UNIVERSITI Teknologi Mara (UiTM) has achieved a new Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) milestone for the “Most Participants in an Oral Topical Fluoride Application Programme”, with 737 Malaysians receiving topical fluoride treatment during The Fluoride Factor: Mega Oral Health Day 2026.
This initiative is a community oral health programme organised by UiTM and sponsored by Solventum, a healthcare company focused on providing advanced oral care solutions.
The programme is intended to support oral health education and access to preventive oral care.
It brought together lecturers, postgraduate dentists, alumni and students to provide preventive oral healthcare to preschool children, older adults and individuals from underserved communities.
The record-setting achievement was completed within a three-hour treatment window.
UiTM Dentistry Faculty dean and associate professor Dr Mas Suryalis Ahmad said: "We are delighted to have achieved this milestone at Mega Oral Health Day 2026. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of everyone involved in raising awareness of preventive care and making oral healthcare more accessible.
"We also thank Solventum for sharing our commitment to prevention and for sponsoring the oral care products used during the event. Its support was instrumental in making this initiative possible and enabling us to provide preventive oral care to people across our communities."
The event was attended by UiTM Selangor campus assistant rector Prof Dr Solehuddin Shuib, UiTM Dentistry Faculty research, industry, community, alumni and network vice-dean Prof Dr Mohd Yusmiaidil Putera Mohd Yusof and MBOR representatives.
Leaders from Solventum including its Asia Pacific dental solutions marketing director Ivan Zeng, Singapore, Malaysia and export markets business and channel leader Royston Ho and Asia Pacific scientific education manager Dr Vishalini Raveendhar were also present to lend their support.
Addressing Malaysia’s growing oral health needs
Preventive oral healthcare is becoming increasingly important as Malaysia's population ages. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), adults aged 65 and above are expected to represent 10.4 per cent of Malaysia's population by 2035.
The National Oral Health Survey of Adults 2020 found that only 34.3 per cent of Malaysian senior citizens retain at least 20 natural teeth, while 13.9 per cent experience oral health conditions that affect daily activities and quality of life.
In response, the Health Ministry has set a target for more than 50 per cent of senior citizens to retain at least 20 natural teeth by 2030.
Why fluoride matters
Research has proven that fluoride plays an important role in preventive oral healthcare by helping to remineralise and strengthen enamel, reducing the risk of dental caries and tooth decay.
Professional fluoride treatment may also help manage dentin hypersensitivity while supporting long-term oral health.
As part of an overall prevention strategy, topical fluoride treatment may be considered by dental professionals for elevated caries risk patients, including those undergoing orthodontic treatment, experiencing dry mouth, or receiving restorative care.
Advancing better oral health through innovation
Zeng said: “We are proud to support UiTM's initiative to expand access to preventive oral care across Malaysia.
“This collaboration underscores Solventum's commitment to oral care education and improving lives by addressing critical gaps in oral health access."
