Mahabir: More dentists needed

Independent Senator Dr Dhanayshar Mahabir yesterday questioned why TT seems to be limiting its search for qualified dentists. He posed this question during debate on the Dental Profession (Amendment to the Schedule) Order 2017.

Referring to earlier comments made by Independent Senator Hugh Russell Ian Roach, Mahabir said the schedule attached to the Dental Profession Act should be eliminated.

He questioned why top universities in Hong Kong, Japan and Sweden which have excellent dentistry programmes were not amongst the list of schools mentioned in the schedule. Closer to home, Mahabir argued the University of Havana in Cuba could provide a source of dentists for TT. While supporting the motion, Mahabir said Clause 33 of the Act should be looked at to ensure that the country does in face get the most qualified dentists.

He argued that a section of the legislation which deal with people falsely purporting to be dentist lacked sufficient sanctions. Mahabir said the penalties here were a $5,000 fine and imprisonment for six months. He called for these penalties to be strengthened. Mahabir also suggested that public health centres be equipped with basic dental facilities. He said a simple act like cleaning gums could cost some people close to $1,000 and good dental care must not be accessible to a privileged few.

Mahabir supported Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh’s initiate to ban sugary drinks in schools as a means of reducing diabetes and teenage obesity. He said his first experience with dental care was when a dentist and dental nurse visited his primary school in Cunupia.