United Arab Emirates, Dubai, July 19, 2020: The Dental Services Department at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is proud to provide teledentistry services in addition to their comprehensive oral and dental care procedures. 

This service helps provide continued dental services to the public during COVID-19.

Dr. Hamda Al Mesmar, Director of the Dental Services Department at Dubai Health Authority said that advancements in communication technology has had a profound impact on healthcare practices globally. Teledentistry offers the opportunity for improving delivery and accessibility of the oral and dental services. 

She added that it is also a way of providing consultations for vulnerable individuals who may be at risk or have limited access to dental services during the current situation.

Dr. Mesmar said, “A telephone consultation for all dental cases is now the first line of assessment for clients seeking dental care.  All requests for appointments first undergo a teledentistry consultation and those who need to be seen by a doctor are given appointments while the rest are given advice via teledentistry. The use of this technology in healthcare has several benefits especially during COVID-19. Such consultations reduce the risk of unnecessary exposure and enhance the delivery service.”

She said the move is in line with the vision with Article 5, A Doctor to Every Citizen, of the Fifty-year Charter that was declared by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The service was launched on 14 June this year.  So far, 1245 clients have benefited from this service. 

In addition to this service, as of 21st of June, a specific telephone consultation has been set up to provide dental consultations and assessments specifically for children. 

Dedicated clinics have been set up in Safa Health Centre for children needing dental treatments providing them a safe dental environment. 

The clinics are open from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm. The clinics also cater to paediatric dental emergencies. All disinfection, sanitization and other procedures are in place in line with the highest international standards.