-dental team expands reach to riverine areas, highlights importance of oral health

REGION Two’s Dental Department has reported a significant achievement in dental healthcare delivery, having served an impressive 6,940 patients from January to June 2025.

The department continues to play a vital role in promoting good oral hygiene and preventing dental-related complications across the region — including in remote lake and riverine communities.

Head of the Dental Department, Dr Sabriena Harrychan, recently emphasised that dental health is closely linked to overall well-being, noting that poor oral hygiene can lead to more than just toothaches — it may contribute to serious health conditions, especially among pregnant women and individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

Dr Harrychan said the department is staffed by a dynamic team of dental surgeons, dentist extenders/dentex, dental assistants, and dental aides, that provides care from four key locations namely, Good Hope/Supenaam Health Centre, Suddie Public Hospital, Anna Regina Health Centre and Oscar Joseph District Hospital in Charity.

Dr Harrychan said the services offered span from routine to advanced dental care and include tooth extractions, fillings (both temporary and permanent), cleaning and polishing, digital dental X-rays, root canal therapy, fluoride applications, and treatment of oral infections. The department also focuses on preventative care, offering sealants and patient education sessions.

Between January and June 2025, the department recorded the following procedures: 2,170 oral surgeries, 31 impaction surgeries, 1,954 fillings (including composite), 51 dental sealants, 188 fluoride applications, 198 digital dental X-rays, 869 cleanings and polishings.

Dr Harrychan said that the Ministry of Health, through the department, is committed to improving access to dental care, even in some of the region’s most underserved areas.

She further explained that every November, Region Two joins the rest of the country in observing Oral Health Month. During that time, the dental team amplifies its outreach through school programmes and partnerships with maternal and child health clinics, as well as chronic disease clinics. Additionally, mobile dental services are dispatched to remote communities via medical outreaches, ensuring that no one is left behind.

She therefore encouraged residents to take their oral health seriously by visiting the nearest clinic and accessing available services.

“Your dental health is an important part of your overall health. Don’t wait for pain or complications—visit your local clinic and get checked today; the services are free,” she urged.