Jakarta, April 14 -- The Health Ministry is working to increase the number of dentists nationwide, employing strategies such as expanding dental student quotas and implementing special assignments for dentists in underserved regions.

"In 2022, we increased the number of dental faculties from 32 to 38 across the country, allowing for a greater intake of dental students," stated head of the ministry's communication and public service bureau Aji Muhawarman on Monday.

"We are also providing internship programs for dental graduates and implementing special assignment programs to place dentists, particularly in remote, border, and island areas," Muhawarman said.

He explained that these efforts are in response to findings from free health che...