The Oral Health Professionals Association of Ghana (OHPAG) is calling on the Ministry of Health and the government to immediately recruit Registered Dental Surgery Assistants (DSAs) to help alleviate the shortage of oral health professionals across the country.
The group says that DSAs, despite being trained and licensed by the Ministry, have not been posted to health facilities since 2019—a situation they describe as a “significant oversight.”
“These professionals play a vital role in Ghana’s dental clinics,” stated Shaibu Issifu, President of OHPAG. “Their work includes assisting with dental surgeries and procedures, preparing for various operations, and providing necessary post-operative care. It’s a tremendous waste of talent and taxpayer resources for them to remain unemployed for over five years.”
The call for DSA recruitment comes amid rising concerns about oral health case in Ghana.
According to Oral Health Professionals Association of Ghana ,one in two Ghanaians suffers from conditions like periodontal disease or dental caries, putting extra pressure on an already stretched workforce.
Shaibu Issifu explained that,the shortage of DSAs is forcing some clinics to rely on unlicensed personnel, which is against Ghana’s health laws.
“Some facilities are now resorting to using unqualified personnel to mitigate the shortage, which not only jeopardizes patient safety but violates Act 857 of 2012, the legal framework governing dental practice in Ghana,” he said.
OHPAG also expressed frustration over perceived discrepancies in how health professionals are treated, noting that other Ministry of Health-trained professionals, particularly general nurses, have received multiple rounds of financial clearance since 2020.
“It’s disheartening.While our counterparts in nursing have been granted financial clearance, DSAs have been overlooked time and again. This disparity in treatment is unfair, and it’s high time the government takes action.” he said
The group argues that recruiting DSAs could play a critical role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which promotes good health and well-being for all.
“Dental health is a key component of overall well-being,” Issifu said. “Recruiting DSAs would be a game-changer in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare delivery system and meeting SDG 3 targets by 2030.”
OHPAG is urging the Ministry of Health to fast-track the financial clearance needed to facilitate the immediate posting of DSAs.
“Our healthcare facilities are stretched, and the oral health sector, in particular, needs all the help it can get,” Issifu concluded. “The government must act without delay to bring these qualified professionals into our health system, for the benefit of Ghanaians and the country’s public health goals.”
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
