Patrick Tan
- Singapore’s rapidly ageing population
- Importance of geriatric dentistry in oral health
- NUCOHS Dental Clinic opening at Alexandra Hospital
Remarks by Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health & Ministry of Law, at the Official Opening of the National University Centre for Oral Health Singapore Dental Clinic @ Alexandra Hospital, 3 April 2023, 9.00am at Alexandra Hospital
The following is our quick take on her remarks.
Ageing is like a river that flows ever onward.
As Singapore’s population ages, the importance of geriatric dentistry grows.
Geriatric dentistry, the care of older adults oral health, is vital to helping seniors live well.
The Need for Geriatric Dentistry
Singapore has one of the fastest-ageing populations in the world.
By 2030, one in four adults will be 65 or older.
Seniors often face multiple chronic health conditions and physical impairments.
With over 159,000 adults above 65 years old living in Western Singapore, oral health is crucial to their well-being.
Mdm Rahayu Mahzam said, “Addressing the oral health needs of older adults, therefore cannot be underestimated.”
Connection Between Oral Health and General Health
Oral health and general health are closely connected.
Issues like diabetes and gum disease have a well-established link.
Maintaining good oral health in seniors is important, so they can eat well and get the nutritional benefits of a balanced diet.
As Singapore tackles the challenges of an ageing population, prevention and intervention become more critical.
NUCOHS Dental Clinic Opens at Alexandra Hospital
To meet the oral healthcare needs of Western Singapore’s seniors, the National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS) Dental Clinic opened at Alexandra Hospital.
The clinic offers dental services for geriatric patients, focusing on prevention and intervention.
Actionable and Practical Takeaways
- Prioritise dental check-ups and care for older adults
- Encourage older adults to maintain good oral hygiene habits
- Seek out geriatric dental services for seniors with complex health conditions
In the end, geriatric dentistry is vital to ensuring Singapore’s ageing population’s overall health and well-being.
As the river of time continues to flow, the NUCOHS Dental Clinic and other geriatric dental services will play an essential role in keeping our seniors healthy and happy.
