A new mobile dental bus will strengthen dental services in the country, an important health service that has faced challenges over the years and has been neglected. 

The US$2.4 million mobile dental clinic project has been in the pipeline for over two decades. It will now make dental care accessible to schools and rural communities. 

Japan’s Ambassador, Senta Keisuke handed over the mobile dental clinic vehicle to the Ministry of Health on Friday at the Moto’otua hospital near the new CHOGM ward. 

Minister for Health Valasi Tafito Selesele recalled that in 2003 the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital outlined key elements of the service .

The challenge however for the Dental Service at Moto’otua, he said, was that it had become a neglected service. 

He noted when the new hospital was constructed the old dental building was demolished resulting in the relocation of the dental care service to many sites outside and within the hospital complex. 

“Every time it was relocated dental chairs and units were also dismantled, damaging valuable equipment,” said Valasi at the handover of the new mobile dental clinic. 

“Following the opening of the new hospital, the Dental Service was left out. 

“Eventually the service was relocated to where it is now, within the old Acute 8 Inpatient Ward, since 2014. 

“The conversion of a ward to a dental hospital setup was most challenging, but the dental staff managed with the assistance of the MoH Maintenance and Biomedical team.”  

Since then the management team of the Dental Services sought assistance with equipment and vehicles to better facilitate their work. 

This was particularly crucial given the continuous increase in dental cavities especially amongst children and the need to comply with the standards of our Dental Practitioners' Act 2007. 

The Minister of Health said the ultimate aim was and still is for a new Dental Hospital Building and he believes it is achievable and within the government manifesto. 

Valasi announced plans in the pipeline for the construction of the new dental building at the old National Kidney Foundation (N.K.F.) building was located.  

In 2018, the Ministry of Health received a similar donation from the Government of Japan which was a Dental bus with a complete dental unit and many other dental equipment. 

The old dental bus will be transferred to the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital in Tuasivi for community and school dental programs. 

The Minister of Health noted as of today the Government of Japan has been assisting Samoa's Dental Service for many years through its volunteer program or JICA. 

That includes dental specialists, dentists, dental technicians and hygienists to provide dental care for our people. 

They have also provided valuable opportunities for the dental staff to travel to Japan for dental training. 

He said they only wish that this training opportunity would be re-opened to help the dental staff with their professional development. 

Valasi extended his heartfelt thanks to the government of Japan and all the key players from the health sector who made the project possible. 

Ambassador Keisuke said they have witnessed the challenges faced by the healthcare sector in Samoa, particularly in the area of dental services. 

He said despite the best efforts of the national hospital dental department the demand for dental care has far exceeded the available resources. 

“The lack of space and equipment has placed a strain on the system,” he pointed out.

“Recognising this need, the Government of Japan has sought to extend its support to Samoa through its Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme.

“Our collaboration with the Ministry of Health began in 2016 when we provided essential dental equipment. 

“This initial assistance laid the groundwork for what would become a continuous effort to improve dental care in Samoa.” 

Japan’s Ambassador added they are delighted to take another step in this journey by handing over the second mobile dental clinic vehicle. 

“This vehicle represents our continued dedication to ensuring that all Samoans, regardless of where they live, have access to quality dental care.

“As you may know, the effectiveness of these resources depends on the skills and knowledge of those who operate them. 

“That is why we have also facilitated training for Samoan healthcare staff by Japanese experts, ensuring that this mobile dental vehicle will be utiliaed to its fullest potential. Through this training, we aim to empower healthcare professionals of Samoa to deliver the highest standard of care.”