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| 2010-22 |
| 22-1 |
ISSN (Print) 1013-9052
EISSN 1658-3558
The Saudi Dental Journal,
P.O. Box 52500,
Riyadh 11563,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
P.O. Box 52500,
Riyadh 11563,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| Tel. |
966-1-467-7328 |
| Fax. |
933-1-467-7308 / 966-1-467-7534 |
| Email |
saudidj@ksu.edu.sa |
|
Editorial
Bright
hopes for the year 2000
This
issue of the Journal is published as we step on the thresholds of the new
millennium. With the coming of a new era comes with it new expectations. I, therefore, find this issue
an excellent avenue to express my dreams and aspirations for a national dental
prevention program, which I
believe can substantially uplift the level of dental service in the Kingdom. It is, hence, my fervent wish
that my thoughts can serve as a catalyst that can create a positive chain
reaction to the readers of this Journal where this prevention program is
concerned.
I
have always believed on the magnitude and importance of a comprehensive
national dental prevention program where both government and private sectors
are involved. Conceptualized based on a holistic approach, the program will be
implemented and carried out at different stages, bearing in mind a diverse
target population. It will be initially directed at children ages 4-12 years, mothers and fathers
and schoolteachers. For the operationalization of this national program, it is
proposed that funds will be sourced from both government and private entities
in order to encompass and touch-base with a wider scope of intended
beneficiaries.
A National Dental Prevention Committee will be organized from experts in the fields of dental public health, education and health administration. This committee will play an active role in planning, collecting and administering of funds, as well as coordinating with the various subcommittees in every administrative region all over the Kingdom. The sub-committees, on the other hand, will monitor and supervise the prevention program in their regions and evaluate the progress. As envisioned, this preventive dental program shall be re-evaluated every three years in terms of clinical results, data and administration as well as technical procedures. Workshops and symposia will be conducted on an annual capacity to present data and reports from the different parts of the Kingdom. Recommendations will be gathered in order to further refine the program. Should this program be fully implemented in the Kingdom, the scenario of dental diseases in the present population will drastically change. Subsequently, the whole Kingdom can reap major benefits from the program in terms of saving precious man-hours and funds but most significantly, the oral health and well-being of every Saudi man, woman and child.
Associate Professor, Restorative
Dental Sciences Department, College of Dentistry, King Saud University.
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