Page 410 - ANUAL REPORT MOH 2017

Table 8
Recipients of Jury Awards at National Innovation Awards, 2017

No Project Organisation/ State
1. Eco Friend Dewax Jabatan Bedah Mulut, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah
2. Easy Handle Unit Fisioterapi Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras
3. K7 Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah Petaling

Source: Oral Health Programme MoH, 2017.

CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The Oral Health Programme, MoH Malaysia is committed to tackle the high disease burden for
periodontal diseases among adults in the areas of prevention, detection and care while actively
promoting periodontal health. As majority of patients will be experiencing some form of gingival related
diseases and are susceptible to advance periodontal disease, effective management becomes an
important part in the provision of oral healthcare. Hence, more efforts are needed to strengthen the
capacity and capability of oral health personnel to deliver effective oral health messages in preventing
periodontal disease.

Continuous effort in promoting good oral health for life and prevention of oral diseases are to be
given priority. The young adults in particular need to be empowered to make better decision towards
improved oral health. Emphasis on preventive home care and regular dental visits are to be highlighted.
Improving access to oral healthcare and provision of appropriate preventive care and treatment to this
target group are much needed.

Translating oral health survey findings into policy is a challenge faced by oral health researchers as it
relates closely to other relevant critical factors. In this endeavor, identifying areas of research in oral
health through a systematic and interactive mechanisms between the Oral Health Programme and other
stakeholders is pivotal to obtain a holistic support in the oral health research. The other challenge is
the lack of trained researcher at the national and state level. Thus, capacity building for sustainability
of oral health research in the country is very much needed.

The Oral Health Programme has successfully gone through the Surveillance Audit and converted to
the new version effective 14 February 2017. The new version will ensure that Oral Health Programme
and State Oral Health Divisions will have a Quality Management System that will meet the current
challenges and requirements particularly with regard to risk management, organizational change,
safe and conducive workplace environment and client satisfaction. So far five (5) states have obtained
certification with the new version. The challenge is for all remaining states to do so before the mandatory
deadline.

Efforts are being made to instill a culture of innovation among the oral health workforce. Barriers do
exist in achieving innovative thinking and culture among the workforce. This includes lack of awareness
and training in creativity and innovation. Staffs are frequently overburdened with their core business
such as clinical work and lack of time to focus on innovation. It would be desirable to form dedicated
teams that focused specifically on innovation and enhancing quality oral health care to be given much
thought and planning.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 409