will contact them to confirm eligibility and schedule a convenient time for the visit. The parties will also ensure that all eligible patients receive the care and education they need.
Through participation in the program, participants will receive a professional oral examination at home, learn how to maintain oral hygiene, prevent future oral health problems with early preventative treatment and are suitable for individuals with mobility issues or special health care needs.
Accordingly, the department welcomes the public to join in promoting better oral health to the entire community.
Those who want to get more information, they can contact the line, 2380426 extension 146.
OTHER PROGRAMS ORGANIZED BY THE PUBLIC ORAL HEALTH SECTION
The Senyum SiManja program aims to promote and maintain good oral health for children aged 1 to 5 years.
The program focuses on early prevention of oral health problems by ensuring that parents or guardians and children can be formed with healthy oral hygiene habits from an early age of their children.
The Student Smile Program aims to reduce tooth decay for Year 1 and 2 primary school students.
Protecting permanent molars from damage or cavities is important because they are the first adult teeth to grow and must last a lifetime.
Normally, permanent molars grow around the age of 6 which coincides with Year 1 and 2 primary school students.
