RIYADH, 8 April 2007 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah approved the establishment of a full-fledged dental college to be set up under the umbrella of King Saud ibn Abdul Aziz University of Health Science, which functions under the King Abdul Aziz Medical City (KAAMC) in Riyadh.
Announcing the new development, Prince Miteb ibn Abdullah, assistant deputy commander of the National Guard for military affairs, said the proposed college will be a model in the region which would include a state-of-the-art curriculum, advanced teaching methods and modern methods of training.
The prince was addressing more than 900 delegates at the inauguration of the First National Guard Dental Symposium and Workshop for dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and technicians in Riyadh yesterday.
“King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of Defense and Aviation, are keen on providing health facilities to nationals and expatriates alike,” Prince Miteb said, stressing that health is important to everyone’s peaceful and happy living.
Following the inauguration, the prince also opened a dental exhibition where more than 20 pharmaceutical and medical companies displayed their products and services. A total of 21 speakers, including 11 from abroad, are slated to address delegates at the three-day conference to enlighten the audience on the latest advances in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, chief executive officer of King Abdul Aziz Medical City (KAAMC) for National Guard Health Affairs and Dr. Abdullah Al-Shimmeri; dean of postgraduate department of KAAMC and the Conference Chairman Dr. Ali Al-Ehaideb addressed the delegates at the opening session.
The meeting is sponsored by KAAMC in cooperation with the Saudi Dental Society and Dental Services — Central Region. Speaking to Arab News following the inaugural session, Dr. Al-Ehaideb said that 90 percent of the Saudis need dental care.
“It is sad to note that many neglect oral hygiene due to work pressure, but they fail to realize that it could lead to serious medical complications in the long run,” he added. “As much as you wash your plates after meals your teeth have to be cleaned.”
Al-Ehaideb, who is also the chairman of Dental Services in the Central Region, said: “Since half the Saudi population is under 20 years of age, KAAMC is to launch a dental program for children of the National Guard officers. “Four mobile ambulances will be commissioned shortly to take the dental service to the doorstep of these children,” he said, pointing out that the children can have their teeth checked and suitable treatment could be obtained from the mobile services.
“This is going to be a pilot project and it will be extended to other regions as well,” Al-Ehaideb said.
