Dental Doctors' Equity At The Public Health Center Is The Focus Of The East Java Provincial Government

JAKARTA - The East Java Provincial Government is encouraging equal distribution of dentists in all health centers as part of strengthening primary health services, especially in the field of dental and oral health.

This step is considered important to ensure that all people, including in remote areas, have equal and quality access to services.

The Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, revealed that currently there are still 45 health centers that do not yet have dentists. To overcome this, he has coordinated with regents and mayors to immediately place dental health workers in empty facilities.

Based on data from the Health HR Information System (SISDMK) as of March 30, 2025, not all health centers in East Java have the completeness of nine types of medical and medical personnel, including dentists. In fact, the total number of dentists registered in health care facilities in this province reached 8,031 people.

Khofifah also invited the Indonesian Dental Association (PDGI) to collaborate with local governments to overcome various challenges in the health sector of teeth and mouth. According to him, these efforts must be carried out comprehensively, ranging from education, promotion of clean and healthy living behavior, to distribution of medical personnel.

"The transformation of the health system emphasizes the importance of a promotive and preventive approach. This is where the role of PDGI becomes very crucial," said Khofifah.

He also encouraged dentists to continue to strengthen the collaborative spirit to advance the world of dentistry in Indonesia. According to him, the active involvement of medical personnel plays a very important role in improving the quality of life of the community as well as producing a healthy and superior generation in the future.

"The government cannot move on its own. Solid cooperation is needed between all parties, especially medical and professional staff," he said.

Khofifah added that efforts to improve health services must also be accompanied by strengthening the health insurance system, utilizing medical technology, and solving basic problems such as stunting and maternal and child health, which are still significant challenges in the future.