Training improves dentistry

Dentistry services in the country has improved with better diploma and degree programmes on offer, an official says.
PNG Dental Health head Dr Mahmood Siddiqi said 120 students have graduated with bachelor of dental surgery degrees.
“Around 75 per cent had completed their residency programmes,” Siddiqi said.
“The dental therapist diploma course has been upgraded to a bachelor of oral health degree course.
“A diploma in dental technology course has also been introduced,” he said.
Siddiqi said a post-graduate course in dentistry also existed.
“Most provinces now have at least two dentists in residence,” he said.
“Training for dental officers had stopped and only seven PNG-trained dentists are still working.”
Siddiqi said the dental therapy training was transferred to the University of PNG in 1994.
“The biggest challenges are the lack of government funding, lack of dentistry and technician training, deteriorating equipment and low priority given to dental services in the government’s national health plans.”