Nearly 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s adult population has never visited a dental clinic, health officials have disclosed, highlighting ongoing challenges in public oral health. 

Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni emphasised that, despite advancements in the sector, access to dental care remains unequal across different regions and communities.

Speaking at the national event commemorating World Oral Health Day held recently at Galle Face Green, he pointed out that many individuals tend to seek dental treatment only after symptoms become severe. 

This pattern underscores a significant lack of public awareness and insufficient emphasis on early detection and preventive care.

Dr. Wijemuni stressed the importance of enhancing awareness programmes and strengthening the health system’s capacity to identify dental issues at an early stage.

He called for increased efforts to educate the public on maintaining oral health and ensuring timely intervention to prevent more serious conditions.