Dental Act 2018 to be in force effective January 1, says Khairy

PUTRAJAYA – The Dental Act 2018 (Act 804) will be in force effective January 1 next year to replace the Dental Act 1971 (Act 51), which has regulated the practice of dentistry for the past 50 years.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said in line with the developments and technology in dentistry, a new act with a wider jurisdiction of provisions is needed to cover all aspects in the latest dentistry practices.

The act – which contains nine divisions and 104 sections – stipulates that only qualified, competent, and professional practitioners will be registered and qualified to provide dental services.

“With this, the quality and safety of dental service is guaranteed, boosting the confidence and trust of the people in the dental service,” he said in a statement today.

Act 804 provides for the setting up of the Malaysian Dental Council and Malaysian Dental Therapists Board; regulation of dental practices; and other related matters. 

The act also enables enforcement to be taken against dental practices that do not comply with provisions of the act – especially illegal dental practices, he said.

According to Khairy, among the new provisions of the act is the Professional Qualifying Examination for the purpose of registering dentists, dental specialists, and dental therapists.

It also provides the need to collect points for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Professional Indemnity Cover for practising certificate applications and enforcement in dental practices.

“It is mandatory for all practitioners to collect CPD points and obtain the Professional Indemnity Cover before renewing their practising certificate. Nevertheless, this provision will only be enforced on January 1, 2025,” said Khairy.

In the meantime, Khairy said all dentistry graduates who wish to register with the Malaysian Dentistry Council must ensure that they pass the Professional Qualifying Examination.

Those with qualifications – listed in the Second Schedule of Act 51 – are allowed to register with the Malaysian Dental Council, without having to sit for the Professional Qualifying Examination.

He said this approval is only valid for a five-year period from the date the act is enforced – from January 1 next year, until December 31, 2026.

“Under this act, dentists registered with the Malaysian Dental Council can opt to undergo their compulsory services in the public or private sector,” he said.

Dentists with postdegree specialist qualifications approved by the council can apply to be registered as dental specialists in any 12 dental specialties beginning February next year, he added.

Among the specialties listed currently are oral and maxillofacial surgeries, paediatric dentistry, conservative surgery, and orthodontics.

Further information on the enforcement of Act 804 can be obtained by contacting the Health Ministry Dental Health Programme through email or the Malaysian Dental Council. – Bernama, December 10, 2021