Health & Well-being

Nearly 50% of adults have never visited a dentist – Health officials

Nearly 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s adult population has never visited a dental clinic, health officials reveal.

According to Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, access to dental care remains unequal despite progress in the sector.

Speaking at the national event marking World Oral Health Day held at Galle Face Green recently, he noted that many people only seek treatment after symptoms appear, highlighting weak public awareness and poor early detection.

He stressed the need to strengthen awareness programmes and ensure the health system is better equipped to identify patients early and direct them for timely treatment.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and the Sri Lanka Dental Association have organized islandwide awareness programmes in line with World Oral Health Day to improve public knowledge and promote preventive dental care.

source: Daily Mirror