Access to Specialist Dental Care in Sabah Expanded, Waiting Times Shortened – Minister
KOTA KINABALU: The operation of the Sabah Dental Specialist Centre (PPPS) has reduced waiting times for specialist treatment by up to 50 percent, thereby improving the efficiency of dental healthcare service delivery in the state.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said this improvement not only allows patients to receive dental treatment more promptly, but also saves time and travel costs to the facility.
“Yesterday, I had the opportunity to officiate the PPPS. This is the second specialist dental centre to be launched, following the Negeri Sembilan Dental Specialist Centre.
“This clearly reflects the MADANI Government’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to specialist‑level oral healthcare services for all Malaysians,” he said in a Facebook post today.
He said PPPS is the first out‑hospital specialist referral facility in East Malaysia and serves as a referral hub for residents of Sabah, northern Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
According to Dr Dzulkefly, the construction of the RM32.76 million centre benefits approximately 3.95 million residents, translating the government’s commitment to expanding access to dental healthcare services and easing the burden on patients.
He said to ensure that the public receives integrated treatment, PPPS houses four main specialities under one roof: restorative dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics, and dental public health.
“This facility is also equipped with 18 modern treatment chairs and advanced technology such as 3D printers for faster denture fabrication.
“In addition, OPG X‑ray facilities are also provided to manage complex treatment cases without adding to congestion at public hospitals,” he said.
Bernama