RIYADH, 7 June 2007 — Prince Miteb ibn Abdullah, assistant commander of the National Guard for Military Affairs, launched a national school dental preventive program among National Guard children, at the King Abdul Aziz Medical City (KAMC) on Tuesday. The prince also flagged off four state-of-the art dental mobile units to serve children whose parents are serving for the National Guard.
Among those present included, KAAMC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and Dr. Ali Al-Ehaideb, chairman of dental services in the Central Region.
Prince Miteb pointed out that oral heath is important for every person and its negligence would lead to several complications in the long run.
Fluoride combats tooth decay in two ways. It strengthens tooth enamel, a hard and shiny substance that protects the teeth, so that it can better resist the acid formed by plaque. Fluoride also allows teeth damaged by acid to repair, or re-mineralize, themselves. Fluoride cannot repair cavities, but it can reverse low levels of tooth decay and thus prevent new cavities from forming.
Al-Ehaideb said: “Since half the Saudi population is under 20 years of age, we have to take care of the young population since they will form tomorrow’s generation.” He said four mobile ambulances will be commissioned from Saturday to take the dental services to the doorstep of these children, pointing out that they can have their teeth checked and suitable treatment could be obtained at the ambulances. “This is a pilot project and it will be extended to other regions as well,” Al-Ehaideb added.
Each ambulance will carry a dentist, nurse dental hygienist and a dental assistant. “Each unit has two dental chairs and children could avail of all types of treatment except for dental surgery,” he said.
Explaining the intensity of dental problems in the Kingdom, Dr. Al-Ehaideb said that 90 percent of Saudis need dental care.
“It is sad to note that many neglect oral hygiene due to pressure of work, but they fail to realize that it could lead to serious medical complications in the long run,” he added.
