Dr Chng Chai Kiat: Caring for the nation a top priority for the Government and the College of General Dental Practitioners

Singapore – On July 19 (Saturday), the College of General Dentistry (CGDP) held its 4th Asian Symposium at the Marina Bay Sands which will feature a list of regional and international speakers who will be covering topics like tooth restorations and the latest cutting-edge 3D technology in dentistry.

Singapore’s Chief Dental Officer Dr Chng Chai Kiat said in his opening speech that “Caring for the nation has become a top priority for the government.”

“The ageing population has brought forth new challenges in the way we manage healthcare.”

He added that merely building more hospitals or training more healthcare professionals is not enough to address the challenges, but “to now see how we best utilise the resources available.”

Accessibility, efficiency, and affordability are a few of the key points that need improvement and consideration when it comes to healthcare services in the country, said Dr Chng.

DR TC Phua, CGDP’s President, said that the continued education of dentists would play a vital role in the future of the profession as well assist the government’s objective of providing efficient, quality and affordable healthcare in Singapore.

“Our priority at the CGDP has always been about continued education for the dental fraternity, and in providing them with the know-how and knowledge of what’s considered cutting edge,” said Dr Phua. “This will help them serve the public better and always ensure that we have the interests of the general public in mind,” he added.

The 4th Asian Symposium on Advanced General Dentistry, happening from July 19 to 21, will include speakers such as Dr Didier Dietschi from Switzerland and Professor Giovanni Zuchelli from Italy.

Furthermore, regional and local speakers like Dr Simon Ng, Dr Sonny Burias, Dr Atsuo Uematsu, Dr Anthony Tay and Dr Ryuhei Yamanaka will also be presenting to the expected 500 dental professionals from Singapore and abroad.

In addition to the presentations, delegates and visitors could browse through the 16 exhibitors representing 36 brands of dental products at the event.

The convention also serves as the CGDP’s 20th anniversary.

“We are particularly proud that this fourth edition of our College endeavour in clinical dentistry continuing dental education serves as our 20th-anniversary celebration of the founding of our College,” said Dr Phua. “The College has been at the forefront of advancing continuing dental education, particularly to our general dental practitioner members locally as well as foreign colleagues.”