KUCHING, Dec 10: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced a new set of regulations under the Dental Act 2018 (Act 804) which will come into force on Jan 1, 2022.
Its Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the Act provides for the establishment of the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) and the Malaysian Dental Therapist Board, registration of dental surgeon and dental therapist, regulation of the practice of dentistry and related matters which were not covered in the old Dental Act 1971 (Act 51).
“The Act which contains 9 Parts and 104 sections requires that only qualified, competent and professional practitioners be registered, and qualified to provide dental services.
“With this, the quality of dental services and patient safety are guaranteed, as well as increase the people’s confidence and trust in dental services,” he said in a statement issued on Dec 8.
Among the new provisions in the Dental Act 2018 is the Professional Qualifying Examination as part of the registration process for dentists, dental specialists and dental therapists.
Other additions include points collection for continuing professional development (CPD) and professional indemnity protection cover to apply for practising certificate and enforcement in dental practice.
However, these three provisions will only take effect on Jan 1, 2025.
“All dental graduates who wish to register with the MDC must pass the Professional Qualification Examination. For those with qualifications listed in the Second Schedule of the Dental Act 1971, they are allowed to register with the MDC without having to sit for the examination.
“This permission is only applicable for a period of five years from the date this Act comes into force, which is from Jan 1, 2022 to Dec 31, 2026,” he added.
Under this Act, dental surgeons registered with the MDC can choose to perform compulsory services in the public or private service.
A dental surgeon with a post-graduate specialist qualification approved by the Council may apply to be registered as a dental specialist in any of the 12 dental specialties from Feb 2022.
For any further information regarding the enforcement of this Act, please contact the Oral Health Programme, MOH at ohd@moh.gov.my or the MDC at mdc@moh.gov.my. — DayakDaily
