DENTISTS from foreign countries now have a further reason to come to Singapore for advanced clinical training.

As part of Singapore's push to be a dental hub, the Ministry of Health will start an accreditation scheme for private dental groups that - for the first time - will allow even dentists without a degree recognised here to treat and manage patients as part of their training.

The accreditation scheme will ensure that proper standards of instruction and the necessary facilities are in place, said Associate Professor Patrick Tseng, chief dental officer at the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Many dentists from abroad come here to work in private dental groups and pay to be trained in the latest techniques and the use of sophisticated equipment not available in their home countries.

These dentists generally come from neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, said Prof Tseng.

At the end of their training stint, they typically gain accreditation or a licence to instruct from the manufacturers of the systems and machines, not from the Government.

But until now, they would not have been allowed to treat patients if they did not have a degree recognised here.

The accreditation scheme will change that and ensures that they will be under the supervision of Singaporean experts.

In turn, patients will enjoy subsidised rates if treated by these trainees.

Prof Tseng was speaking to reporters at the opening of Q&M Dental Group's latest branch at City Square Mall yesterday. The 1,114-sq m facility is also the biggest dental clinic here.

Q&M Dental Group will apply to be part of the accreditation scheme, said its chief executive officer, Dr Ng Chin Siau.

"It helps to increase the profile of the company among both foreign dentists and patients," he said.

Another dental group that aims to join the scheme is GPA Holdings, said its managing director, Dr Wilson Goh.

Some GPA dentists are certified to train local and foreign dentists, in how to operate a tooth implant system invented by a professor at the University of Frankfurt.

Dr Goh said of the accreditation scheme: "The scheme will allow our courses to incorporate a hands-on component for our foreign trainees. This has not been possible until now."

MOH is in the process of formulating the accreditation criteria, which may be ready some time in the second quarter, said Prof Tseng.

It will invite interested dental groups here to sign up after that, he said.

cheryll@sph.com.sg

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