KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak is looking to establish a more permanent dental health presence on campus through a strategic partnership with the Kota Samarahan Divisional Dental Health Office.
Rector Professor, Dr Firdaus Abdullah, proposed the establishment of a regular rotation for dentists to serve the university’s growing student population.
“We have a dedicated dental room equipped with the necessary facilities and consumable items.
“We hope to reach an arrangement with the Samarahan Divisional Dental Health Office to station dentists here on a monthly or quarterly basis to ensure our students have consistent access to essential dental services,” he said during the officiating ceremony of the World Oral Health Day 2026 programme today (April 30).
The programme drew the participation of about 40 dentists, reflecting strong support for oral health awareness efforts in the division.
Dr Firdaus highlighted that such collaborations serve a dual purpose: providing clinical services while fostering a spirit of volunteerism among students.
“We want to produce talents who are not only academically proficient but ready to serve the nation and the community.
“If the health office requires volunteers for their outreach programmes in areas like Gedong, our students and staff are more than ready to assist,” he added.
Expanding on the university’s commitment to community impact, Dr Firdaus suggested that future dental awareness campaigns be extended to other campuses, including the Mukah campus, which houses 2,000 students.
He also encouraged the dental health office to open such programmes to the general public when held at the university, allowing the community to benefit from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“The very existence of a university is defined by its collaboration with stakeholders and its impact on the surrounding society. We will continue to support these initiatives, whether through resources, volunteers or facilities,” he said.
