PENANG recognises the efforts and sacrifices of frontliners in the dental industry.
The state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said unlike individuals in most industries, frontliners in the dental industry were not able to practise physical distancing when performing their duties during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Penang government would like to recognise their efforts and sacrifices.
“This 20th Penang Dental Congress 2023 is timely, now that we have entered the Covid-19 post-pandemic period.
“The congress offers many lectures and workshops to equip the industry players with the recent knowledge and developments,” Gooi told journalists after opening the congress at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre today.
Earlier, Gooi discussed with key industry players on pertinent issues related to the dental industry.
“I understand that opening a dental clinic can be challenging.
“I will bring the matter up with the Ministry of Health (MOH) when we meet, to see how we can assist the industry.
“The dental industry also plays a crucial role in the nation’s journey towards an ageing society,” he said.
Gooi also lauded the recent national Budget 2024 announcement which included the proposal calls for tax relief of up to RM1,000 for individual income taxpayers, to cover their dental examination and treatment expenses from dental practitioners registered with the Malaysian Dental Council.
About the congress, organising chairman Dr Lim Yu Xiang said it was a great opportunity for practitioners to learn from each other.
“This is also a platform for us to celebrate our achievements and contributions to the dental profession and society.
“We have an exciting and diverse programme that covers various topics and aspects of dentistry, such as oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implantology, cosmetic dentistry, digital dentistry and more.
“We have also invited some of the most eminent and renowned speakers from around the world to share their knowledge and expertise.
“In addition, we have several workshops, hands-on sessions, poster presentations, and art and trade exhibitions that will provide visitors with the latest information and innovations in the field,” he said in his speech.
Malaysia Dental Association president Assoc Prof Dr Mas Suryalis Ahmad encouraged visitors and key players to take full advantage of what the congress had to offer.
She also thanked the organising committee, sponsors, trade partners, speakers and the Penang government for successfully elevating the congress to greater heights.
“The 20 editions of the Penang Dental Congress is a major milestone worth being proud of, and for that, we also have the ones that paved the way before us to thank,” she added.
The pre-congress workshops were held on Oct 26, while the main congress is now being held from Oct 27 to 29.
Story and pix by Christopher Tan