Government Urged to Post Qualified Dental Personnel to Hard-to-Reach Areas to Tackle Oral Health Crisis

Speaking during an oral health screening event for schoolchildren in Damang to mark World Oral Health Day, Dr Paintsil emphasised the urgent need for policy interventions to address the growing oral health crisis in underserved communities.

Dr Paintsil highlighted that while the government is responsible for posting dental professionals to these areas, it is the duty of receiving facilities or districts to provide adequate accommodation and incentives to retain them. He lamented that many dental personnel leave after a year or two to further their education abroad or specialize at institutions like Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, often never returning to their posts. “If dentists are posted and accommodation is made available, they will be ready to work,” he stated.

The Tarkwa Municipal Hospital, which serves as a referral centre, frequently receives cases of severe dental complications from surrounding communities such as Damang, Asankragua, and Enchi, where there are no dental officers. Dr Paintsil explained that simple dental issues, like toothaches, often escalate into life-threatening conditions requiring plastic surgery or prolonged hospitalization. “Some even die,” he said, stressing that early intervention by dental personnel closer to these communities could prevent such tragedies.

Gold Fields Ghana Foundation and Unilever Partner to Promote Oral Health

The oral health screening event, organized by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation in partnership with Unilever Ghana, aimed to address the alarming prevalence of dental issues among school children in Damang. Over 2,000 children from three public schools—Damang MA, Nana Amoakwa Model School, and Damang Roman Catholic Basic School—were screened, with six out of every ten children found to have cavities or holes in their teeth. Some children also exhibited additional teeth, a condition where milk teeth fail to fall out, causing overcrowding and dental complications.

Dr. Paintsil expressed concern that if the oral health situation in Damang is dire, conditions in more remote rural areas could be even worse. He emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children’s oral hygiene.

The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, which spent GH₵80,000 on the program, partnered with Pepsodent (Unilever) to provide free oral health education, screenings, and dental kits to the children. The kits included toothpaste for kids and adults, while Unilever supplemented the initiative with raincoats and mathematical sets. Ayishetu Tu Mohammed, Project Coordinator for the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, explained that the initiative was inspired by the high number of dental referral cases from Damang to the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital. “We want to focus more on preventive healthcare rather than always going to the hospital,” she said.

Unilever’s Commitment to Oral Health Education

Glen Abraham Ampomaa, Brand Manager for Unilever Oral Care, reiterated the company’s commitment to eradicating oral health diseases and promoting healthy smiles among children. “A happy mouth is a happy mind,” he said, aligning with this year’s World Oral Health Day theme. Ampomaa emphasized the importance of equipping children with oral health education from an early age to instil lifelong habits. He also introduced Pepsodent Kids, a new product designed to protect children’s teeth from sugar acid and prevent cavities.

The partnership between Gold Fields Ghana Foundation and Unilever marks a significant step toward improving oral health in underserved communities. The foundation plans to expand the initiative to other catchment areas annually, ensuring that children receive the necessary care and education to maintain healthy teeth. Follow-up efforts will also ensure that children referred for treatment receive the required care.

A Call for Collective Action

Dr. Paintsil’s appeal underscores the critical need for government action and community support to address Ghana’s oral health challenges. By posting qualified dental personnel to underserved areas and providing the necessary resources to retain them, the government can prevent avoidable dental complications and save lives. Meanwhile, initiatives like the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation’s oral health program demonstrate the power of public-private partnerships in driving positive change and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations.

As Ghana marks World Oral Health Day, the focus remains on creating a future where every child has access to quality dental care and the knowledge to maintain a healthy smile.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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