Techiman (Brong Ahafo) 8th July '99

There are only two dentists in the Brong Ahafo region.

The principal dental surgeon of the Regional Dental Clinic at the Sunyani Government Hospital, Dr Edmund Sackey, said this has limited access to dental health care in the region.

At the regional launching of the oral health week at Techiman sponsored by Lever Brothers Ghana Limited on Wednesday, Dr Sackey said lack of dentists coupled with low public awareness and observance of oral hygiene in the region has resulted in serious dental problems especially among children.

The District Chief Executive, Mr Francis Yaw Gyarko, appealed to confectionery manufacturers and importers to assist the Ministry of Health to fund oral health programmes in the country.

He urged them to reduced the sugar content of their products and to give clear warning on their packages about the dangers of consuming sweets without regular brushing of teeth to save children from oral health problems.

The DCE called for the re-introduction of weekly teeth inspection in schools to ensure that children appreciate the importance of oral health.