Twenty teeth and counting, MOH targets improved oral health in ageing population

THE Ministry of Health (MOH) is aiming to significantly improve oral health among its ageing population, with a target for more than 50 per cent of older adults to retain at least 20 natural teeth by 2030, Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced today.

The target aligns with the National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022–2030 and reflects growing concern over declining dental health among senior citizens.

Citing findings from the National Oral Health Survey of Adults (NOHSA 2020), Dzulkefly said only 34.3 per cent of older Malaysians currently meet the benchmark of retaining 20 natural teeth, while 13.9 per cent suffer from oral functional limitations that affect their daily quality of life.

“As I mentioned earlier, the teeth are the gateway to the body. We want to ensure that this gateway continues to function and protects against various risks, including infections and issues related to food intake, which are very important,” he said.

“I have emphasised that without oral health, there is no overall health, which is why dental health is so crucial in maintaining the wellbeing of the body,” he added.

He was speaking after launching the national-level 6020 Campaign and Kembara Senyuman 2026 programme in Kuala Selangor.

To achieve the 2030 target, the ministry plans to expand outreach initiatives nationwide, including mobile dental services that provide dentures directly to communities, care centres and rural areas.

Dzulkefly said the programme would also incorporate digital 3D denture technology (3DDT) to enable faster and higher-quality production of prosthetics.

He described the initiative as part of a broader government response to demographic change, noting that Malaysians aged 65 and above now account for 8.0 per cent of the population as of 2025.

“Outreach programmes are extremely important to ensure that no one is left behind, especially among vulnerable or high-risk groups,” he said.

“We want to ensure that healthcare services and attention are delivered comprehensively, with a focus on the elderly, the frail, persons with disabilities and those living in remote areas,” he added. - April 26, 2026