Clogard strengthens 10 year partnership with Government School Dental Therapists Association sponsoring 60th Anniversary celebrations

Recognised for contributing towards proper oral health in the country, Clogard strengthened its decade long affiliation with the Government School Dental Therapists Association sponsoring their Annual General Meeting and 60th Anniversary celebrations held recently.

The event was held under the patronage of Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine on the 28 July at the Colombo Municipal Council, Colombo.

Over 300 Dental Therapists attended this important event. For over 10 years, Clogard have acknowledged the valuable support provided by the Government School Dental Therapists by sponsoring their endeavours especially in their dedicated work in supporting oral healthcare and oral hygiene especially among the younger generation.

In 1955, after the Colombo Plan exhibition, Sri Lanka was gifted with a school dental service by the New Zealand government. This was the beginning of the Government School Dental Therapists service. On 07 July 1959, the official Government School Dental Therapists Association was formed. The service began initially with 12 dental nurses who were limited to school based clinics in major schools only. In 1983, the dental nurses were officially recognised as Dental Therapists. According to oral health statistics in 1983/1984, the oral disease burden was 78% for five-year old children and 67% for 12-year olds.

Over the years the School Dental Therapists has transformed and expanded in to a vital service providing oral care and promoting oral health among school children with over 383 School Dental Therapists operating nationwide manning 488 School Dental Clinics.

According to figures reported for health statistics in 2015/2016, oral disorders had visibly reduced to 63.1% in five-year old children and 34.4% for 12-year olds.

This is mainly due to the commitment demonstrated by School Dental Therapists Association whose officers continue to organise mobile clinics in areas where communities face severe hardships, offering treatment and promoting oral care.

Assisting these School Dental Therapists in the work carried out through the mobile clinics and helping them develop this service further is a primary objective of Clogard’s sponsorship. In providing this support, Clogard also ensures it carries out a national platform for improving oral health.

Contributing to oral health in the country and providing a suitable solution, the school dental clinics are mainly carried out through mobile clinics. At these clinics, young children including pre-school children teachers and elderly can receive care. Additionally, the teacher and elderly are also provided education on oral health care.

For over a decade, School Dental Therapists have successfully continued these practices, and Clograd has continued to unstintingly sponsor their activities understanding the importance of continuing the good work demonstrated in working to measurably improve the nation’s oral health.