The Malé City Group of Hospitals is preparing to introduce dental implant and dental crowning services as part of efforts to expand specialised oral healthcare and reduce the cost of treatment for patients.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Government Dental Services, Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem said the services are currently obtained at significant expense, placing a financial burden on many patients. He said introducing dental implant and crowning services at the Malé City Group of Hospitals has been identified as a priority to improve access to affordable dental care.

Haleem said oral healthcare remains one of the most important components of overall health and quality of life, while noting that it often does not receive the attention it deserves despite advances in the field of dentistry.

He also said the hospital's dental team has the expertise to further expand specialist dental services in the Maldives. As part of those efforts, the Group is working to introduce sedation dentistry and further develop its dental laboratory.

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients remain calm and comfortable during dental procedures. The treatment is commonly used for patients with dental anxiety, low pain tolerance or conditions that make it difficult to undergo routine dental treatment.