DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSION

DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSION

1.0 DENTAL PRACTITIONER

1.1 New Dental Officer Programme (NDOP)

First introduced in 2017, this program is a structured program specially developed to train newly appointed officers within one (1) year from the date of appointment. In addition to being an orientation platform for the world of work and giving exposure to officers about dental services, this program also provides adequate and appropriate training for officers to be able to provide safe and quality dental healthcare services to patients.

During the one (1) year period, officers will undergo training in primary dental clinics and specialist dental clinics namely Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry in identified hospitals.

Newly appointed dental officers involved are required to complete a Log Book which can be downloaded via this link:

The achievements of officers during the NDOP period will be evaluated and contribute to the selection of officers for permanent appointment.

1.2 In-Service Training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

In-Service Training (LDP) aims at the continuous development of human capital which is a core agenda for the success of the organization and the country. Accordingly, every dental practitioner is responsible for continuously improving the level of knowledge, skills and competence.

i) Continuous Professional Development (Continuing Professional Development- CPD)

CPD is a systematic continuous learning program that contributes to the increase of knowledge, skills and experience which can improve the professionalism of dental practitioners in their respective fields. Each CPD activity followed and carried out qualifies each dental practitioner to be awarded CPD points.

In accordance with the Dental Act 2018, the accumulation of CPD points is required for the renewal of Annual Practice Certificate (APC) and Temporary Practice Certificate (TPC) to practice in Malaysia. All dental practitioners practicing in Malaysia are subject to these conditions including those who work on a contract basis.

Each dental practitioner can refer to the CPD Credit Points System for Dental Practitioners guidelines as a reference to determine the category and amount of CPD points that can be claimed. The guidelines can be accessed through the following link: https://www.mycpd2.moh.gov.my

ii) myCPD system (online)

Monitoring of CPD activities carried out is important to ensure the implementation of quality CPD with the involvement of dental practitioners in various categories of CPD activities. Accordingly, the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) has developed an online CPD monitoring system known as myCPD. This system allows dental practitioners at KKM to record CPD activities in an online logbook and claim CPD points based on the specified categories. This website can be reached via the link: https://www.mycpd2.moh.gov.my

iii) Public Sector E-Learning

Public Sector E-Learning (EPSA) is a website portal that provides online courses from various categories and specialized fields for civil servants. EPSA is an initiative of the Malaysian Government and the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) to encourage the use of technology (information and communication technology - ICT) among civil servants for the purpose of continuous learning as well as increasing opportunities and access to knowledge and training continuously throughout life. This website can be accessed through the following link: www.epsa.gov.my

1.3 Study and Sponsored Leave

Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) dental officers/specialists who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for study leave either with sponsorship or self-financing for the purpose of competency development and career advancement to pursue Master's/Doctoral (Ph.D)/Area of Special Interest studies . The categories of study leave for studies that can be applied for the dental officer scheme are:

Fully Paid Study Leave with Federal Training Grant (CBBP with HLP) for domestic and foreign courses (for dental specialties not offered Domestically); OR
Fully Paid Study Leave without Federal Training Grant (CBBP without HLP) for domestic and foreign courses; OR
Study Leave Without Pay

All these applications must be submitted to the Training Management Division (BPL) of the Ministry of Health. More information on the Study Leave Guide in general can be found on the website of the Training Management Division (BPL), MoH which is http://latihan.moh.gov.my/

In addition to HLP sponsorship, MOH officers/dentists can also apply for external sponsorship/scholarships such as state government scholarships and study funding by the People's Trust Council (MARA).

https://www.mara.gov.my/bm/pendidikan/pembiayaan-pelajaran/peringkat-pasca-siswazah/

Click here for frequently asked questions regarding scholarship applications for dental officers

Click here for the Dental Health Program policy to support any appeals related to study leave applications (under development)

1.4 Dental Specialist Gazette

Dental officers at the Ministry of Health Malaysia who have a recognized advanced dental degree must be gazetted as Specialist Officers in accordance with Order 27 Chapter F of the General Orders.

Click here for the Guidelines for Gazetted Dentists in the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

Click here for frequently asked questions related to areas of expertise.

Click here for a list of advanced degrees recognized by the Malaysian Government.

Click here for dental specialist registration requirements with the Malaysian Dental Council.

2.0 DENTAL AUXILIARY

Dental auxiliaries include Dental Surgical Assistants, Dental Therapists and Dental Technologists. Training for dental assistants is divided into pre-service training and advanced courses (post-basik).

i. Pre-Service Training

The Ministry of Health's Training Management Division is responsible for the dental auxiliary training which is managed by the Training Institute of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (ILKKM). The course offers are advertised by the Malaysian Public Service Commission as:

Certificate-level Paramedical Training (Dental Surgery Assistant Training)
Diploma Level Semi-Medical Training (Dental Technologist Training)
Diploma Level Semi-Medical Training (Dental Therapist Training)

More information about this training can be found on the Official Portal of the Public Service Commission and the Official Portal of ILKKM (Dentistry) Georgetown through the links below:

https://www.spa.gov.my/spa/panduan/kelayakan/latihan-separa-perubatan

http://ppkkklpm.moh.gov.my/v3/index.php/my/mengenai-institusi/tawaran-kursus/basik

ii. Advanced Course Training (post-basik)

Dental Therapists and Dental Technologists who are interested can apply to undergo advanced courses (Post-based training) according to the field offered in the current year. The offer advertisement will be issued by the Ministry of Health's Training Management Division. However, the areas of course offerings are dependent on current service requirements. More information about this advanced course can be found through this link: http://ppkkklpm.moh.gov.my/v3/index.php/my/mengenai-institusi/tawaran-kursus/pos-basik