ASEAN Chief

Dental Officers
Meeting
Subject:
Quality of Dental Services in
ASEAN Countries
August 27-28, 2013

Chiang Mai, Thailand

ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meeting

on
Quality of Dental Services in
ASEAN countries
by
Intercountry Centre for Oral Health
(WHO Collaborating Centre for
Promoting Community-Based Oral Health)
and
The Dental Council of Thailand

August 27-28, 2013

Rati Lanna Spa Resort
Chiang Mai, Thailand
1

Introduction
The commencement of AEC in 2015 will affect dental practitioners as they are one of the seven
professions under the mutual recognition agreement of ASEAN (MRA) that can work freely
within ASEAN member states. The ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meeting organized by ICOH aims
to define the direction of the coalition of Chief Dental Officers in ASEAN and to consider ways
of moving forward as a regional group of Chief Dental Officers.
The CDOs collaboration is seen as a chance to support space of learning among ASEAN dental
practitioners, as the ultimate milestone of the group is to establish a holistic approach to
enhancing oral healthcare of ASEAN population which will lead to their overall quality of life
improvement.

Contents
Page
Executive Summary

ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meeting Schedule

Opening Session

Plenary Session: AEC and Impact on Quality of Oral Health System

By Mr. Pakpoom Saengkanokkul

Open Forum

14

Country Reports
Brunei Darussalam by Dr. Sylviana Haji Moris
Cambodia by Dr. Heng Sophanha
Indonesia by Drg. Saraswati
Laos by Dr.Bounnhong Sidaphone
Malaysia by Dr. Khairiyah binti Abd Muttalib
Myanmar by Dr. Tint Wai
Philippines by Dr. Manual F. Calonge
Thailand by Dr. Sutha Jienmaneechotchai
Vietnam by Dr. Vu Dinh Minh

15
17
18
19
20
22
24
25
27

Visiting the Intercountry Center of Oral Health (ICOH)

28

General Discussion on Collaboration Plans

30

Reviewing the Summary of Plans

33

Agreed Plans for Collaboration

35

Closing the Meeting

36

Appendix
List of Participants/Opening Speech/ Satisfaction Questionnaires Summary/List of Organising Staff/
Photographs

Executive Summary

Dental Practitioners are one of the seven professions under the mutual recognition agreement
of ASEAN (MRA). This allows dental practitioners a free movement to work within ASEAN
member states.
The ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meeting held during August 27-28, 2013 was the collaborative
efforts amongst Chief Dental Officers in ASEAN to strengthen their professional relations before
the commencement of AEC in 2015. The event was held in Chiang Mai where ICOHs head office
is located. Participants are Chief Dental Officers or representatives from the Ministry of Health
from ASEAN member states.
The topic of the Conference is the Quality of Dental Services in ASEAN countries. The objective
is to establish an alliance network in Oral Health and a body responsible for Oral Health in
ASEAN in order to improve oral health of ASEAN population. In this stage, the specific
objectives are to brainstorm and develop a plan for collaboration.
Each representative agreed that CDOs of ASEAN countries should cooperate with one another
to ensure the improvement of oral health of the population. The collaboration can be in many
ways such as sharing work experiences especially the best practice model in community oral
health promotion, learning from each others experiences in different types of health systems,
collaborating in capacity buildings both in terms of joint research and training, providing
information on training needs that suited to the specific needs of ASEAN population. Finally
they agree that their first priority is on the cooperation among members in promoting
community-based oral health of ASEAN people
In addition, the representatives proposed that the CDO meeting should be held annually and
exclusively event for 10 ASEAN countries at this point and each country should take turn
hosting it. This will strengthen the cooperation since every country has the supporting policies
and will advocate this meeting to be officially accepted at policy level and gain financial support
from their government. Financial Counterpart is highly encouraged.
Each country can start with information sharing by using online method. Via dropbox, the
representatives can share their basic information, best practices and other helpful documents.
Furthermore, the specific website of this group will be set up to avoid the confusion with AJCCD
website.
On this occasion, Thailand agreed to be the focal point and gather the information from other
countries.
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ASEAN Chief Dental Officers

Meeting Schedule

Tuesday, 27th August 2013

0830 0900 Registration
0900 1000 Opening Ceremony
Welcome -- Master of Ceremony
Opening remarks, meeting objectives and expected outcomes, Former
Director of Intercountry Centre for Oral Health, WHO Collaborating Centre
for Promoting Community-based Oral Health: Dr. Sunsanee Sunsanee
Inaugural address by the President of Thailand Dental Council: Dr Toranin
Charascharungkiat
Introduction of Participants
Group photograph
Tea/coffee
1030 1200 Plenary Session:
AEC and impact on quality of oral health system
Speaker: Pakpoom Saengkanokkul
PhD candidate in health economics at University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
Lecturer at Faculty of Economics, Chiangmai University, Chiangmai, Thailand
1200 1300 Lunch
1300 1415 Country Presentation on:
Share countrys experiences,
Review countrys situation
On quality of Dental services when the elements quality are:
1. Patient safety.
2. Effectiveness.
3. Patient centeredness.
4. Timeliness.
5. Efficiency
6. Equity
Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Laos
Discussion
5

1415 1430 Tea/Coffee break

1430 - 1600

Country Presentation (Continued)

Malaysia
Myanmar
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Discussion

1900

Reception

Wednesday, 28th August 2013

0830 1000 Visit Intercountry Centre for Oral Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Promoting
Community-based Oral Health
1000 1030

Tea/Coffee break

1030 1200 General Discussion:

What will be our collaborations?
How would our collaborations not only bring benefits to the dental
practitioners but also improve the overall quality of oral health for all the
peoples including special need groups of the ASEAN Member Countries.
People; rich or poor, old or young, living in the city or remote areas will
have equal access to standard dental treatment.
1200 1300 Lunch
1300 1430

General Discussion (continued)

1430 1445 Tea/Coffee break

1445 1630 Presentation of draft ASEAN CDO proposal
Finalize the ASEAN CDO proposal
Closing Ceremony

ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meeting

Quality of Dental Services
August 27, 2013
Day 1
Opening Session
Welcome
Ms. Marisa is the Master of Ceremonies of the Meeting. She passed the floor to Dr. Sunsanee
Rajchagool to share the objectives and expected outcomes of the meeting.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
Dr. Sunsanee thanked everyone who attended the meeting. She said that Dental Practitioners
are one of the seven professions under the mutual recognition agreement of ASEAN (MRA).
This allows dental practitioners a free movement to work within ASEAN. Dental services are
basic health services for the population as oral diseases may lead to many bodily weaknesses.
There are technical differences and unequal standards of dental services in each country.
Collaborations to improve the standard of dentals services would benefit citizens.
The General objective of the conference is to establish an alliance network in Oral Health and
a body responsible for Oral Health in ASEAN. The participants have to work together as a
team to improve oral health of ASEAN population. The specific objectives are to brainstorm
and develop a plan for collaboration.
The rationale behind holding the meeting in Chiang Mai is because the Inter-country Centre for
Oral Health (ICOH), which is the only WHO Collaborating Center in Oral Health in the Region, is
based in the host province. She also thanked the Ministry of Public Health and the Dental
Council of Thailand in help funding this event. She passed the floor to the Honorable President
of the Dental Board of Trustees, the Dental council of Thailand, Dr. Toranin Chatcharungkiet,
chairman of the Ceremony to officially open this meeting
Official Opening
Dr. Toranit felt very honoured to be the chairman of the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Chief
Dental Officers Meeting on Quality of Dental Services. He felt fortunate to witness the
willingness to make a positive change and improve dental services for the citizens of ASEAN.
This is a great platform for Dentistry to get to know each other, and sharing each ones
thoughts and practices to help standardize the quality and equality of dental services.
7

He desires to witness an ASEAN community that has equal access to oral healthno matter
what the economic or social status of the purpose is. The collaboration will not only benefit the
practitioners but the whole region as well. He thanked everyone for coming and hopes for a
successful and fruitful meeting. He added that this is a great chance to strengthen friendships
both formally and informally.
He also mentioned about the beauty and warmth of Chiang Maiand wishes everyone a great
stay and good health while in Thailand.
Introduction of Participants and other Chores
Ms. Marisa provided everyone the chance to introduce themselves to the group including those
who organized the meeting.
She then asked everyone to look into their colorful elephant bag and find the person that
matches the surprise inside it. She then requested everyone for a group photo session.

Plenary Session: AEC and Impact on Quality of Oral Health System

Mr. Pakpoom Saengkanokkul is a PhD candidate in health economics at the University of ParisDescartes and Lecturer at the Faculty of Economics at Chiang Mai University in Thailand. His
thesis focuses on Challenges and Practices of Oral Health Systems in Thailand.
Part I: Performance of Oral Health System
He started by revealing the World Health Organizations (WHO) health system which is the
sum total of all the organizations, institutions and resources whose primary purpose is to
improve health. A health system needs staff, funds, information, supplies, transport,
communications and overall guidance and direction. It is composed of the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Policy Making and implementation bodies

Health information system
Health financing system
Health resource system
Delivery system
Medical products and technologies system
Other Health systems ex. Food.
9

It is crucial for all these organs to coordinate. The WHO report in 2000 tried to measure
performance of health systems in States. In ASEAN, Singapore ranked 6th, Brunei 36th, Thailand
47th, Malaysia 49th, the Philippines, 60th, Indonesia, 92nd, Vietnam 160th, Laos 165th, Cambodia
174th and Myanmar 190th.
The goals include:
1. Effectiveness which is measured through improvement of population health
2. Equity which is measured through equity of financial burden and progressiveness in
funding health
3. Efficiency which is seen through respect of person and client oriented attributes
Since the 1980s, the paradigm of Health System shifted from medical treatment to health
prevention. WHO defined health as a state of complete physical mental and social well-being
and no merely the absence of disease and infirmity. This trend of health policies in many
countries have changed from medical treatment to health prevention. In 1991, Dahlgen and
Whitehead provided Socio Economic Determinants of Health which includes general socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions, social community networks, and individual
lifestyle factors.
Health prevention and health assurance are based on different risk management. Health
prevention is more efficient than medical treatment. Though this is a great challenge, diseases
cannot be totally exterminated. People get sick all the time. Purpose of health assurance is to
redistribute the risks between high risk population and low risk population. To attain
sustainable health, the existence of both systems is necessary.
The characteristics of oral health and diseases include non-communicable disease. The causes
of diseases are frequently related to individual behaviors and their socioeconomic status. The
individuals economic status has high influence on disparities of oral health distribution because
access to oral health services has been very costly.
In the past, oral health was not included in the physical health agenda. It has been separated
from the health system. Many believed that physical health is more important than oral health.
Integration of both is necessary to sustain prevention of diseases. According to the WHO report
2003, oral health is critical to general healthwhich is a vital factor to quality of life (such as
reducing maternal health). Oral health and general health share the same common risks such as
smoking, alcohol abuse and sugar consumption.
Goals and indicators of Oral health include:
1. Effectiveness such as reducing the burden of oral diseases and disability especially in
poor and marginalized populations (Percentage of oral carries by age etc.).
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2. Equity which covers developing oral health systems that equitability improve oral health
outcomes, respond to peoples legitimate demand (Health care index, percentage of
those who face financial burden).
3. Efficiency which is to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce factors that arise from
environment, social and behavioral causes (Behavioral survey).
In conclusion, the assessment of quality of oral health system is important and necessary. Oral
health has already been integrated in general health. Health prevention and health assurance
are based on different risk management. In order to achieve sustainable health, preventive
system and health assurance are required.
Part II: AEC and Impact on Workforce Mobility and Quality of Oral Health System
Mr. Pakpoom then moved to AEC and Impact on workforce mobility and quality of oral health
system. ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is one of the three pillars for ASEAN integration. It
envisions a single market of products, services and labour in order to increase competitiveness
and equitable economic activities.
He uses Thailand as a model to analyze AEC impact on health work force in terms of integration,
education, immigration and contracting. He then shared that the potential supply of oral health
workers come from the influx of oral health workers from ASEAN members and beyond. There
is also a great supply of domestic health workforce training. The potential demand includes
aging societies, economic growth and urbanization, influx of hi-skill workforce and foreign
patient from medical hub.
The mobility of health workers covers the following issues:
1. Education: In Thailand, dental training is monopolized by the government. In AEC, it may
be difficult for central government to estimate demand and supply correctly because
both come from outside. In 2009, Thailand had 10571 dentists. Nowadays, there is an
uneven distribution of dentists in the country. The ratio of population/dentist in
Bangkok is 1167 and 17563 in Northeastern Thailand (Bureau of Dental Health).
Thailand needs 4000 dentists to meet the demands but there are only 8 public
universities and a private university that offer dental training. Domestic capacity of
training requires infrastructure, budget and time that cannot response increasing
demand immediately. Mr. Pakpoom recommends concerned agencies to encourage
universities to offer dental training.
2. Immigration and Contracting: health workforce comes from lower income countries
such as Indonesia, Philippines (coming to Thailand). There are still obstacles in ASEAN
such as gaps in culture and language. Political instability also affects movement and
efficiency of health services. All dental practitioner must have a license from Dental
Council (by taking an examination in Thai) to work in the country.
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3. Emigration: Singapore and Brunei are the main importers of Thai dental services. Yet,
challenges in language and cultural difference influence Thai dental service providers to
stay home. Dentists are also put on high regard because it is a high earning profession
and domestic demand is very highthere is no need for Thai dentist to emigrate.
The positive impact of effectiveness is the increase of health workforces and medical
equipment encourage completion and higher quality of services. The negative impact is the gap
of training quality between Thailand and others. There is also a weakness in the integrated
quality control bodies. In sum, economic growth will affect positively on population health. Yet,
difference of language and dental licensure requirements limit the health workforce.
The positive impact on equity includes the increasing number of middle class that can access
better education and better oral hygiene. The negative side is on inequity of health workforce
distribution. The Medical hub may increase price of health care, especially tertiary care. Overall,
The Laissez-faire policy on health care market is not suitable. Governments should review
public polices such as progressive tax measures to reduce income gaps between private and
public health workforce.
With regards to efficiency, revenue from economic growth and medical hub allows more
governments to increase their budget for health. This budget should be allotted more for oral
health prevention policies. On the other hand, urbanization and health-damaged behaviors on
preventive may dilute efforts on preventive measures. Immigration of foreign labor may
challenge efforts to collect data on oral health systems. Public health policies have focused
more on preventive measures. Central government should allow private-public partnerships for
advancing disease prevention.
In sum, non-traditional barriers such as language, culture, domestic regulation and quality
control are still major obstacles. AEC impacts very little on immigration and emigration for
health workforce in Thailand.
Part III: Experiences from EU
He then shifted to the experiences in European Union (EU). The EU has integrated products,
services, labour and currency market. In AEC, only products, services and high-skill labour
market are considered. EU has a regional parliament while AEC has none. Most have
democratic governance regimes. The economic gap in EU is slimmer than the gap in AEC.
Mr. Pakpoom then provided a map on how smooth and free the movement of physicians within
the WHO European Region. The first factor is individual and family factor. It depends on the
diversity of cultures and national affinity in many countries in Europe (Turkish doctor would
work in Germany where there is a huge Turkish migrant community). The other factors include
environmental, economic and social factors. The positive outcomes include increasing number
12

of health service providers and provide employment. Negative impacts include low quality of
practice and damage from miscommunication.
He also described the network of organizations at the supranational level. WHO provides
technical supports on policy making, health care services and public health in three levels:
1. European Regional: EU Parliament, Council of European Dentist and Better oral health
European platform
2. National: National Parliament, National Council of dentist, Ministry of public health
3. Community: Local Parliament, Regional council of dentists and Regional public health
body
At the end of the day, all efforts lead to better health prevention and treatment of individuals.
The Council of European Dentists was established in 1961. It is a professional association
comprised of 400,000 practitioners. It aims to promote high standards of oral healthcare and
effective patient-safety centered professional practice across Europe, including the thorough
regular contacts with other European organizations and the EU. They monitor EU political and
legislative developments which have an impact on dental profession. They issue policy
statements and provide expertise for EU institutions on health and consumer protection. They
also provide a platform for the exchange of information between national dental associations
and cooperate with all major European associations of health association.
The Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe is initiated by private associations. This is
sponsored by private companies for profit like GlaxoSmithKline and Wrigley. Its goals are to
promote health and the prevention of oral health diseases. They provide recommendations to
EU oral health policy developers and develop knowledgebase and strengthen evidence-based
case for EUs Action on health. They try to address oral healthcare inequality and mainstream
oral health across all EU health policies. They draw up a specific EU Action Plan on Oral health.
They campaign for prioritizing Oral health under the Community Health Action Programme and
address existing oral health inequalities as part of the implementation of the EU Strategy. They
also provide funding for researches to investigate the future use of innovative approaches in
dental prevention.
The EU Parliament and EU Commission will pursue policies of European oral health. They can
execute initiatives of EU institutions which focus on data collection, funding projects on oral
health indicators. Achievements include establishing a barometer for oral health service
implementation and developing the state of oral health in Europe.

13

Lessons for ASEAN

Lessons that ASEAN can learn from EU such as establishing and supporting new supranational
organizations working on oral and public health.
1. It has to develop and strengthen a regional oral health information systemconnecting
health data amongst States
2. They must support research on oral health promotion and disease prevention
3. They must also support the council of ASEAN dentists
4. There is a need for a regional political body that will push for oral health policies such as
an ASEAN parliament and ASEAN executive body for oral health. This supranational
bodies must work closely with national health agencies

Open Forum
Dr. Abd Muttalib of Malaysia said that it is difficult to follow the EU framework. The AEC does
not talk about integration of social and health services. The EU framework is an idealthere
are still domestic regulations in terms of education and language in Europe. She also mentioned
that WHO under Margaret Chan does not prioritize oral health as part of public health. She did
want to put oral health as part of non-communicable disease (NCD). They tried to campaign for
the inclusion but was denied by WHO.
Dr. Sunsanee said that she agrees with Dr. Abd Muttalib. She acknowledges the diversity of
health service practices. They are trying to put oral health as NCD. This is the function of her
center in Chiang Mai. At the regional level, SEARO, she does see a positive action for this.
Malaysia is not in the same Region as Thailand. In the presentation of Mr. Pakpoom, he just
focused mainly on the AEC impacts on health service policies in Thailand only so she asked the
participants to think of the impact of AEC on health policy of each country.
Dr. Abd Muttalib shared about the Mutual agreement and roadmap on the quality of oral
health services in ASEAN. In Malaysia, in terms of liberalizing oral health services, it is opening
its doors for high skilled health service providers from abroad. They can only practice in private
hospitals. It had made a statement that a private dental clinic can be 100% foreign owned.
Dr. Sunsanee wanted to know about the impact of these policies to the common people. Dr.
Abd Muttalib said that there is an increase of private schools producing new dentists. Dentists
working from abroad are also coming back to the country. They also have a problem of
improving the quantity of oral health practitioners. They prefer though to work in urban areas.
Dr. Fandino shared that not all public health centers have a full-time dentist. They do not hire
dentists due to financial incapacities of the local government. There is also a shortage in
14

plantilla (tenured) positions for dentists. Despite this, there is an increasing supply of new
dentists in the Philippines. They have to mainstream oral health program in the public health
program.
Drg. Saraswati shared that Indonesia is the most populous country in ASEAN. They try to
develop a universal basic health care system. They have set a standard and regulation for
foreign dentists to work in the country. The problem is that they do not prefer working in rural
health centres and hospitals. They try to provide incentives for those who choose to work in
rural areas.
Dr. Abd Muttalib wants to be clarified about the increase of workforce demand. Dr. Parkpoom
stressed on the ageing market for oral and public health services.
Dr. Prae wanted to know more about the inclusion of oral health in basic health packages in
other countries. Dr. Abd Muttalib shared that in Malaysia, there is little third party for health
insurance. But basically, any Malaysian can enter a public health center and get oral health
services (scaling to implants). Dr. Prae inquires at what point they should draw the line. They
must be able to limit the package for oral health services. It is difficult to talk about benefit
package for dental services.

Country Reports on Quality of Dental services

Participants are tasked to present the Oral Health system in their respective countries based on
the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Patient Safety
Effectiveness
Patient Centredness
Timeliness
Efficiency
Equity

Brunei Darussalam by Dr. Sylviana Haji Moris

Brunei Darussalam shares its borders with Malaysia and Indonesia. It has a population of less
than 400,000. There are four main districts with Brunei Muara serving as capital. The vision of
the Department of Dental Services is to Go towards a Healthy Nation. It is headed by a
director which supervises, research and development and executive body. They have a total of
352 dental workers (including 81 dentists and 104 dental nurses).

15

Patient safety: they have an infection control unit, fire safety unit, radiation protection
unit (adequate diagnostic information), medical emergency unity (training of medical
emergency practices), hazardous waste disposal unit, first aid unit, occupational health
unit.

Effectiveness: they provide various forms of comprehensive dental servicesfor all

levels and ages in society such as school dental services, oral health promotion
programme (water fluoridation, antenatal oral health care programme, parents &
toddlers programme in health clinicsproviding toothbrush tools, Media programme),
clinical audit division (implementation of methods for improvement of clinical care),
continuing professional development unit (further education and training for dental
staff), research and development division (appraisal of rewards, auditing and evaluation
of services).

Patient centredness: this includes customer care unit which handles patients
complaints and satisfaction. They have come up an instrument to measure satisfaction
and obtain feedback from clients.

Timeliness: they have a walk in system for primary oral health care amongst adults.
Afternoons are allotted for appointments. There is an on-call emergency service. The
average waiting time is 45 minutes which is unacceptable. They are also developing the
Brunei Darussalam Healthcare information and management system in pursuit of
facilitating efficient quality of health services.

Referrals to specialist care: there is a prompt referral for emergency cases but there is a
long waiting list for specialists.

Efficiency: the Sultan of Brunei expects everyone to work efficiently and effectively at all
time. Brunei does not have a dental school. They are currently partnering with a
university in United Kingdom and the State university (University Brunei Darussalam). To
ensure Cost-efficient workforce development, they have to address costly training of
dentists and improve ways to recruit students of dentistry. They also provide top-up
course to expand scope of work of existing dental nurses.

Equity: Primary Oral Services are being provided in 21 dental clinics. Most Specialists are
found in the capital district (Brunei Muara). Dental clinics depend on the budget
allocation, location, and population (demand for oral health services). They travel with
the armed services to reach rural areas in which some have zero dental cases. They also
do not have a health package in the ministry of health yet they have a scheme of
charges (B$1.00 for Citizen and B$3.00 for non-citizens). Filling and Tooth extraction is
free in government health centers. Cost of other dental treatments is low compared to
private health sector.
16

In conclusion, challenges include (1) Insufficient workforce, dentists play multiple roles, (2)
workforce recruitment & retention, (3) limited room and facilities for expansion, (4) High
burden of oral diseases, (5) High demand for treatment, (6) lower priority for prevention and
(7) Procurement of dental supplies.
Inquires on Brunei Darussalam
Dr. Sunsanee asked for reason of only 10 private dental centers established in the country. Dr.
Moris mentioned that they have to work in the government first for a few yearsthen they can
register for a private dental clinic to the Brunei Medical Board. This is the similar case for
Medical doctors.

Cambodia by Dr. Heng Sophanha

Cambodia has a population of 14,000,000. The major religion is Buddhism. The number of
dentists is approximately 420 while there are 250 dental nurses. There are two dentals schools
(1 private and 1 public). The duration of training is seven years. The National survey on DMFT,
national DMFT is 1.6 (3.2 in Phnom Penh). Dental services are minimal with the most care are
for pain relief.
Oral health problems stem from the Mekong river water, most carries are untreated. Plaque
accumulation status and unsanitary environment have significant influences to periodontal
inflammatory status. Life expectancy is 60 years old. Teeth deterioration and gingivitis are
among the common oral diseases amongst the elderly.
There are dental buses that move around the country to provide oral health services for
students and elderly. In terms of dental education, there is the Faculty of odontal-stomatology
and an Oral Health office. The Faculty has produced 400 graduates and focuses on improving
oral health care services specifically in rural areas. Programme offered is Doctor of Dental
Surgeryfirst phase: basic medical knowledge; second phase: focus on clinical dentistry
examination, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases. By the second phase, students will
obtain a Bachelor of Dentistry. After the third phase, they will be given the doctorate degree.
The Oral Health Preventive Program is steered by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of
Education (School Health Department), together with universities and non-government
organizations (NGOs).
Dental Health Activities in schools include tooth-brushing (paraphernalia are provided to grade
3 and 4 students). Mouth rinsing is done weekly and is supervised by school director and
17

attending dentist. In terms of prevention of oral health care education, they have developed
strategies for communities, schools and pregnant and expectant women. There is also an Oral
Health Day supported by Colgate.
In conclusion, education for geriatric dentistry has just started in the country. They must focus
more on prevention not just for elderly oral health but for the society in general.
Inquiry on Cambodia
Dr. Sunsanee wants to know if there is a licensing policy for dental clinics. Dr. Sophanha stated
that they have to ask for license from the Ministry of Health. The Ministry has to consult the
oral health council. In terms of dental nurses, they can work in private clinic in coordination
with a licensed dentist.

Indonesia by Drg. Saraswati

Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world (242,325, 638). It has 34 provinces
and 409 districts. As for health facilities, there are 2164 hospitals and 24, 328 dentists (3.64:
100,000 Indonesia). The prevalence in dental carries in the past 12 years was 72.1% (29.8% for
12 year age group; 36.1% for carries experience). Lack of resources is the main problem.
Dentists in primary health center are 60.6 % but only 18.7 % covers complete dental set. There
is also an uneven distribution among the population. There are more than 100 districts in the
border region (where most oral health patients are found).
The government tries to achieve optimal oral health status especially in light of regional and
international integration (especially MRA). They do this by regulating, developing, controlling,
directing, implementing dental health manpower and plan for dental health care institution.
Law no. 36 (2009) on Health mandates in Articles 83 and 94 (on oral health care):
1. Oral and dental health strongly related with community health
2. The government is obligated to provide availability of resources in oral and dental
health services for optimum quality and safety ,efficacy and equity
3. Provision of services and resources must be decentralized
Law no. 40 (2004) concerning national security system encourages more economically able to
support public health services. The collaboration amongst stakeholders is rather strong in
Indonesia (Professional organization, universities, ministry of health, non-government
organizations etc.).

18

Oral Health Care Activities aim to promote oral health campaigns in order to improve
awareness, knowledge, attitude, and behavior of population (school programme, innovative
school dental health service, DMF-T, PUFA index). It also tries to increase the quality of dental
health manpower. There is also a need to properly manage dental health and appointing dental
health service centers in selected locales. They also conduct programs on community
participant and NGO in actualising comprehensive dental health service efforts. The dental
health service coverage is focused on children and rural areas. Methods to prevent oral
diseases are being implemented as well.
The level of care covers all sectors of society. It is focused and targeted on providing services on
oral and dental health. Policies and guidelines have been developed for family dentistry, and
dental health in communities.
The development of Oral Health in Indonesia has achieved so much throughout the years.
Causes of oral diseases are easily identified. The quality of oral and dental health services must
be driven by regulation, development, advocacy, monitoring and controlling, and technology
assessment. These increase the quality of oral health, availability of resources, community
involvement, and appropriate technology. Thus, disease prevention and treatment can be
efficiently and effectively conducted throughout the country.
Inquiries on Indonesia
Dr. Sunsanee was curious about the process of re-licensing. Drg. Saraswati shared that
graduates have to take an exam in order to obtain a dental license. The license for dental center
only lasts for three years. If they want to renew, they have to be re-evaluated by the Dental
board. They will be evaluated based on infrastructure and training attended. The Ministry of
Health is informed about the status of dentists and clinics. This is being practiced since 2007.

Laos by Dr.Bounnhong Sidaphone

Laos PDRs dental healthcare has just begun. Previously, the country has dentists but there are
no programmes for nurses or hygienists. Laos just started the programme this year for nurses.
Laos is a landlocked country, with the border next to China, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar.
Population: 6.4 million. Most people (67%) live in the rural areas. Nowadays, they moved to the
bigger city.
First, child mortality and maternal mortality are high. Life expectancy at birth is about 67%. GDP
per capita is about 1,281 USD. Total health expenditure is about 4.1% of GDP. The dental
service is provided in 18 provinces. For 141 districts, Laos has 97 districts to gain dental
services. This is a challenge. Laos has 500 dentists but dont have school for the dental nurses.
19

There is also private dental clinic in Vientiene. Licensing can be obtained after three years of
working with the public sector or in a remote area.
There is only one Faculty of Dentistry in Vientiane. There are currently 52 staffs. The curriculum
for dental education is provided in a span of six years (1 year for basic science, 2 years for preclinical study and three years for clinical study). They expect 80 students per year. There is an
average of 30 students as of the moment.
Inquiries on Laos
Dr. Adb Muttalib asked about the decrease in dental health service staff. Dr. Sidaphone said
that there is a lack of facilities and budget provided by the government. At the local (district)
level, in anticipation of the programme for dental nurses, it is promising that rates for services
will increase. Private practice is only available in the cities particularly in Vientiane.
Dr. Fandino said that it is interesting to know that the government can dictate the number of
students that the Faculty has to accommodate. In the Philippines, education is deregulated. The
University does not provide the license but a national licensing agency. Those who fail the
national exams have to shift to a different career.
Dr. Sunsanee asked about the plan to support the programme for dental nurse. Dr. Sidaphone
shared that Oral Health Promotion engages these nurses to know more about the oral health
situation in the country. They focus more on prevention and promotion.
Dr. Prae asked about the number of dental hygienists they plan to produce. Dr. Sidaphone said
that they foresee an average of 40 per year.

Malaysia by Dr. Khairiyah binti Abd Muttalib

Malaysia has a total population of 28.73 Million. The Ministry of Health has a staff population of
14,000. Oral health care in Malaysia is a public priority with the political support from the
government. There are still challenges in terms of fighting for funding (posed against medical
sector). They have numerous and regulations on health, specifically oral and dental health.
The Vision for health is a nation working together for better health. They have moved from
teeth and gums to enhancing quality of life. There are a total of 4,591 dental practitioners
(ration of 1: 6,436) 58.4% is oral health practitioner in the public sector. 48.1% is under the
supervision of the Ministry of Health.
In the public sector, they undertake Primary Oral, Specialists and Community Oral Healthcare.
Their main sector is still children. Yet, demand from adults and the elderly is increase. Still,
20

funds remain at the same amount. They share the burden of taking care of the public oral
health, focusing on personal care, and population strategies. They also do counseling, fissure
sealants, extractions, and scaling. Public sector charges are very cheap (e.g. filling is 2 Ringgit or
20 Baht). Private Sector apparently charges higher fee. They do have a fee guide that
recommends ceiling for health service fees. There has been a resistance from private
practitioners.
In terms of population strategies, they try to achieve optimum oral health for improved health
and enhanced quality of life (Primary, Specialist, and Community levels). As prescribed, the
National Oral Health Plan sets disease-based and structure-based goals. In the Ministry, they
have key performance indicators (22). They have a national indicator approach concerning
school children and optimal fluoride levels. They have done audits on their dental clinics (MS
ISO 9000) and 14 out of 15 states have achieved this.
The Malaysian Dental Council is housed by the Ministry of Health. It registers oral health
practitioners. Foreign oral health workers are provided with temporary registration certificates.
In terms of ensuring quality dental education, Dr. Abd Muttalib has been part of the Joint
Technical Committee for Accreditation of Dental Education Programme, which evaluates dental
undergraduate and auxiliaries. They are also regulating graduate programmes. Accreditation is
provided by the Institution of Higher Education (IHE). There are six public and private (4
accredited) programmes. They have campaigned for a restraining order on the establishment of
private dental programme, this was granted by the parliament.
They are targeting a ratio of 1:3,000 by 2020. Dr. Abd Muttalib mentioned about students
taking up dentistry abroad. There is an increase of graduates coming back to Malaysia. They
have to work with the Ministry of Health for two years. This policy is at the disposal of the
Minister. This programme is to help increase efficiency and competency among new
practitioners. They are pushing policy makers to make this compulsory.
The Dental Act has been repealed. They are waiting for the new law in Parliament by December
2013. They want to set up a national specialist registration scheme. There will be enforcement
on illegal practice. They also have a Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act, Atomic
Energy Licensing Act of 1984 and the Medical Device Act of 2012 (regulate quality of medical
devices).
In term of on-going quality initiatives, they are now forging ways to accredit private clinics. They
also have documents on professional conduct and for foreign dentists. They are also starting to
monitor patient safety goals via incident reporting.
In terms of equity, they are trying to increase the number of clinics with daily outpatient
services. They have newer initiatives by government such as Urban Transformation Centers21

one stop centre open daily from 8:00-22:00. This requires more funds. They are also
experimenting on a Mobile Dental Lab (Pioneer project in 2013).
Distribution of dental facilities is good except in remote places like Sarawak. They try to
rationalize distribution of health clinics. They must be sensitive to areas with limited access.
Lastly, Dr. Abd. Muttalib shared that by 2020, Malaysia will be an aging society. It is crucial to
stay faithful to the key performance indicators and vision for enhancing quality of life through
efficient, equitable and effective oral and dental health care programmes.
Inquiry on Malaysia
Dr. Sunsanee wanted to know how to keep 14,000 staff committed to the plans and guidelines.
Dr. Abd Muttalib shared that integration is made through the health complex. Their policies all
go under the Director-General of health. They must have a common approach to addressing
public health issues.
Dr. Sutha wanted to know about the line of command and management of 14,000 staff. Dr. Abd
Muttalib stated that there are 15 key heads per state which manage district offices. They have
to abide by the quality assurance and key indicator guidelines. This is the only way they can
effectively manage the services down to the ground. There are reporting meetings and visits
done by the central office.
Drg. Saraswati is interested to know about the Mobile Dental Lab. Dr. Abd Mutallib said that the
lab is still in the building process. There is so much demand for dental fixtures, especially
amongst the elderly.
Dr. Moris asked about the scheduling and management of dentists working under the Urban
Transformation Centre. Dr. Abd Mutallib said that supporting staff is provided extra pay but this
is not extended to dental practitioners. They are given extra day off or managing shifts amongst
them.
Dr. Sunsanee shared that her Centre has had Malaysian students. They told her that system and
policies are more centralized (KPI). They complained that they do not have freedom to
experiment. Dr. Abd. Muttalib said that they are allowed to freely practice but they have to
stay committed to the KPI. This is the importance of the one year exposure programmethey
would be able to understand the situation of oral health systems in communities.

Myanmar by Dr. Tint Wai

Myanmar is the westernmost country of Southeast Asia with an area of 676, 578 sq.km. There
are 60.38 million inhabitants in the country. The health expenditure has increase from 7,688
22

Million Kyats to 100,000 Kyats in 2011. The oral health system in Myanmar is provided by the
government and private sectors. Most private schools are located in the city. There are 3372
registered dentists, 512 of which is under the Department of Health. There is a Ratio of 1
dentist attending to 17,906. The Caries prevalence in 12 years old is 37%, 35-44: 69% , and 6575:91%.
For the oral health care in Myanmar, there is a routine oral health care delivery in fixed
stations. There is also a new approach to oral health delivery for the elderly. The primary oral
health care project started in 1991, with task coordination, supervision and monitoring of POHC
services in project tsp. It also supported the equipments for care givers & effective fluoride
toothpaste and toothbrush and distributed IEC materials to promote self care.
In 2012, the oral cancer survey conducted by the Department of Medical Research (Lower
Myanmar) and Department of Oral Medicine, UDM, revealed that 120 patients had oral cancer
because Myanmar is a high risk country in betel quid chewing and smoking habits. People aged
between 46 and 65 are the commonest.
As the fifth most common cancer in ASEAN, oral cancer contributes up to 50% of all new cases
of cancer. Despite advances in technology, five years survival rate has remained approximately
50% for the last 50 years. Therefore, the prevention and programs related to oral cancer and
early detection should be promoted.
Department of Health in Myanmar has organized several fluoride related activities, such as
Fluorosis Project. The activities of this project from year 2000 to present included first
explorative study on dental fluorosis (Wet- Let) (ORH- DOH) in 2000, and workshop on
multisectoral fluorosis case finding in Wet-Let in Myingyan and Shwebo in 2013.
There was also an analysis of Fluoride Contents in all Drinking Water Sources at selected villages
in Wet-Let by testing on 1114 drinking water sources at 20 selected villages in Wet- Let Tsp.
64.64% is less than or equal to 1.5 mg/l.
Myanmar conducted the survey on 9th standard students of Wet-Let urban and rural schools
(702 students) on several topics and found out that 90% of sample students had dental
fluorosis and nearly of which was severely affected. More than half of the students with TFI
highest score >4 (55.6%) felt their teeth were somewhat defective. Although most subjects
wanted the treatment, they had not taken any treatment because of unavailability of non
invasive cosmetic dental technology, lack of knowledge for possibility of cosmetic correction
and cost of treatment.
Inquiry on Myanmar
Dr. Muttalib asked Dr. Tint Wai how Myanmar trains the assistant to do the fluoride system.
Dr. Tint Wai said Myanmar has the students under the supervision of BCD to do it.
23

Regarding to Dr. Sunsanees question on how to issue license, automatic issuing or evaluation,
in the dental schools in Myanmar, Dr. Tint Wai addressed that the dentist students are trained
to get the licenses issued by the administrative department. Myanmar also has the dental
auxiliary.

Philippines by Dr. Manual F. Calonge

The Philippines has a total population of 99 Million. They have an estimate of 30,000 practicing
dentists, 21 dental schools (1 is run by the State University of the Philippines). Graduates have
to take a licensure exam (50% passing grade).
Of the 87% dental prevalence in 2011, only the 5 years, 12 years and 15-19 years range have
decreased the prevalence. Average decay prevalence of 12 years is at 8% which is still high. The
average is slowly decreasing from 4.27% in 1998 to 3.25% in 2011. The Philippines still lags
behind most ASEAN countries. Only Brunei surpasses Philippines in terms of Average DMFT
amongst 12 years old. There is indeed a problem in the oral health system of the Philippines.
The quality of Oral Health Services, based on the Psychosocial Survey of the Department of
health, reveal that:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Only 45.3% of Filipinos consult a dentist at least once a year

67% do not consult even if needed due to financial constraints
There is preference for public health personal (60%)
Trust and confidence in the dentists ability is very high (92%)

Clinical Practice Guidelines were not being followed in some dental procedures (such as use of
X-ray during extraction). There is also a prevalence of orthopedics and prosthodontics practice.
Infection control practices are also poor. Dental facilities are unmaintained and incomplete.
There is a proliferation of the selling of do-it-yourself (DIY) dental products. There is also a lack
of dental manpower in rural and far-flung communities.
The Department of Health is the policy and guideline developer of Oral Health Care Delivery
System. It has only 35 staff in the central office. The DOH is not directly supervising Local
Government Unitsthus dental services are not regulated or monitored. The DOH also
manages Government Hospitals. The Department of Education is tasked to formulate and
implement school oral health and projects for school children. It only has 600 dentists attending
in the country. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Occupational Dental Health Services and
Private School Dental Services are also part of the Oral Health service system.

24

To address these problems, the government has supported the WHO policy paper on Mercury
in Health Care. They also have a Policy of Infection Control for Dental Health Services. They
have revised the Philippine Dental Health Law. The Philippine Dental Association Memo pushes
for No extraction policy during outreach missions to prevent cross infection and postoperative infection. They have also regulated dental prosthetic laboratories.
The Philippines Health Goal is to address inequity of Health Services through the Universal
Health Care System. It is the agenda of Department of Health to ensure that less Filipinos,
especially the poor, are sick and to promote and implement quality health care.
The Visions for the Oral Health of Filipinos in the next three years include:
1. Financing: National Health Insurance Programme to cover dental health packages.
Outpatient dental care to be covered by dental insurance.
2. Governance: proper information campaign, sufficient support and restoration of oral
health service programme.
3. Equity and Access: All dentists think of equity and quality, and all Filipino access free
health care.
4. Coalition: WHO collaboration Center be established in the Philippines, coordination
amongst concerned agencies and interdisciplinary oral health teams (research,
monitoring).
5. Oral diseases: poor and senior citizen with healthy teeth; DMFT reduced by 50% and
prevalence of dental caries reduced by at least 40%.
6. Training and Education: Schools playing a bigger role in caries prevention. Dental
curriculum re-oriented from treatment to prevention.
7. Health Workforce: Oral health given priority with adequate and competent health work
force.
8. Information: Collaboration Center providing adequate data on oral health.
Inquiry on the Philippines
Dr. Sunsanee asked about the integration of oral health programme into the family health
programme. Dr. Calonge shared that in the early 2000s, there was a rationalization of
programmes. The approach of this programme is based on the life cycle of a human being. Oral
health is mainstreamed in all packages across all ageslike the Kalusugang Pambata- Childs
Health. The negative aspect is the weak cooperation of local government unitsthey prefer
treatment than prevention.

Thailand by Dr. Sutha Jienmaneechotchai

25

Thailand has a number of ethnic groups (West: Karen, East: Khmer, South: Malaya, Central and
the rest: Thai and Pu Thai). It has a population of 67, 448,170 (July 2013). Life expectancy at
birth is 74.05 years old. The health expenditure is 3.9% of GDP. There is an average of 1,600
dental graduates per year. The ratio is 1: 5,000.
Quality of dental personal is done in three phases:
1. School of Dentistry: Curriculum has to meet standards. This supervised by the Dental
Council.
2. Dental Students: Must pass examination (School Dentistry)
3. Thai Licensure Exam: Written Exam on Basic Biomedical Science, Clinical Science and
Clinical Practice (CDA-IDC). They are currently revising the method of assessment for
licensure system.
The Thai Dental Council has developed the Dental Safety Goals and Guidelines in 2010 on safety
communication, treatment, and infectious control. There are also guidelines in clinical practice.
They also made ways to educate consumers of Oral Health services. The process is to monitor
outputs and outcomes through KPO, Record, Report and Survey and Consumer protection.
In terms of patience centredness, primary care unit is available in every sub-district (9,000 in
total). Care is provided by doctors from local communities. Dental ethics have to be followed at
all times. Not much has been done in terms of implementing the universal coverage program,
long waiting list, long waiting time and no time point standard. Oral health care is still better
provided by private practitioners.
Efficiency is measured through the promotion of health than curative method. The strategy of
Oral health promotional is through law enforcement, regulation, policy and standardization of
the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Sugar control
Tobacco control
Oral Care Products
Fluoride Standards

Area based health promotion targets Mothers and children (dental exam), Preschool daycare
(tooth brushing, no sweet food), School Children (Tooth brushing, fissure sealant,
comprehensive care) environment/community, and Elderly. Data on Dental caries prevalence
reveal that the rates have decreased from 68.5% in 1994 to 51% in 2007 (3 years old).
Equity in Thai Oral Health Services is practiced through the social security scheme, civil service
welfare, Universal Coverage focusing on health insurance. 75.21% of the people utilize these
services and the service utilization has increased throughout the five years.
26

The National Health Act in 2007 promoted health rather than cure. The act is the Governments
method to stress Health as the national agenda. People should be part of the ownership for:
1. An equal sharing of health care services expenditure and equity of access the same
quality
2. Efficient use of health care resources
3. People have the right to choose means of health services

Inquiry on Thailand
Dr. Abd.Muttalib said that Malaysia is on its way to improve policies on promoting health
services. This is the reason why they send students to Thailand to learn about Oral health care.
She wants some clarification on time point standards. She was also curious about dental
etiquettes. Dr. Sutha said they dont have a time point standard for treatment. Dental
etiquettes are rules on professional ethics.
Dr. Sutha added that it is challenging to increase the moral of Oral Health practitioners.
Furthermore, they need work-life balance. They also have to advocate to policy makers and
make them invest in oral health.

Vietnam by Dr. Vu Dinh Minh

Dr. Vu shared that he is a practitioner and not an expert. He therefore focused on problems and
solutions for oral health care. He started by talking about the effectiveness, peoples approach
to services of oral health care system, quality of services and cost. Oral health care systems are
provided by the government and private sector. There are two national hospitals (Ha Noi and
Ho Chi Minh), 63 Dental departments that belong to provincial health department and district
and community health centres.
National hospitals are equipped with advanced technologies. There is a lack of qualified
professionals and infrastructure at the district level. Solutions focus on Training, continuing
education, socialization and community workshops. There is indeed an inequality in
professional ability and difficulty in management of quality.
The Ministry of Health and Provincial Department of Health had to improve the effective
control, and control of licensure. There is also the need to improve the quality of governmental
dental services and enforcement of qualification control of private dental services. Satisfaction
of patience is also important.
27

In terms of cross infection control, hospitals and private section must follow principle given by
the Ministry of Health. Equity means that people have the right to receive health care on
demand. This is through receipt of insurance and preventive programme. Salary of dental
workers is still low. There is a big difference between professional levels.

28

ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meeting

Quality of Dental Services
August 28, 2013
Day 2

Visiting the Intercountry Center of Oral Health (ICOH)

Dr. Sunsanee welcomed everyone to the Intercountry Center of Oral Health (ICOH). The ICOH
was established through the agreement of the WHO and Thai Government in 1991. The
Director is the head of the ICOH. It has branches consisting of administration, finance,
Intramural activities and extramural activities. The themes are:
1. Solving Fluorosis- It has projects in Chiang Mai, Lampoon and Lampang.
2. Oral health promotion- It uses the community care modelproving health care to the
whole community. These are simple, people initiated, culture bound and conducive to
lifestyle.
3. Dental health treatmentAtraumatic Restorative Treatment is the main approach
employed.
They are also committed to keep the quality of dental practice high (Performance Logic
Dentistry). They also provide academic support to dental health practitioners (short term
courses, trainings). The website is www.icoh.org. It also has a library run with the Chiang Mai
University. It aims to improve oral health both in Thailand and the rest of the region.
Dr. Sunsanee stresses on the ICOHs Community-based intervention. She gave the following
examples that explain their work:

A community with high caries rate in preschool children A: collaboration with parents to
decrease sugar consumption and to increase vegetable and fruit consumption. The
Mothers group identity of the activities which address the oral problem.
A community with high caries rate in preschool children B: Mothers work together to
define the food that will be served in daycare center.

She reiterates that development and sustainability of projects are run by the community as
seen in the mentioned cases.
The TOR of ICOH (2006-2010) are defined after the assessment by WHO:

29

1. To encourage and stimulate all countries especially developing countries, in Community

Care Model (CCM) in Oral Health being a model for oral health promotion;
2. To promote community empowerment approaches for Oral Health through improved
self-care capacities; and
3. To prove consultation and assistance to all countries in relation to control dental
fluorosis.
The second term TOR (2010-2014) of ICOH are as follows:
1. To assist in building the capacity of oral health systems and promote oral health in
communities;
2. To contribute to assessing and addressing inequalities in oral health services; and
3. To provide support to countries for the control or risk factors common to oral diseases.
They are currently running training on building the capacity of oral health systems (Distance
learning course for Thai dentists). They also conducted a staff-dental nurse training for
Cambodians in 2004. Performance Logic Dentistry is the core approach when conduct their
training and at the same time, strong encouragement is given on self-learning method. Learning
aids have been developed by the ICOH. Training can be tailor-made based on the request to
their partners. Students from Universiti Malaya have been attending trainings developed by
the Centre (especially on Fluoridation). Engineering students from the National University of
Singapore also underwent some classes.
Empowerment seminars in communities are also regularly conducted. They also have a project
entitled Art for Smart focusing on evidence based research and decision making. They also
organize WHO meetings in the Center.
Dr. Sunsanee then shared ICOHs future plan for ASEAN. ICOH has been trying to obtain budget
for this agenda and plan to integrate all projects in a three month period. They also plan for a
training centre on community-based on oral healthconducted for ASEAN dental personnel
only.
Dr. Abd Muttalib wants to know the relationship between the ICOH and the WHO collaborating
centre. Dr. Sunsanee stated that they are the same entities. They share the same brand, staff,
and facilities. WHO funds the Centre based on project proposedsuch as sending
representatives to regional meetings. Current funding support comes mainly from Thailand. Dr.
Abd. Muttalib thinks that the training centre is a good idea. There are a lot of things to learn
from the ICOH projects with the communities. She is very willing to send more personnel to be
trained by ICOH.
The participants were then invited to witness various projects being undertaken by ICOH
30

General Discussion on Collaboration Plans

Dr. Sunsanee facilitated the discussion for the plans for the Council. She expects everyone to
provide his/her inputs. She wants their personal responses on the following questions:
1. Do we need a collaboration?
2. If yes, what themes will we be working on?
3. How can we run our collaboration? (Management)
Dr. Moris of Brunei started the discussion. She thinks that there maybe a clash with various
collaborations. They are also planning to develop a database and other programmes. For
Brunei, she cannot finalise the contribution of the Ministry. She wants a programme for
learning experiences and best practices. They have sent participants to visit and be trained in
Malaysia and Singapore. It is not yet ready to set up formal training. They still have to learn
from other ASEAN countries especially on training dental technician and community workers. In
terms of what Brunei can offer, they have a small group of workers, hygienists, and technicians.
They are willing to help other countriestheir capacity is questionable as of the moment. As
for the questions:
1. Collaboration is something good. They have to work together to achieve enhancing
quality of life through quality oral healthcare.
2. Countries have different strengths in terms of training, quality of dental services, and
accessibility.
3. Sharing of experiences is mandatory in many levels of community, rural, and oral work.
Dr. Sophanha from Cambodia responded:
1. Yes, collaboration is necessary.
2. Quality of learning Oral health systems and practices in the community area are
mandatory including learning advancing technology and experiences in various
countries
3. They should focus on remote and grassroots areas. They have to focus their budget on
these areas. They should tap schools and communities.
Dr. Saraswati of Indonesia shared her thoughts:
1. Collaboration is needed to reduce the gaps in terms of quality and practice. The aim is to
bridge them and set standards for Dental health status.
2. Community empowerment must be strengthened especially in huge countries like
Indonesia. They need to forge a space to discuss and share about community-based
work.
31

3. They must initiate pilot projects in target areas. This can be identified with the help of
colleagues.
Dr. Sidaphone of Laos gave his opinion:
1. He feels the importance of collaboration amongst the ASEAN Member-countries. The
ICOH can initiate this collaboration.
2. Sharing on setting up community-based oral health centres. They also want to
strengthen training course for dental practitioners.
3. He agreed on the importance of partnership.
Dr. Wai of Myanmar shared:
1. Yes, he agrees on the need for collaboration.
2. There is a need to Improve knowledge and skills of dental experts and practioners,
technical status and infrastructure and strengthening programmes for continuing
education
Dr. Adb Muttalib of Malaysia shared:
1. Yes, she agrees for collaboration.
2. Community-based Oral Health service is an interesting project. They need to keep a
balance between the quality of services by public and private oral health sectors.
Research is also important for promotion and prevention efforts. Monitoring and
Evaluation must be regularly performed. They should also start collaborating with
academics. She is also interested to learn more about Universal Health Care coverage.
Looking into health promotion and policies at the district level.
3. She is actually dissatisfied by the ways the ASEAN is working. It is difficult to come up
with concrete outputs. She likes the word collaboration: You learn from me, I learn
from You. In their other network, they use the word Asian to be inclusive (Asian Chief
Dentist's Meeting). Proctor & Gamble is funding this Asian collaboration but it is limited.
Malaysia is a Secretariat for this collaboration. She feels the need to strengthen the
partnership with WHO.
Dr. Calonge and Dr. Fandino of the Philippines gave their opinions:
1. Yes, The Philippines is in need to strengthen its regional collaboration. There are a
myriad of gaps and challenges in the country and its position in the Region
2. There is a need to improve human resource development through training and sharing
of best practices. Dr. Fandino shared that there is a gap in implementation of
community-based polices: Quality Education for Day Care Oral Health. They can develop
a regional standard curriculum to address this. They should also provide scholarships for
32

dental personnel. The Department of Health has budget for this. There should also be
collaborating centre (training and resource hub). Database must also be developed.
They also have to advocate to Local Government Units to retrain dental personel for the
empowerment of community stakeholders especially parents.
3. They should also expand their network to neighboring countries like Japan and Korea.

Dr. Minh from Vietnam gave his inputs:

1. Yes, there is a need to learn from each others experience
2. Prevention of oral health diseases. Intergenerational health care management and
service provision are also key factors. Conference and workshops can be space for
sharing of experience and best practices
For Thailand:
Dr. Sutat shared:
1. He agrees with Dr. Abd Muttalib about the frequency of meetings at the regional level.
He thinks that it is important to focus more on the quality of oral health care at the
national level. They should have target goals and standards on how to balance quality of
service and infrastructure.
2. Ways to strengthen capacities at the national level, through sharing of best practices
must be identified and discussed more. Through this they can develop standard model
for the Region. There should also be a mechanism to evaluate manpower competencies
(dental health personnel).
3. Meetings must be conducted at least once a year. There must be a follow up system
that country representatives have to abide by. This is a way to document and measure
improvements of practices. An online hub must be developed for regular sharing of
practices. Budget allocation is a challenged but this may be worked on as a regional
coalition.
Dr. Prae shared:
1. She learned so much from the strengths and challenges of Oral Health Care systems in
the conference. One of the goals of the collaboration is to strengthen the prioritisation
of oral health in national health agenda.
2. It is important to focus on strategies to improve oral health in light of nutrition. She also
believes in the power of Information Technology. This can be started by sharing their
PowerPoint presentations to the Thai Dental Council website.
Dr. Narumanus shared:
33

1. He feels that this meeting is friendlier than the Asian council meeting that he
previously attended. This is good sign for future collaboration. They should grab this
opportunity to learn with each other.
2. They can forge ways to collaborate bilaterally for specific trainings and research.
3. There is a need to constantly communicate through technology (website).
Mr. Pakpoom wanted to ask about the position of the organization and the purpose of the
meeting in terms of future collaborations. Only when they are able to define this, then they
would be able to identify concrete and targeted strategies. Dr. Abd Muttalib believes that it is
crucial for country representatives to have political support for funding and policy prioritisation.
She thinks that it is important to set guidelines for counterparting in terms of funding.
Dr. Sunsanee shared:
1. She admitted that it is difficult for them to raise funds for programmes. ICOH is very
much willing to collaborate with other regional partners. They are willing to share best
practice of the Centre. Dentists from the Centre are willing to share their skills and
expertise despite the lack of funds.
2. They are using the online sharing system drop box as a resource hub. They also use
Skype to meet with network members. There is also a need to develop a standardized
curriculum for training of dental personnel. ICOH is also willing to learn from the
practices of other countries.
3. It is important to develop a research protocol and establish a resource center. Thailand
Dental Association has been working with a number of programmes. They should start
merging their knowledge and information on past and on-going projects and practices.
Information System must also be strengthened.
Reviewing the Summary of Plans
Dr. Abd Muttalib shared that there is already a roadmap for a regional database and hub by the
Asian CDO. They should not duplicate. She also wants to lend voice to oral health to the WHO
and wants to include Universal Care system. Dr. Sophanha mentioned that the AGCCD meeting
also has a plan to develop a website.
The plan stated in the PowerPoint was then improved by the group.
Dr. Sunsanee shared the need to communicate about the outputs of the meeting that they
have all attended. Dr. Abd Muttalib mentioned that there are several websites on coalitions in
the ASEAN. Dr. Moris said that the creation of a website may confuse those who are attending
various meetings.
34

Mr. Pakpoom shared that they should not create a new organization that overlaps with other
existing collaboration. He sees that the strength of this collaboration is on community-based
oral health work. He restates his question on the goal of the upcoming collaboration. Dr. Abd
Muttalib said that it has to be formal to get political support.
They can ask the AJCCD and the ASEAN Secretariat to include programmes recommended by
the coalition. Bruneis Website has information on practitioners, guidelines and other data in
English. Thailand also has information on Oral Health in country but most are in Thai.
Dr. Sunsanee mentioned about sharing practices in terms of licensing programmes. They can
also share the information on clinical cases to everyone on the website. Dr. Abd Muttalib
mentioned about following up on a regional curriculum for oral health care in the Region. Dr.
Fandino shared that the Professional Regulation Commission gives out the license for dentists.
Examinations are given in written and practical forms. They have to also renew their license
every few years. This gives the Government a way to track those who are still practicing.
They will come up with a website with a different name. It has to be simple and must contain
various resource materials. They can have a drop box function in the website. All documents
are in English. Dr. Prae will supervise this project.
Mr. Pakpoom wanted to know the priorities. Dr. Abd Muttalib said that it varies per country. Dr.
Sunsanee said that the Ministry of Health is working to improve promotion of quality of oral
health. Mr. Pakpoom said that they need to enhance data on Oral Health for each country
(disease prevention). Dr. CaLonge suggested standardizing the data that they have to share. Dr.
Sunsanee said that they need to develop an effective template to fit in all important data.
Dr. Abd Muttalib said one thing we dont have is people who can promote what were doing
and care about sharing dentists who like to write. Dr. Sunsanee mentioned that someone has
to evidence a persons success, not the actual successful person because they dont see their
success.
Dr. Sunsanee said that it is impossible to appoint a regional hub (country base) for the coalition.
The website will be the most workable way to communicate.
In terms of conducting meetings, Dr. Sunsanee suggested to propose this directly to the
Ministries of Health. Dr. Abd Muttalib said that the government already has allocated budget
for someone to attend the Chief Dental Officers Meeting. Dr. Sopanha agrees with Dr.
Muttalib. He said that not all countries are represented at the AJCCD. In Laos, NGOs support the
representative. Dr. CaLonge said that the Government of the Philippines supports its
representatives attending any ASEAN-organised meeting. Otherwise, they have to look for their
own supporters. This is also the condition for the Cambodian Ministry of Health.
35

Dr. Fandino suggested the group to identify themes that they will have to achieve. Dr. Sunsanee
said that they should cover sharing of best practices in the communities. Dr. Abd Muttalib said
that they have to also think about other countries to increase the voice of other Asian
countries. She is attending the CDO meeting in September. Indonesia is organizing the meeting.
Dr. Sunsanee suggested keeping the membership amongst ASEAN Countries for the moment.

Agreed Plans for Collaboration

The objective of the Planning is to define the direction of the coalition of ASEAN Chief Dental
Officers. They have to consider ways of moving forward as a regional group of Chief Dental
Officers.
In terms of structure, it was suggested that they consider formalizing the collaboration in order
to obtain social and political acceptance of Oral health as a bio-medical discipline. The initial
priority of the collaboration is the promotion of Oral Health in the ASEAN Region. Themes for
the coming meetings will be defined in the future. There is also a need to increase the Voice of
Oral Health in WHO policies. Collaboration is seen as a chance for support and greater space of
learning. This is done to achieve a holistic approach to enhancing quality of life (beyond teeth
and gums).
They have come up with definite plans for the following:
1. Develop a website with a unique name. They also have to maximize the existing
roadmap and programmes developed by the CDO and the ASEAN Joint Coordinating
Committee for Dental Practitioners. The website shall include information on
conferences/symposia/training in the ASEAN. They will also give space for narratives
on regional and national best practices. Everyone is strongly encouraged to send
articles of Oral Health Promotion Practices. Dr. Prae will be managing this project.
2. Dr. Sunsanee will also be coming up with a Dropbox account for resource materials.
This will be made available to all members.
3. They will use Skype as an informal communication platform.
4. Initial Membership will only be for ASEAN Members. This may expand in the future.
The following areas for collaboration will be considered and further developed:
1. Enhancing Competencies:
a. Training Programmes for Dental Personnel
b. Continuing Education for Dental Personnel
c. Research collaborations on oral health services, Dental Safety Goals, Clinical
Practice Guidelines, Universal Health Care Systems in different countries and
Licensing Programme (Sharing of Practices)
36

d.
e.
f.
g.

Collaboration for Multi-centre research works

Standard Research methodologies (collaboration with Academics)
Regional Exchange programmes: consultancies, Personnel and Students
Develop a Regional Standardised curriculum for Community-based Oral Health
Work

2. Strengthening and Empowering the Community

a. Sharing of Best Practices in terms of promotion of Oral Health Programmes and
Services (Technology, Advocacy, Information Systems and Education)
b. Build and Nurture Sense of Ownership amongst community members
3. Monitoring and Feedback Mechanism
a. Amongst New Graduates and Personnel: Strengthen ways to enhance
performance levels through an evaluation process
b. Amongst National Agencies and Community Centres: Periodic evaluation of
implementation can be established.
c. Amongst Regional Coalition Members: report-back system must be developed.
In terms of ways to collaborate, as stated earlier, the website will be the main platform for
coordination. It was suggested to hold annual meetings, workshops and conferences. This has
to be proposed to the Ministry of Health for political and financial support. Financial
Counterpart is highly encouraged amongst members.
Closing the Meeting
Dr. Sunsanee said that it has been a struggle to get financial and political support for a friendly
meeting of Chief Dental Officers. She thanked everyone for working hard to promote quality
oral health in their respective countries.

37

APPENDIX
Chief Dental Officers ASEAN Meetings
Subject: Quality of Dental Services in ASEAN Countries
1. Principle.
Dentistry (Dental Practitioners) is one of seven professions under the mutual
recognition agreement (Mutual Recognition Arrangements: MRAs) of ASEAN can be movable,
working within the ASEAN countries freely. This free labor mobility agreement is a golden
opportunity for the profession. The open job markets in the same public services will be
expanding from 63 million people to 600 million people in 10 countries of ASEAN. In addition
these 10 countries are in the direction of a growing economy.
Dental services are basic services for the health of the population. Those suffer from
oral diseases, leading to failing health. There is much difference between the technology and
standard of dental services of countries in the region. Collaborations to improve an equal
standard of dental services in the regions would benefit citizens throughout the regions.
It is also an opportunity for countries with high technology of service such as Thailand
and Singapore to learn the limitations of other countries so they can develop affordable and
more economical services. And for countries where the services technologies are moderate to
learn through other countries experiences.
In addition, it is worldwide accepted that working together as equal partnership can
bring rapid development and sustainable outcomes.

2. General objective
The establishment of the partnerships and a body responsible for quality of dental
services in ASEAN. Working together to improve the quality of dental services to an equal
standard is the beginning of collaboration.
38

2.1 Specific objectives.

A meeting of Chief Dental Officers of ASEAN.
Brainstorming to improve the quality of dental services to the
same standard.
Development of a plan under the subject Quality of Dental Services in ASEAN
Countries.

3. Target group.
Chief Dental Officers one person per country.

4. Date and venue

2 days on August 27th 28th August 2013. Rati Lanna Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand

5. Responsible organization
Intercountry Centre for Oral Health (WHO Collaborating Centre for Promoting
Community based Oral Health), Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

39

ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meetings

Quality of Dental Services
August 27-28, 2013
At Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Brunei Darussalam.
Dr.Sylviana Haji Moris
Acting Senior Medical Officer (Dental), Department of
Dental Services, Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam.
E-mail: SYLVIANA.MORIS@moh.gov.bn
sylviana692@yahoo.com

Cambodia
Prof. Heng Sopanha
Vice Dean, Facultly of Odonto- Stomatology, University
of Health Science, Vice president of Dental council of
Cambodia.
E-mail: hengsopanha@yahoo.com

Indonesia
Drg. Saraswati
Head of Division Guidance and Evaluation, Directorate
of Primary Health Effort Management,
Directorate of General Health Effort Management.
E-mail: saras18967@gmail.com

40

Laos
Dr. Bounnhong Sidaphone
Lao Dental Association.
E-mail: laodentdep@yahoo.com

Malaysia
Dr. Khairiyah binti Abd Muttalib
Principal Director, Oral Health Division,
Ministry of Health.
E-mail: drkay@moh.gov.my

Myanmar
Dr . Tint Wai
Deputy Director (Oral Health), Department of Health.
E-mail: dr.tinwai@gmail.com

41

Philippines
Dr. Manuel F. CaLonge.
Chief Health Program Officer, National Center for Disease
Prevention and Control.
E-mail: mfcalonge@yahoo.com

Philippines
Dr. Juanita H. Fandino.
Human Resource Management Officer IV,
Health Human Resource Development Bureau.
E-mail: jhfandino15@yahoo.com.

Thailand
Dr.Sutha Jienmaneechotchai
Director, Bureau of Dental Health, Department of Health,
Ministry of Public Health.
E-mail: suthajien@gmail.com
Sutha.j@anamai.mail.go.th

Vietnam
Dr. Vu Dinh Minh
Vice Director of Central Hospital for Odonto
and Stomatology.

E-mail: vudinhminh56@yahoo.com
42

Thailand
Dr.Toranin Charascharungkiat
President of The Dental Council, Thailand.
E-mail: toranin9@gmail.com

Thailand
Dr.Komet Wichawut
Secretary General of The Dental Council, Thailand.
E-mail: kometw@hotmail.com

Thailand
Assistant Professor
Dr.Narumanus Korwanich
Advisor of The Dental Board, Thailand.
E-mail: dncmi002@chiangmai.ac.th
e2809025@yahoo.com

Thailand
Dr.Prae Chittinanda
The Dental Association of Thailand
E-mail: prae001@gmail.com

43

Thailand
Mr. Pakpoom Saengkanokkul
Lecturer at Faculty of Economics,
Chiangmai University, Chiangmai, Thailand
E-mail: pakpoom888@hotmail.com

Thailand
Dr. Sunsanee Rajchagool
Dentist, Advisory Level,
Former Director of the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health.
WHO Collaborating Centre for Promoting Community based
Oral Health.
E-mail: Sunsanee@gmail.com
Sunsanee@hotmail.com

44

Opening Remark
ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meeting on Quality of Dental Services
August 27, 2013
Dr. Sunsanee Rajchagool
Chairman of the Organizing Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------------Your Honorable, President of the Dental Board of Trustees, the Dental Council of Thailand, Dr. Toranin
Charatcharungkiat
On behalf of the organizing committee, and of the participants of The ASEAN Chief Dental Officers
meeting on Quality of Dental Services, may I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to you for
chairing the opening ceremony today.
May I also highlight certain crucial aspects of the rationale of the Meeting and how it has been
materialized here in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Dental practitioners are one of the seven professions under the mutual recognition agreement of ASEAN
(MRA). This allows dental practitioners free movement to work within the ASEAN countries. The
freedom of labour mobility gives people in this profession a great opportunity. The demand for public
services will expand from only within one country to 600 million in 10 ASEAN countries in which their
economy are growing.
Dental services are basic health services for the population as oral disease may lead to many others, or
body weaknesses as a whole. However, there are still some technological differences and unequal
standard of dental services in each country in the regions. Collaborations to improve the standard of
dental services would benefit citizens in the regions.
It is also an opportunity for countries with high technology to learn the limitations of other countries so
they can develop affordable and more economical services while countries with lack in service
technologies can learn through other countries experiences.
It is worldwide accepted that working together as equal partnership can bring rapid development and
sustainable outcome to each of us based on our own contexts and environments.
Therefore, the general objective of the conference is to establish the alliance network in Oral Health and
a body responsible for Oral Health in ASEAN. Working together as a team to improve oral health status
of ASEAN population is the beginning of our collaboration.
The specific objectives are to brainstorm and develop a plan on working together.
This meeting is being held in Chiang Mai because our organization, the Intercountry Centre for Oral
Health (ICOH), which is an only WHO Collaborating Centre in Oral Health in this region, is located in
Chiang Mai. ICOH is fully aware that the launch of AEC will have both positive and negative impacts on
45

the health of the population of ASEAN. As people who work in this area, we need to be well prepared in
this field so that we may bring benefits to every factor of the population of this region. Besides, Chiang
Mai is a beautiful city with beautiful and friendly people.
Finally, I would like to thank the Ministry of Public Health and the Dental Council, Thailand, for kindly
supporting this meeting.
On this auspicious occasion, may I humbly ask the Honorable, Resident of The Dental Board of Trustees,
the Dental council of Thailand, and Dr. Toranin Charatcharungkiet, chairman of the ceremony, to
officially open this meeting.

46

Opening address
ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meeting on Quality of Dental Services
August 27, 2013
Dr. Toranin Charascharungkiet
President of the Dental Board of Trustees, the Dental Council of Thailand

Dr. Sunsanee Rajchagool, former Director of the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health, WHO Collaborating
Centre for Promoting Community based Oral Health Chairperson of the Organizing Committee,
Distinguished Chief Dental Officers of ASEAN countries, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very much honored to be the chairman of the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Chief Dental
Officers Meeting on Quality of Dental Services, here today, and to witness the willingness to make a
change to improve dental services for the citizens of our region. This is a great platform for us to get to
know each other, and share our thoughts to help standardize the quality and equality of dental services.
How wonderful would this world be for the population of ASEAN to have equal access to oral health,
including special needs group, no matter how rich or poor, old or young, living in the city or remote
areas they are. Our collaboration will not only benefit us as practitioners, but the population as a whole.
I would like to express my admiration to all of you who attend this meeting and hope that you will
achieve your goals.
I would like to thank the organizers and everyone who has had a part in setting up this meeting. It is my
sincere hope that these two days of the meeting will be rewarding for everybody. I am certain that this
meeting will be successful and hoping that we could further our friendships both in formal and nonformal ways. I am sure that the results we take back home will be of great benefits to our ASEAN
population.
Last but not least, I hope that during your stay in Chiang Mai, you will find our city a lot more than just
CDO meeting but a place of cultural arts, ancient history, warmth, beauty and wonderful people.
It is now the time for me to declare the ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meeting on Quality of Dental
Services, open.
May you enjoy the blessing of good health and happiness during your stay in Thailand.
47

Satisfaction Questionnaires Summary

No....................

Satisfaction Questionnaire of
ASEAN Chief Dental Officers Meetings
Quality of Dental Services
August 27-28, 2013
At Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand

Please help us improve the service by marking
in the box.

Part 1: Information of participants
V.1: Gender
V.2: Age

1) Female (4)

2) Male ( 6 )

1) 20 or below

2) 21 30

3) 31 40 ( 2)

4) 41 - 50 ( 3)

5) More than 50 (5)

V.3: Level of education

1) Bachelors degree (2)

2) Masters/ doctoral degree (8)

3) Others

(please identify) Dental Public Health/ BDS/post-grad diploma/Master of Public Health

V.4: Your current position Please identify
Senior Dental Officer (Head of Primary Oral Care Division)/Chief Health Program Officer/National Oral Health
Program Coordinator/Department of Dental Services, Ministry of Health, Brunei/Deputy Director (Oral
Health)/Principle Director, Oral Health Programme./Vice Director, Head of Division Guiding & Evaluation for Dental

48

Health Service/Assoc.Dean of Faculty of Dentistry, Laos/Acting Chief LDD-HHRQB-Department of Health Manila,

Philippines/Deputy Dean of Faculty of odontostomatology, University of Health Sciences

V.5: Please identify your department and country you come from
Department of Health, Ministry of Health, Myanmar/Oral Health Program/MOH Malaysia./National Hospital, HanoiVietnam/Directorate General of Health Effort Management Ministry of Health in Indonesia/University of Health
Sciences/Department of Health-Philippines./University of Health Sciences, Cambodia

Part 2: V.6: Level of satisfaction with the lecture

( 5 = most satisfied 4 = very satisfied 3 = satisfied 2 = unsatisfied 1 = very unsatisfied)
Speaker
Dr. Pakpoom
Saengkanokkul
5 4 3 2 1
1. speakers knowledge of the topic
3 3 3
2. Appropriate introduction
4 4 1
3. Communicating in a clear and easy-to-understand way
2 3 3 1
4. Explicit answers in Q&A
1 3 4
5. Making a summary or review for the participants better
2 5 2
understanding
6. Accepting the comments of participants
2 5 2
7. Proper personality
3 5 1
8. Solving problems at hand
3 3 2 1
9. Appropriate examples
3 2 3 1
10. The choice of media (slide, VDO, etc.)
3 2 3
*red number = number of persons

49

Part 3: V.7 : Knowledge of participants

Items
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
1. Before joining the meeting, how much do you know 1
3 1 1 1 1 1
about this topic?
2. After joining the meeting, how much knowledge
2 3
1 1
have you gained?
1

3. How much knowledge gained can you apply to

1
your work?
4. The level of your relations with Intercountry Centre 1
for Oral Health

1 1 1
1 2

Comments
Knowledge was limited to the
basic information
School health
-I have been informed about
quality of Dental care of other
countries.
-More information gain about
ASEAN Dental Health Status
-oral health program
To some extent for empowering
the community
many
-I know the ICOH but not been
involved
-Getting to know intercountry more
for the representative agent
-will be strengthen

Part 4 : V.8 : Level of satisfaction with the content ( 5 = most satisfied 4 = very satisfied 3 =
satisfied 2 = unsatisfied 1 = very unsatisfied)
Content
1. Appropriate content of the meeting

5 4 3 2 1
2 4 3

2. Complete content
3. Order and continuation of content
4. The meetings format

2 3 3 1
4 1 3
2 4 2

Comments
The presentation of topic should be more
references or speaker provider
Ok
Discussion more

Area of improvement for the

implementation in technical way
-we could have visited the community basedareas projects

50

5. Meetings duration

3 4

6. Lunch, coffee break and drinks

7. Materials/documents for the meeting
8. Overall satisfaction with the meeting

4 4 1
3 5 1
3 5 1

The meeting should be hosted for 2* /

3-4 day (s)

Well organized, the ICOH staff are facilitating.

*If the output to formulate a recommendation or a propose strategy as a share informally 2 days meeting is enough. But if we will
think about something more officially should be more than 3 days.

51

Part 5: Other suggestions

V.9: Areas of improvement for the meeting
- This is an ASEAN meeting, participants should not be limited to only one.
- Not very clear on the objective of meeting in relation to the official ASEAN meetings (AJCCD) under AFAS.
-Good
-propose on idea of technical strategic concretely that appropriate for each ASEAN countries
-visit model of community not far from ICOH
-Very satisfied with the arrangements

V.10: What kind of support do you need from the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health?
- Human Resource Development Training of health workers on the management of oral health program and
exchange of expertise.
-Exchange of best practices especially in oral health promotion and advocacy, multi-centre research to evaluate
oral health promotional efforts
- not answer because I think its good.
-Give an idea how to manage dental services in Indonesias characteristically profile background ie. Community
empowerment
-Exchange manager and practitioners each other in-country
-Training program for our dentists on community-based dental program
-Experience

V.11: Will you recommend the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health to other parties?
Yes (6 ) Please identify the department Ministry of Health of Thailand will lead/TO universities,
for training of undergrads and postgrads/Department of Public Health /Health, Women/Dept of Health, Family
Health Office.

No. Please provide the reason. .........................................................

V.12: Other suggestions
- ASEAN collaboration is a commitment of ASEAN countries so we can use this to strengthen our collaboration.
52

-This meeting should be followed by a concrete paper work agenda on each country and evaluated every year to
see the improvement.
-Budget from government and NGO?
-I suggest for a follow-up meeting to follow-up progress of plan and agreements done in the meeting.

53

List of Organising Staff

Organising Staff
Dr. Sunsanee Rajchagool (General Information)
Dr. Wuttichai Chumpokil (General Information)
Dr. Tipaporn (Registration and Meeting)
Dr. Chatpat (Registration and Meeting)
Dr. Mansuang (Registration and Meeting)
Dr. Jumpol Phomsakhanansakonnakorn (A/V)
Mr. Supoj Chamnarnpra (Managing Presentations)
Mrs.Ratree Nueklang (Head of Administration Officer)
Ms. Rachaya Sanchai (Finance and Accounting Officer)
Mrs. Namphung Ruttanapibon (Hotel and Airline)
Miss Phawinee Wannasee (Hotel and Airline)
Dr. Wuttichai Choompolkul (ICT System)
Mr. Thawatchai Suthachai (ICT System)
Ms. Wisapen Kittaned (General Helper)
Ms. Sutthikarn Kantee (General Helper)
Ms. Phusuda Khorpubsuk (General Helper)
Mr. Pichit Sookchai (Drivers)
Mr. Therdpong Kumphan (Drivers)

54