Its president, Dr S Sarsilan, said Malaysia was facing an alarming rate of preventable oral diseases, with many unable to afford treatment or forced to endure long waiting times at government clinics.
In a statement, he said the current reliance on out-of-pocket payments put dental care out of reach for many, with basic procedures such as scaling, fillings and extractions costing between RM100 and RM500. Dentures and root canal treatments can cost significantly more.
Sarsilan said the group was proposing a scheme to be known as “My Gigi Care” with an annual allocation of RM250 to RM500 per citizen, starting with the B40 group, followed by M40, and with the goal of achieving coverage for all Malaysians.
Services would include scaling, fillings, extractions, dentures, oral cancer screening and oral hygiene education. Treatment could be obtained at public clinics and participating private dental practices.
He said similar schemes in Singapore, Australia and New Zealand had shown positive outcomes and reduced inequality in access to dental care.
Sarsilan added that the association was ready to work with the health and finance ministries, as well as private stakeholders, to pilot the “My Gigi Care” programme in underserved areas next year, with the aim of rolling it out nationwide.
“Many in the B40 and M40 groups are delaying or skipping treatment entirely. This not only worsens their oral health but also affects job productivity and increases the risk of other health issues,” he said.
“Oral health is an essential but often overlooked aspect of general health. Without intervention, we risk further burdening our healthcare system with preventable conditions.”
Sarsilan cited health ministry data showing that nearly 89% of adults suffered from tooth decay while 94% had some form of gum disease.
Among 12-year-olds, up to 42% have experienced dental caries. He said oral cancer was the third most common cancer among Malaysian Indians.
He said preventive care would lead to long-term savings, noting that every ringgit invested could save up to RM7 in future treatment costs.
“Good oral health means fewer school absences for children, better nutrition among the elderly, and improved productivity in the workforce.”
Sarsilan also proposed that the scheme be integrated with the MySejahtera app or a similar platform to monitor usage and maintain digital dental records.