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October 21, 2022 – Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University held the activity, “The 2022 National Dental Health Day”. The activity aimed at providing dental service and commemorating HRH the Princess Grandmother, for good dental health of the public. Assoc. Prof. Waranuch Pitiphat, D.D.M., Dean of the Faculty presided over the opening session and Assoc. Prof. Anoma Ratanacharoentham, D.D.M., Vice Dean for Administration delivered the reporting speech. A lot of students, the public, the faculty administrators and staff attended the session, which was organized at the Dental Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University.
The National Dental Health Day is an activity held in October every year from 1986. The event was initiated by the Voluntary Doctors Foundation under Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindara, on the occasion of Her Royal Highness’ birthday. In 1989, the Cabinet at that time approved the 21st of October as the National Dental Health Day. On this day, the Voluntary Doctors Foundation, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, and all Governmental Dental Departments in the country join in providing dental care service to the public free of charge. The event is held as the merit making towards the “Mother of Thai Dentistry”.
Assoc. Prof. Anoma Ratanacharoentham, D.D.M., Vice Dean for Administration, said, “Since the 21st of October has been established as the National Dental Health Day, the Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University holds the activity on this day every year. This year, the event features exhibitions to honor HRH the Princess Grandmother, who was the Mother of Thai Traditional Medicine. There are exhibition boards showing dental education that promotes prevention of dental diseases, and dental care services for students and the public free of charge. The dental care service is open from 8:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. It is expected that people coming to the event will receive the service and obtain knowledge about dental care.”
Assoc. Prof. Waranuch Pitiphat, D.D.M., Dean of the Faculty said, “The 21st of October every year is the Thai dental health day. Faculty of Dentistry holds the activity on this day to honor HRH The Princess Grandmother as HRH was the Mother of Thai Dentistry. HRH was concerned about the people who did not have access to dental service and founded the mobile dental care unit to serve the public everywhere in the country especially in remote areas. We have therefore succeeded HRH’s intention in public dental care. We bring the dental care mobile unit under His Majesty the King’s patronage to people in remote areas and provide dental care and treatment there.”
“On October 21, every year, the Dental Health Day is organized to treat patients with dental problems. Services are also provided at the Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University, for those who are able to come. The service is given without charge. However, during the past two years, there was the spread of Covid-19, therefore we received people who registered online and were able to come to the Faculty. We also received walk-in cases. The services include filling, decalcifying, tooth pulling, removing false tooth, dental care for children, radiography, giving instruction on health care. etc.”
“The Faculty of Dentistry has the vision of being A Great DENTAL SCOOL for All. It is our intention and determination to provide dental care to people in all regions. This also answers the university’s objective in social dedication. The service of dental care today is another activity that enhances the intention of the Faculty,” said the Dean.
There are 341 people coming to receive dental care and treatment today: 3 receiving root treatment, 107 receiving filling, 32 receiving surgical removal of false tooth, 155 receiving decalcifying, 5 receiving coating of sealants, and 2 receiving fluoride coating.
News / Photos: Watchara Noichompoo / Rawiporn Saisaenthong
