“In Conversation with Datuk Seri Haji Dr. Dzulkefly Bin Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia on Shaping the Future of Malaysia’s Dental Industry, and Datin Seri Azlin Hezri on Balancing Family Expectations”
Vision and Priorities for Healthcare Reform
Q: What are your hopes for the future of Malaysia’s healthcare system and how do you see dentistry fitting into that vision?
In envisioning the future of Malaysia’s health care system, the goal is clear: to achieve an inclusive framework that ensures equitable access for all. This vision aligns with the pursuit of universal health coverage (UHC) for oral health by 2030, emphasizing a primary healthcare approach that integrates oral health seamlessly into overall well-being.
The Current Oral Health Burden in Malaysia
Malaysia faces significant challenges in oral health:
• Dental Caries: A staggering 71.3% of children under the age of five years and 85.1% of adults live with untreated dental caries.
• Periodontal Disease: Severe gum diseaseaffects 14.5% of adults.
• Tooth Loss: Among the elderly (60+ years), 65.7% have fewer than 20 teeth, which impacts nutrition and quality of life.
• Oral Cancer: Alarmingly, 63% of oral cancer patients are present at advanced stages, reducing survival rates and increasing treatment complexities.
Shifting from Sick-Care to HealthCare
The focus must pivot from reactive sick care to an initiative-taking healthcare model that prioritizes prevention, health promotion, prediction and wellness. This transformation is vital to reduce the incidence of oral diseases and foster healthier lives.
Global and National Goals for Oral Health
Malaysia’s healthcare aspirations align with the Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023–2030, which targets:
• A 10% relative reduction in the global prevalence of major oral diseases across all stages of life by 2030.
• Achieving UHC for oral health, enabling all individuals and communities to enjoy the highest attainable state of oral health, contributing to vibrant, healthy and active lives.
The Way Forward
Achieving these goals demands a robust public health approach, with the integration of oral health into primary healthcare systems. Key strategies include:
Public Health Integration
Embedding oral health within broader health initiatives to amplify impact and efficiency. By 2030, the hope is for Malaysia’s healthcare system to embody inclusivity, prevention and universal accessibility, setting a benchmark for other nations while ensuring that oral health becomes a cornerstone of overall wellness.
Q: What are the key values and priorities steering your healthcare reform for Malaysia?
As Malaysia navigates the complex landscape of healthcare reform, a clear vision rooted in fundamental values and priorities, emerges. These guiding principles aim to transform the nation’s healthcare system into one that is equitable, accessible and sustainable, with a strong emphasis on integrating oral healthcare into the broader framework.
Strengthening Oral Healthcare Integration
A pivotal focus of the reform is the integration of oral healthcare within primary healthcare and rural healthcare services. Recognizing the crucial link between oral health and overall health, the initiative seeks to ensure that even the most underserved populations have access to essential dental care.
Equity, Access, and Affordability
The healthcare reform prioritizes equity by addressing disparities in access to high quality healthcare services. Efforts are directed towards making healthcare affordable and universally accessible, especially in rural and marginalized communities. The goal is to leave no one behind in the pursuit of better health outcomes.
People-Centered Healthcare
Central to the reform is a shift towards a people-centered approach, emphasizing promotive, preventive and wellness-focused care. This paradigm shift moves away from reactive treatment models to proactive measures that enhance the overall health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Commitment to Quality and Patient Safety
Ensuring quality and patient safety is non-negotiable. The reform underscores the importance of implementing stringent standards, protocols and practices to deliver healthcare services that are not only effective but also safe and trustworthy for all.
Embracing Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s healthcare reform, with an eye on future generations. This involves adopting innovative healthcare delivery methods and leveraging technology to streamline processes, reduce costs and improve outcomes.
The Road Ahead
Malaysia’s healthcare reform is driven by these core values and priorities, creating a system that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future needs. By integrating oral healthcare, promoting equity and fostering innovation, the reform lays the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient nation.
Q: How is Malaysia’s healthcare sector adapting to meet current needs, such as managing chronic diseases and improving access to oral health care?
Oral diseases and conditions, such as dental caries, severe periodontal disease, tooth loss and oral cancer, are closely tied to social determinants and share common risk factors with other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These risk factors include smoking, harmful alcohol use, high sugar intake and lack of breastfeeding, as well as exposure to human papillomavirus for oropharyngeal cancers. To address these challenges, the National Oral Health Policy promotes a holistic approach, focusing on the shared risk factors and social determinants that influence oral health. Initiatives like Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) and health screening aim to coordinate efforts to accelerate the response to oral diseases and other NCDs. Additionally, expanding primary healthcare services, including offering after-hours and weekend services, is key to ensuring that care is accessible to all, particularly in underserved areas.
Oral Health Policies and Prioritization
Q: Oral health often receives less attention compared to other healthcare sectors. How do you plan to prioritize oral health in Malaysia’s overall health policy?
To address this, we will increase funding for dental health programs to at least 6.5% of the Ministry of Health’s annual budget, which is crucial.
A key part of this initiative includes implementing a National Oral Health Policy and a National Oral Health Strategic Plan to establish a strong framework for improving oral health. According to the NHMS 2019, 15% of Malaysians have never visited a dentist in their lifetime, 50% have not seen a dentist in over two years, and only 25% seek dental care annually. Thus, delayed treatment often escalates into complex, costly issues that disrupt productivity. Raising public awareness on preventive measures, such as annual dental checkups under the campaign “Ingat Hari Jadi, Ingat Doktor Gigi,” and promoting daily mouth self-examinations, is imperative. Accessible and quality oral healthcare must be recognized as a fundamental human right, ensuring every individual enjoys optimal oral health.
Q: What are your goals for improving dental care access, especially in rural and low-income areas?
Improving dental care access in rural and low-income areas is a key priority to ensure equitable oral health for all Malaysians. The goal is to increase this integration to at least 80% by 2030, which would involve establishing 862 dental clinics within primary healthcare facilities and expanding mobile dental services. Additionally, converting 80 part-time visiting dental clinics into full-time operations is critical to strengthening oral healthcare services, creating more demand for oral health promotion and focusing on wellness and prevention. Efforts are also being made to repair and upgrade outdated equipment and facilities to provide high quality care. To encourage dental professionals to serve in underserved areas, the Ministry plans to offer incentives and highlight their valuable contributions through media coverage. Interdisciplinary collaboration will also play a crucial role, enabling healthcare providers to tackle oral diseases alongside non communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, stress, hypertension and cleft lip and palate cases, using common risk factor approaches. Community collaboration is another vital component, engaging local health agents and volunteers, such as MyChampion and Dental Icons, to identify and address barriers, promote health literacy and encourage healthy living. This whole-of-society approach aims to transform oral healthcare accessibility and empower communities to prioritize their well-being.
Q: Are there any upcoming government programmes or initiatives designed to support dental officers and specialists in the government and private sector?
Several government programs and initiatives are underway to support dental officers and specialists across both the public and private sectors. As at 2023, Malaysia’s dental practitioner-to-population ratio stands at 1:2342, with a target of improving this ratio to 1:1500 by 2030. However, disparities persist across states, such as Sabah (1:5539), Sarawak (1:4369) and Kedah (1:3056). There are currently 252 dental specialists in the country, registered with the Malaysian Dental Council across 12 specialties. To address these gaps, innovative workforce strategies are being implemented in line with Objective Strategic No. 6 of the Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023-2030. These include task-shifting initiatives, such as utilizing interprofessional collaboration where medical or derlies assist dental practitioners in providing oral healthcare within prisons. Additionally, technical support is being provided to convert dental facilities in underserved areas from part-time to full-time operations.
The Ministry is also encouraging private practitioners to contribute through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. These include participating in the Toddlers Oral Health Screening program (GTOD), which collaborates with external agencies and private kindergartens to enhance early oral health interventions. In 2023, 186 external agencies engaged with State Oral Health Divisions, with 124 agencies completing biannual visits to private TASKA, a notable increase from only 47 agencies in 2022.
Q: What policies or further education opportunities can dental professionals expect as we approach 2025?
As we look toward 2025, dental professionals in Malaysia can expect a wealth of opportunities for growth, education and career advancement, driven by new policies and initiatives that will shape the future of oral healthcare.
A key focus will be the expansion of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-versed in global and national strategies. Dental professionals will be educated on the Global Oral Health Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2030 as well as the National Oral Health Policy and Strategic Plan, equipping them with the knowledge to align with global and local oral health goals. Additionally, ongoing education will cover critical topics such as Patient Safety, including managing medical emergencies and medical problems that may arise during dental care. A leadership course will also be introduced to cultivate the next generation of oral healthcare leaders who can drive the industry forward.
To further engage the public and industry stakeholders, the Ministry will conduct road shows, using platforms like Madani Afiat to spread awareness of oral health across Malaysia. These roadshows will create opportunities for dental professionals to meet directly with the rakyat, promoting oral health and showcasing the importance of preventive care.
Dental research will receive a boost, with grants and funding provided to support studies focused on population oral health. These initiatives will keep progress in-line with the Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023-2030, ensuring that Malaysia remains at the forefront of oral health advancements. For dental professionals looking to advance in their careers, there will be career development and mentorship opportunities, particularly in leadership, negotiation skills and other critical competencies. These programs will empower dentists to take on leadership roles at both national and sub-national levels, fostering a new generation of well-rounded professionals who can lead with confidence. Another key initiative involves providing technical support for converting dental facilities in primary healthcare settings from part-time to full-time operations, particularly in underserved areas. This will significantly enhance access to oral healthcare and address regional disparities.
Lastly, the private sector will be encouraged to collaborate in the Toddlers Oral Health Screening Programme (GTOD) as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. This initiative aims to engage private dental practices in giving back to the community by providing vital early intervention and oral health education to toddlers. With these policies and opportunities on the horizon, dental professionals are poised to play a pivotal role in transforming Malaysia’s oral healthcare landscape, ensuring that the next generation benefits from better access to care, education and resources.
Q: Is there any plan for Ministry of Health (KKM) to regulate the number of dental students each year given the increasing overpopulation of dentists in Malaysia?
As Malaysia’s dental population continues to grow, the Ministry of Health (KKM) is taking proactive steps to ensure that the number of dental professionals entering the workforce aligns with the country’s needs, preventing an oversaturation in the field.
One of the key measures in this plan is the introduction of the Professional Qualifying Examination, set to take place after dental students complete their five-year undergraduate studies. This examination, expected to begin in 2028, will be a crucial step for all aspiring dentists. Only those who pass the exam will be allowed to register with the Malaysian Dental Council, ensuring that only suitably qualified individuals enter the professional workforce. In addition to this examination, Ministry of Health (KKM) is working closely with the Ministry of Higher Education to regulate the intake of dental students, carefully balancing the number of new graduates with the actual demand in the job market. This collaboration may even include a moratorium in the future, to control the establishment of new dental high er education institutions, emphasizing quality over quantity.
To further refine the process, regular work force assessments will be conducted to predict demand more accurately. These assessments will enable the Ministry to adjust student intake where necessary, ensuring that the number of dental professionals remains in-line with the country’s needs, while maintaining high standards of care.
This strategic approach seeks to address the growing concern over the number of dental graduates, while ensuring that Malaysia continues to produce highly skilled, suitably qualified dental professionals, who are well-prepared to serve the public. By regulating intake and implementing rigorous standards, Ministry of Health (KKM) aims to maintain a balance that fosters both quality education and a sustainable dental workforce.
Professional Development and Fair Representation
Q: A concern regarding the representation and recognition of dental professionals within the Ministry of Health (KKM) and the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT). Dental professionals are often placed secondary to medical counterparts, particularly in terms of JUSA positions. Are there any plans for Ministry of Health (KKM) to address this matter?
Acknowledging this need for change, the Ministry of Health (KKM) has expressed its commitment to ensuring fair recognition of dental professionals. The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) is reviewing current policies to ensure that dental professionals receive equitable representation and opportunities within both Ministry of Health (KKM) and Ministry of Higher Education (KPT). There are plans to explore ways to increase the number of JUSA positions available to dental professionals, ensuring parity with the medical field. The Ministry is actively advocating for policy reforms that better recognize the vital role dentists play in the healthcare system, from prevention and education to treatment and patient care. In collaboration with various stakeholders, the Ministry is working to identify gaps in the recognition and career advancement pathways for dentists, aiming to address these challenges and enhance the professional growth of dental practitioners. This shift is expected not only to improve the status of dental professionals, but also to encourage greater investment in oral health care as an integral part of overall health.
Q: The allocation of scholarships for postgraduate studies appears to favour medical professionals, widening the gap in opportunities available to dentists. Are there plans to address this and advocate for the rightful recognition of dental professionals?
An assessment will be conducted to ensure a fair allocation of scholarships between medical and dental professionals, advocating for balanced opportunities in postgraduate education for both fields. MoH is also working closely with the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) to develop specific scholarships targeting dental postgraduate studies. Additionally, there is a push for increased funding from the Training Management Division to support dental education and specialization, ensuring that workforce development aligns with the Oral Health Programme, Planning Division and Human Resource Division. This collaboration aims to create a sustainable plan for the dental work force, including the availability of facilities and specialist posts as new professionals join the service.
Enforcement and Regulation Challenges
Q: There are rampant beauticians/fake dentists around Malaysia. What is the Ministry of Health (KKM)’s approach to curbing the growth of fake dentists? Is it possible to have a dedicated team of enforcement officers?
The rise of unlicensed beauticians and fake dentists offering dental services has become a growing concern, posing serious risks to the health of the public. In response, the Ministry of Health (KKM) is taking a multifaceted approach to curb this illegal practice and protect the rakyat. One of the first steps is expanding dental care services within the Ministry of Health (KKM) facilities, ensuring that essential dental care is accessible and available to all Malaysians. By improving access to professional care, Ministry of Health (KKM) aims to reduce the temptation for individuals to seek services from unqualified practitioners.
Public awareness is another critical element of Ministry of Health (KKM)’s strategy. The Ministry is actively promoting the importance of seeking dental services only from registered dental practitioners, who are governed by the Dental Act 2018 [Act 804], and ensuring that all dental facilities are registered under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 [Act 586]. This helps reassure the public that quality and safety are guaranteed when visiting a licensed provider.
Ministry of Health (KKM) is also working to raise awareness about the dangers of unlicensed dental services, urging people to report illegal practices. The Ministry emphasizes that aesthetic treatments, such as braces or beauty-related dental work, should not be prioritized over proper oral health. Ministry of Health (KKM) advocates for a balanced approach—encouraging individuals to appreciate their natural oral health and avoid over-treating or over-correcting, which could lead to harmful consequences. To further curb illegal activities, Ministry of Health (KKM) is pushing for stricter regulations on the sale of dental equipment and materials. This includes restricting the sale of such items on e-commerce platforms, to prevent civilians from gaining access to tools meant for professional use only.
Finally, enforcement efforts are being ramped up to tackle the issue head-on. Ministry of Health (KKM) is increasing efforts to identify and prosecute illegal practitioners who pose as dentists, ensuring that those who breach the law face significant consequences.
Through these measures, Ministry of Health (KKM) aims to protect the public from the dangers of fake dental practices while ensuring that Malaysians continue to have access to safe, quality dental care. By regulating the industry, promoting awareness and strengthening enforcement, Ministry of Health (KKM) is committed to tackling the problem of unlicensed dental practitioners and safeguarding the health of the nation.
Q: What is your plan to curb practitioners doing rampant promotions and endorsements that violate Ministry of Health (KKM) advertising guidelines?
Ministry of Health (KKM) is committed to implementing a strategic plan for stricter monitoring and enforcement of the Guidelines for Public Information and the Code of Professional Conduct, as endorsed by the Malaysian Dental Council for dental practitioners. Those who fail to comply with these guidelines will face actions in accordance with the Dental Act 2018 [Act 804]. In addition, efforts will be made to educate dental professionals, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students, on ethical advertising practices and the importance of adhering to these guidelines. Collaboration with Dental Associations will also be prioritized to reach out to their members and emphasize the importance of maintaining ethical advertising standards in the dental profession.
Q: Due to substantial delays in processing Borang G applications at CKAPS—the authority responsible for approving new dental clinics—healthcare professionals face obstacles in obtaining practice approvals and serving patients. Why does CKAPS operate without a defined processing timeline? Would the Ministry of Health consider instituting a policy requiring CKAPS to provide updates within a fixed period, such as 14 working days, to enhance transparency and efficiency?
The Ministry of Health plans to implement a defined processing timeline or Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for the approval of new dental clinic applications via Borang C (not Borang G) at CKAPS. Under the latest Standard Operating Procedure, CKAPS at MOH Putrajaya will directly handle the clinic’s applications, eliminating the need to go through the State UKAPS. Additionally, the introduction of a policy requiring CKAPS to provide updates within a certain number of working days is being considered. These measures aim to improve the transparency and efficiency of the approval process for new dental clinics.
Employment and Career Development Concerns
Q: Will there be any initiatives for more contract officers in the government to be permanently absorbed?
The Ministry of Health (KKM) is currently in on-going discussions with relevant authorities to create more permanent positions for dental professionals, particularly in rural settings. As services are expanded in these underserved areas, there is a strong focus on addressing the need for skilled professionals to ensure high quality care is available to all. Ministry of Health (KKM) is committed to providing job security and fostering career growth for dental professionals, helping them build long-term, fulfilling careers within the government sector. This initiative aims to strengthen the workforce, particularly in regions where there is a high demand for dental services, ensuring better access to care for all Malaysians.
Q: Based on the recent permanent intake of dental officers, what criteria does Ministry of Health (KKM) use for evaluation? Could you provide clarity on why some highly active candidates are overlooked while others are selected?
The Ministry of Health (KKM) has taken important steps to clarify and communicate the criteria used for evaluating dental officers for permanent positions. This includes the evaluation of competencies in the New Dental Officer Programme, with specific attention to the LNPT and the involvement of dental officers during the first and second years of their contract service. Transparency has been prioritized throughout the selection process, with clear communication provided to stakeholders. Feedback has been given to applicants where appropriate, and the results of the oral health scheme were presented to the Human Resource Division on 24 September 2024.
These results were also shared with the KKM’s Top Management and the Minister of Health, and were approved by the SPA committee before being presented in the SPA9 on-line system. Moving forward, the Ministry is considering a comprehensive evaluation approach that not only looks at professional achievements and performance, but also factors in contributions to the field. This approach will be continually refined based on annual improvements and feedback from stakeholders to ensure that the process aligns with the current situation and evolving needs.
Q: Why did the contract batch who got absorbed have to drop grades back to 41? After working for 8 years, they are still stuck at 44.
The Ministry of Health (KKM) recognizes the concerns surrounding grade reversion and its impact on the career progression of dental professionals. In response, discussions have been held with relevant authorities to evaluate fair grading policies for experienced dental practitioners. One of the key initiatives explored is the pathway for grade acceleration, specifically the grade UG43 for absorbed contract officers with substantial years of service. The grade UG43 has been approved and highlighted under the new SSPA scheme, with plans to implement it incrementally, starting with the most senior officers and gradually extending to the latest batches. This approach aims to ensure a fair and supportive career progression for dental professionals.
Innovation and Technology in Dentistry
Q: How does the Ministry of Health (KKM) plan to promote innovation and integrate new technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), in the dental field?
The Ministry of Health is committed to promoting innovation and integrating new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), into the dental field to improve patient care and outcomes. The goal is to create a people-centered oral healthcare system that tailors interventions across the life course while optimizing digital technologies for precision oral health. This includes investing in AI research to enhance diagnostics and patient management. For example, mobile applications can help individuals detect plaque and food debris by taking photos, enabling them to improve tooth brushing and oral hygiene. AI can also assist in identifying abnormalities like premalignant lesions or oral cancer, using self-assessment tools to guide individuals on the next steps for their oral health care.
Additionally, the Ministry encourages collaborations with technology providers to modernize dental services, such as the introduction of digital oral health kiosks across the country, where the public can access and view their oral health conditions and receive personalized treatment plans through digital intra-oral scanners. The Ministry also provides support for training of dental professionals in emerging technologies, ensuring that they are equipped to utilize these advancements effectively in their practices.
Mental Health and Well-Being of Healthcare Professionals
Q: Given recent concerns about mental health among healthcare professionals, what steps is the ministry taking to support mental well being and prevent burnout in the medical field?
The growing concerns about mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals have prompted Malaysia’s Ministry of Health to take decisive action to support the mental well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Recognizing the immense pressures of the medical field, a multi-pronged approach has been initiated to address this critical issue.
Central to these efforts is the implementation of mental health support programmes, designed to provide professionals with the resources and assistance they need to navigate stress, anxiety and emotional challenges. These programmes are aimed at destigmatizing seeking help and create a culture of open communication and understanding within the healthcare sector. Another vital step involves promoting a healthy work-life balance. This includes strategies to reduce the administrative burden that often overwhelms medical practitioners, allowing them to focus more on their primary roles, while enjoying time for personal growth and rest.
Enhancing workplace environments is equally important. Efforts are underway to foster suportive and collaborative spaces where healthcare professionals can thrive. This includes building strong peer support systems, encouraging teamwork and ensuring that workplaces prioritize the well-being of their staff. Through these initiatives, the Ministry aims to build a resilient healthcare workforce, ensuring that those who care for others are equally cared for, supported and empowered to lead fulfilling professional and personal lives.
In conversation with Datin Seri Azlin Hezri on Balancing Family Expectations
Q: As the saying goes, behind every successful man, there stands the most successful woman being the rock and support. How has your life changed since your spouse took on the role of Minister of Health?
Ideally, I think a woman is not behind but stands beside her partner—they stand as one. Being the wife of a minister is not an easy task, but it’s a role I believe God’s grace has prepared me for, even though we never thought life would take this path. I didn’t marry a minister;
I married a student. We studied together, grew together, and built our life as a team.
As a wife and mother to seven children, my focus was always on raising our kids and ensuring they had the support they needed to face the world. It kept me very busy, but it was a fulfilling journey. Now that our children are all grown up and carving their own paths, we have more time to spend together. This also allows me to accompany him more often and support him in his responsibilities, wherever he needs me. It’s been a unique and rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for it.
Q: As someone with close insight, what do you think the public might not fully understand about the demands of this position?
Sometimes people don’t see the bigger picture and may make comments when they are unhappy. It’s important to understand that he has a wide range of responsibilities, from addressing small, day-to-day issues to tackling major matters that impact the entire health ministry.
He is deeply committed to his role and approaches his responsibilities with great care. One thing I admire about him is that he is a good listener, always willing to hear concerns and feedback. This role is not something he takes lightly, and he works tirelessly to ensure that he makes a meaningful impact. I hope people recognize that and give him the time and space to bring about the necessary changes.
Q: What do you believe is the most rewarding and most challenging aspect of supporting someone in public office?
Supporting someone in public office requires a lot of patience and wisdom, especially in how you handle comments and judgments. His position demands a great deal from him, and I do my best to be understanding and supportive. I’m also fortunate to be part of Kasih Malaysia, an NGO for the wives of ministers and members of parliament. We are led by Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah as our chairperson, and I am honored to serve as the deputy chairperson. Through this platform, we work together to assist our husbands in their respective constituencies.
As the MP for Kuala Selangor, my husband focuses on serving the rakyat, and I am proud to contribute by engaging with the community, listening to their concerns and ensuring their voices are heard. It’s a fulfilling way to support not only him, but also the people he represents.
Ideally, I think a woman is not behind but stands
beside her partner—they stand as one.
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