– nearly 2,000 patients access care in 2026

RESIDENTS of Region Ten are set to benefit from expanded dental services as the region continues to strengthen oral healthcare delivery. The developments were highlighted during the Region Ten 2025 Review and Leadership Meeting, where updates were provided on the progress and expansion of dental services across the region.
According to updates from the Senior Dental Surgeon of the Region, Dr. Renelso Daniels, 1,934 patients have already accessed dental services in Region Ten for 2026, including 663 children and 1,267 adults. During this period, the dental team performed 475 fillings, 265 cleanings, 323 sealants, 384 fluoride treatments, and 858 extractions, reflecting the increasing demand for oral healthcare services in the region.
Dental services are currently available at Bamia Health Centre, Leticia Holder Health Centre, Vivienne Parris Health Centre, One Mile Health Centre, Wisroc Health Centre, and Kwakwani Hospital. Services provided include simple extractions, fillings, dental cleaning, fluoride treatments, and oral health education.
Residents will soon benefit from additional services with the reopening of the Regional Dental Unit on March 16, where fillings, cleaning, simple and complex extractions, minor oral surgery, and oral health education will be offered immediately. Further expansion is expected in early April, when the facility will begin offering simple root canal procedures along with dental laboratory services, including dentures, crowns, and bridges.
The region has also strengthened its diagnostic capacity with a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) machine, which produces three-dimensional imaging as well as panoramic views of a patient’s entire oral cavity, allowing dental professionals to make more precise diagnoses and treatment plans.
To further strengthen services, a Dental Assistant Training Programme is expected to begin in Region Ten shortly, supporting local capacity and the continued expansion of dental services.
Health officials also emphasised the importance of preventive care and early detection, noting that dental teams focus on preserving and restoring teeth whenever possible rather than removing them. Residents are encouraged to visit a dental clinic every six months for routine check-ups.
Special emphasis is being placed on pregnant mothers, who are encouraged to access dental services, as hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is essential for both mother and baby.
The progress in Region Ten mirrors broader national improvements. During his presentation at the 2026 Budget Debate, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, noted that “We have moved from 50 largely non-functioning dental chairs to 99, nearly a 100% increase. In just four years, annual dental procedures have risen from under 50,000 to 494,000. Each number represents a patient treated, pain alleviated, and health restored.”
Dr. Mahadeo further highlighted the impact on citizens, “When you add it all together, it amounts to over $1 billion dollars that remained in the pockets of the people. This is not money we had to allocate in the budget; it is money that citizens did not have to spend to access essential dental care.”
Residents of Region Ten are therefore being encouraged to take full advantage of the free dental services available across the region, noting that early detection saves teeth, while late detection often requires replacement.
These ongoing investments form part of His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision of delivering world-class healthcare to every Guyanese, regardless of where they live.