The Indonesian Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, recently sparked controversy by proposing to develop the capacity of tukang gigi (unlicensed dental technicians) to address the country’s shortage of dentists.
His statement drew criticism from the public, particularly professional dental associations, as the term tukang gigi refers to individuals without formal medical education.
In response to the controversy, the Ministry of Health later clarified that the term was referring to dental and oral therapists, a group of trained dental nurses with formal education.
Professor Suryono, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), criticized the idea of allowing tukang gigi to practice at community health centers (puskesmas), warning of the potential risks to patient safety due to their lack of a health science background.
“Tukang gigi are not classified as health professionals,” said Professor Suryono in a statement to reporters on Tuesday (Apr. 22).
To address the shortage of dentists in remote areas, he urged the Ministry of Health to thoroughly review data on the number and distribution of active dentists across all healthcare facilities, especially puskesmas.
He noted that most health professionals are currently concentrated in Java.
“The majority of dental graduates remain in areas near universities that have dental schools,” he explained.
He also emphasized the need for the government to support the establishment of dental faculties at universities outside Java.
In addition to addressing the human resource gap, health facilities across the country must also be equipped with adequate tools and infrastructure.
Professor Suryono suggested that cooperation between the Ministry of Health and dental faculties could be a viable solution.
“Dental faculties at various universities, I believe, are ready to assist the government in addressing the challenges of equitable distribution and fulfillment of dental healthcare personnel,” he said.
In response to the Ministry of Health’s findings of widespread dental cavities through free health screenings, Professor Suryono stressed that the government should focus on curative efforts and prioritize promotive and preventive measures.
He recommended involving professional organizations to carry out existing programs.
“This is especially important when it comes to policy decisions that impact the public. These professional organizations have branches across regions, so ideally, the policies implemented will reach communities evenly,” the professor concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Illustration: Freepik