Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, at the Dentist’s Pledge Affirmation Ceremony 2016, 19 August 2016

Professor Chew Chong Lin, President, Singapore Dental Council,
Distinguished guests,
Newly registered dentists,
Ladies and gentlemen,

                It is my pleasure to join you this evening for the 2016 Dentist’s Pledge Affirmation ceremony. My warmest congratulations to all our new graduates and newly registered dentists.

2              For those of you who have just completed your undergraduate studies, the pledge you make today will mark the passage into your career as dental professionals. Many of your family members are here to celebrate this milestone with you and I know that they are all proud of your achievements.

PROVIDING PATIENT-CENTRIC CARE

3              Healthcare in Singapore is expanding and transforming rapidly to meet our future needs. I believe, however, that more can still be done in delivering patient-centric care to our patients, and that our dentists have an important role to play in this.

4              Oral health is closely linked to general health. The relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and diabetes, for example, has been well documented and established. Earlier this year, we declared war on diabetes. As dental professionals, you form part of this response against diabetes. You are a key member of our army in this war. Patients who present with severe periodontal disease without any known risk factors should be referred for screening. For those who have been diagnosed, reinforcing dietary advice, such as reducing the intake of sugary foods, will not only maintain healthy blood glucose levels, but also help prevent dental caries (tooth decay).

5              Dental surgeons should also encourage patients who smoke to cease this habit. This will not only reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and hypertension, but also prevent progression of periodontal disease and reduce halitosis (bad breath). Patients who quit will also find that they feel healthier and have a better quality of life.

PREPARING FOR AN AGEING POPULATION

6              To deal with the healthcare challenges of an ageing population, we are transforming our healthcare delivery and expanding our infrastructure. When open in 2019, the NUS Centre for Oral Health will complement the National Dental Centre Singapore by providing subsidised specialist care for Singaporeans. Both institutions are also equipped to treat the growing geriatric population.

7              Our healthcare professionals will also need to be adequately trained to better manage the complex dental needs of an ageing population. The undergraduate curriculum has been modified to better emphasise dental care for geriatric patients. The Ministry of Health also provides scholarships for dental surgeons interested to specialise in Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry (GSND).

8              GSND specialists also play a vital role in restoring the oral health of special needs patients, many of whom face multiple barriers in accessing dental care. As we work towards building an inclusive society, I strongly encourage more dentists to take up this scholarship, and make a positive impact in the lives of these individuals.

QUALITY AND SAFE PRACTICES

9              As newly graduated dentists, many of you will be working in public institutions under the guidance of experienced dental surgeons. I encourage you to learn closely from them in managing a wide range of cases, and always adopt best practices and provide quality care to our patients.

10           As for dentists here who have graduated from foreign institutions, it is a requirement under the Dental Registration Act to practice under supervision for 2 years. This practice of mentorship ensures that all our dentists practise safe and evidence-based dentistry.

UPHOLDING PROFESSIONALISM

11           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 values essential to the dental profession – integrity, honesty, care and compassion. As dental surgeons, you have the responsibility to continuously maintain high ethical standards, placing the interests of your patients above your own and maintaining the highest levels of integrity and intellectual honesty.

12           Let me once again convey my heartiest congratulations to all our new graduates and newly registered dentists. Your journey ahead will be an exciting one and I wish every one of you a successful and fulfilling career.

13           Thank you.