Provide pipe-borne water to fluorosis-endemic areas - Dentists

The Ghana Dental Association (GDA) has called on the government to act expeditiously to provide pipe-borne water to fluorosis-endemic areas in the country. Fluorosis is caused by excessive ingestion of fluoride that leads to the browning of the teeth.

This was contained in a communiqu? issued at the end of GDA's 12th annual general conference held in Kumasi.

The communiqu? appealed to the government institute incentive packages to attract oral health personnel to the underserved areas.

The communiqu?, which was signed by Dr (Mrs) Chloris Adadevoh, National President of the Association, asked that the pace of on-going expansion projects related to the training of all categories of oral health personnel in the country should be accelerated.

The Association noted with appreciation the acquisition of mobile dental equipment and vehicles to support the delivery of oral health care.

It, however, called on the Ministry of Health (MOH) to organise in-service training to upgrade the skills of personnel and provide a structured career progression system.

The Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Education Service, it said, should also intensify the oral health awareness programme through the school health education programme.

The GDA also urged the Food and Drugs Board to monitor the sugar content of non-alcoholic beverages and confectionery.

It appealed to the educational institutions to discourage the sale and consumption of sugar products on school premises and to ensure healthy dietary practices.