KUALA SELANGOR: At least half of senior citizens in the country should have some 20 natural teeth by 2030, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic).
The Health Minister said this target is in line with National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022-2030 set by the ministry for senior citizens.
Based on the National Oral Health Survey of Adults 2020, only 34.3% of senior citizens have at least 20 natural teeth, while 13.9% experience oral functional limitations that affect their quality of life, he said.
“Teeth are the gateway to the body. We want to ensure this gateway continues to function and protect against various risks, including infections and food-related issues, which are very important.
“I have stressed that there is no health without oral health, as it reflects the crucial role of dental health in maintaining overall well-being,” he said when met after launching the 6020 Campaign and the National-level Kem-bara Senyuman 2026 programme here yesterday, Bernama reported.
To ensure the target is achieved, he said the ministry will roll out the Kembara Senyuman initiative nationwide, offering services such as denture provision directly to communities, care centres and rural areas.
He added that 3D digital technology (3DDT) will be used in the initiative to produce high-quality dentures quickly, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing oral healthcare.
Dzulkefly noted that the initiative is among the government’s proactive measures in addressing the challenges of an ageing population.
He said the latest statistics showed that those aged 65 and above accounted for 8% of the population in 2025.
“Outreach programmes or approaches that extend services to rural areas are crucial to ensure no one is left behind, particularly among vulnerable or high-risk groups.
“We want to ensure that healthcare services and care continue to be delivered comprehensively, with a focus on senior citizens, the infirm, persons with disabilities, as well as those living in remote areas,” he said.
