MINISTER of Health Dr Christopher Tufton plans to further develop oral health policies in a bid to improve these services to the public.

Minister Tufton said: “There are several strategies and policies I would like to see articulated and practised as it relates to oral health care. Among them is to ensure that we partner with the private sector like Colgate, Kirk Distributors and others, to encourage prevention even before we get to cure.”

Minister Tufton was speaking at the relaunch of the Colgate Mobile Dental unit at the Union Gardens Infant School, last Thursday.

The health minister also highlighted the Ministry of Health’s provision of infrastructure, equipment, guidelines and the proper environment for good oral health practices as key factors in improving this area.

“Where preventative methods fail, the public health system goes into providing dental care and will have to partner to do more complicated dental procedures to assist those who need them,” he said.

Minister Tufton also said that his target is to have at least three mobile units – one for each county – acquired through partnerships with the private sector.

He also reminded everyone that “good oral health is everybody’s business and it affects the health and well-being of our country”.