MOH Announces New Dental Regulations Effective From 2022

The Dental Act 2018 will now confer more authority upon enforcement officers in curbing illegal dentistry to safeguard the general public.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 – The Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced a new set of Dental Regulations which will be largely enforced from January 1, 2022.

New regulations under the Dental Act 2018 (Act 804) provide for the establishment of the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) and the Malaysian Board of Dental Therapists, the inclusion of the register for dental specialists and dental therapists, as well as new rules on dental practice which were not covered in the old Dental Act 1971 (Act 51).

“The (new) Act, which contains nine parts and 104 sections, requires only qualified, competent, and registered practitioners to provide dental services. With this, the quality of dental services and patient safety are guaranteed, which increase the public’s overall confidence and trust in dental services,” Khairy said in a statement today.

One of the new provisions in the Dental Act 2018 is the introduction of the Professional Qualifying Examination as part of the registration process for dentists, dental specialists, and dental therapists. 

Other new additions in the Act include points collection for continuing professional development (CPD) and professional indemnity cover for a practising certificate application and enforcement in dental practice.

All dental graduates who wish to register with the MDC must pass the Professional Qualification Examination. For those who have approvals listed in the Second Schedule of the Dental Act 1971, they are allowed to register with the MDC without the need to sit for the Professional Qualification Examination. 

This permission only applies for a period of five years from the date the Act comes into force, i.e. from January 1, 2022, until December 31, 2026. Under this Act, a dentist who is registered with the MDC may choose to perform compulsory services in public or private services.

Dentists with a postgraduate qualification that is approved by the MDC may apply to be registered as a dental specialist in any 12 dental specialist fields beginning in February 2022.

The Act also stipulates that legal action can be taken against dental practices that do not comply with the provisions of the Act, especially the practice of illegal dentistry.

The Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) has welcomed the much-awaited Dental Regulations that were gazetted on December 7, 2021.

It said the Dental Act 2018 will now confer more authority upon enforcement officers in curbing illegal dentistry to safeguard the general public. 

The MDA has been informed that the Dental Act 2018 will be enforced in stages to ensure a smooth transition for those who are practising, and those who are currently still pursuing their studies.

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