Speech by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong at the Dentist’s Pledge Affirmation Ceremony 2013, 30 Aug 2013

Speech by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong at the Dentist’s Pledge Affirmation Ceremony 2013, 30 Aug 2013

Professor Chew Chong Lin, President, Singapore Dental Council

Distinguished Guests

Newly Registered Dentists and your families

Ladies and Gentlemen

1                 It is indeed a pleasure to join you all here this evening for the 2013 Dentist Pledge Affirmation ceremony and my warmest congratulations to all our new graduates and also to our newly registered dentists.

2        For many of you who have just completed your undergraduate training, the Pledge that you take today will mark the transition into your new career as a dental professional. Your family members are also here to witness this meaningful milestone in your life, and I know that they are all proud and happy to celebrate your achievements with us this evening.

ACCESSIBIILITY OF DENTAL SERVICES
3        To meet the needs of a growing and ageing population, the Ministry of Health is expanding dental services and also embarking on initiatives to make dental services more affordable. In addition to the subsidised dental services provided in the polyclinics and school dental service, the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) enables middle to lower income Singapore Citizens to receive subsidies for medical care and dental services at participating private clinics near their homes. This will bring greater convenience for Singaporeans, as eligible patients can enjoy government subsidies even when they are treated at participating private dental clinics.  Currently, we have more than 300 dental clinics registered in this scheme. 

4        For the more expensive dental treatments involving surgical procedures, patients can pay for them using their Medisave. We have also extended Medifund earlier this year to cover dental treatments to help those who are unable to afford even after subsidies.

5        We will also need to train more dental professionals. The Faculty of Dentistry at the National University of Singapore will be building a state of the art Centre for Oral Health, to be housed at the National University Hospital.  This will allow us to expand the dental training intake from the current 54 to 80.  This Centre, expected to be completed in 2017, will house expanded education, clinical and research facilities conveniently located in one building and in close proximity to the University Hospital’s medical services. This is an exciting development not only for the dental community but for all Singaporeans, as the centre aims to provide a comprehensive range of oral healthcare services, including preventive, paediatric, geriatric and special needs dental services to complement our existing National Dental Centre.

UPHOLDING PROFESSIONALISM
6        As you recite the Dentist’s Pledge this evening, I trust that you will do so sincerely and thoughtfully. The Pledge signifies your continued commitment to uphold the values essential to the dental profession – integrity, honesty, care and compassion. It will seal your commitment to your professional responsibilities towards your patients, yourselves and to the development of your profession.

7        I hope that the solemn promises that you make today will be a steady compass to guide you as you embark on your new career, and remind you to always put the interests of your patients above your own and maintain the highest standards of moral integrity and intellectual honesty.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
8        I would encourage all of you to seize the many opportunities to learn from your more experienced seniors and specialists that you work with.  Dental Science and Dentistry is dynamic and constantly evolving. It is therefore important to keep up to date with new developments and innovations as all of you have a responsibility to provide the best possible, cost-effective care for your patients.

9        In closing, I would like to once again convey my heartiest congratulations to all the new graduates and our newly registered dentists.

10      Your road ahead will be an exciting one and I wish each one of you a successful and fulfilling career. 

11      Thank you.