There are not enough dentists in Madagascar. Data shared by the National Order of Odonto-Stomatologists of Madagascar (ONOS) indicates a ratio of one dentist for every 32,000 inhabitants on the Great Island, whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) benchmark is one dentist for every 10,000 inhabitants. This shortage of dental surgeons remains a major challenge for access to oral healthcare in the country.
In addition to the lack of dentists, the high cost of treatments and equipment, as well as difficulties in accessing care in certain regions, further complicate the situation. Malagasy oral health professionals are banking on cooperation with their counterparts in the Indian Ocean region through the Indian Ocean Dental Congress, which will be held for two days on October 30 and 31, 2026.
For Dr. Daniel Rabemananjara, President of the ONOS, the number of practitioners remains largely insufficient for a growing population. Training is also a key issue, as capacities remain limited, with only one training facility for dental surgeons in the Indian Ocean: the Institute of Tropical Odonto-Stomatology of Madagascar (IOSTM) in Mahajanga.
This situation makes prevention all the more important, as it is considered one of the most effective ways to limit dental problems, the ONOS president explained on Thursday in Andraharo. “Delayed access to care can lead to more complex and expensive treatments. Raising public awareness is therefore an essential pillar,” he emphasized.
However, the difficulties do not only concern access to practitioners. In several areas of the East Coast, particularly between Toamasina, Vangaindrano, and Vohipeno, environmental factors are also cited as potentially influencing oral health. The low content of certain minerals in drinking water, as well as the issue of fluoride, are among the concerns raised by professionals.
Faced with these challenges, Malagasy professionals have chosen to strengthen cooperation with their counterparts in the Indian Ocean region through the Indian Ocean Dental Congress. A first for Madagascar, this event will bring together approximately 3,000 participants, more than 20 speakers, nearly 40 stands, and over 40 conferences given by professionals from Madagascar, Reunion Island, Comoros, Seychelles, and Mauritius, as well as actors from India and China. It will be held at the International Conference Center (CCI) in Ivato on October 30 and 31, 2026.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-28 14:38:39 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/sante-bucco-dentaire-un-dentiste-pour-32-000-habitants-madagascar-face-a-un-deficit-criant-en-soins-dentaires/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sante-bucco-dentaire-un-dentiste-pour-32-000-habitants-madagascar-face-a-un-deficit-criant-en-soins-dentaires