Addressing critical oral health challenges

THE EDITOR, Madam:

IN THE wake of recent demonstrations by public sector dental surgeons in Jamaica, I am writing on behalf of the Jamaica Association of Public Dental Surgeons (JAPDENS) to shed light on the vital role these dedicated professionals play in our country in safeguarding the health of our people and to bring to the forefront several alarming facts that underscore the urgent need for transformative change in our country’s oral healthcare system.

As of 2019, a staggering 45 per cent of Jamaican children aged 1-9 years suffered from untreated dental caries. The economic impact is equally distressing, with productivity losses estimated at US$60 million in 2019 due to the devastating effects of oral diseases. Worryingly, the incidence of oral and oropharyngeal cancers is on the rise, and the fatality rate associated with these conditions is alarmingly high.

Our dental healthcare system, in many ways, remains entrenched in a bygone era, with one dentist serving approximately 34,000 people. This ratio, by any standard, is woefully inadequate. Equally concerning is the lack of diagnostic equipment, such as X-rays, to identify oral cancers and tumours in the orofacial region, leading to delayed diagnoses and devastating consequences for patients. How many lives have been lost or irreparably disfigured due to this critical gap in our healthcare infrastructure? The toll is immeasurable.

It is astounding that in 2023, Jamaicans resort to tooth extractions, unaware that dental issues are preventable and treatable. Equally alarming i s the pervasive lack of awareness regarding the profound impact of oral health on overall wellbeing and its role as a predictor of systemic illnesses like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. The negligence of oral health is, without a doubt, a failure of our healthcare system.

To compound these challenges, it is important to note that it costs approximately $30 million to train a dental surgeon in Jamaica, with no subsidies from the Government. Given these financial constraints, it is disheartening to acknowledge that, among our Caribbean regional counterparts, Jamaica compensates its dental surgeons the least.

The consequences are already visible, with a notable exodus of dentists since last year, and an alarming number expressing their intent to leave the service after their contracts. Of the practising dentists, a significant 70 per cent are contracted, making it incredibly challenging to attract new talent to a profession where living on these wages is simply untenable.

We urge the Government, policymakers, and senior public health officials to not only acknowledge the pivotal role played by public sector dental surgeons in promoting oral health and overall well-being but also to invest in oral healthcare services and provide proper compensation for these invaluable professionals. Such support is not only crucial for improving the lives of countless Jamaicans but also aligns with our National Goals and Outcomes, Vision 2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

VANESSA KIFFIN, DMD President, JAPDENS