THE Penang government is committed to ensuring that the state’s dentists are well-supported, well-represented, and well-taken care of.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state administration is open to and actively engaging with both public and private dental practitioners to better understand the challenges they face.
“This is imperative so that we can grasp the issues on the ground involving the dental community in the public and private sectors and take the necessary actions,” said Chow.
Chow was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 10th World Stomatological Institute (WSI) and International College of Dentists (ICD) Section XV International Conference and Induction ceremony at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas this morning.
Chow noted that the country produces over 1,000 dental graduates each year.
“Yet, we still see a shortage of dentists in many rural and underserved regions.
“The distribution is uneven, and many young graduates are finding it difficult to secure placements, especially in the public sector.
“On top of that, we’re losing talent to other countries. This brain drain weakens our system at a time when we need every capable hand on deck.
“On behalf of the state government, we are committed and will continue to work together with the Federal Government in solving issues like equitable workforce distribution, support for new graduates, and strategies to reduce brain drain,” he said.
Chow added that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to completely transform how dentistry is practised in the country.
“Imagine real-time diagnostics powered by deep learning, personalised treatment planning based on big data, and streamlined workflows that free up our dentists to do what they do best: care for patients.
“More importantly, Al can help close the gap in rural and underserved areas through tools like ‘tele-dentistry’ and mobile diagnostics. This is not science fiction anymore; it’s the future, and it’s already here,” said Chow.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud