Department of Health and Lion (Thailand) Continue the “Healthy Teeth for Thai Children” Project into Its Second Year

The Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with Lion Corporation (Thailand) Ltd., is continuing the “Lion–Department of Health: Healthy Teeth for Thai Children Project” into its second year, reinforcing its commitment to systematically promoting oral health among Thai children. The initiative integrates collaboration at the local level, strengthens knowledge development, and expands access to preventive dental care services, with the goal of building a strong foundation for better oral health and improving the long-term quality of life of children across Thailand.

Dr. Amporn Benjapholpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, said that the successful implementation of the Healthy Teeth Province Sandbox Model across 13 pilot provinces has clearly demonstrated the power of multi-sector collaboration in driving tangible improvements in children's oral health. The project has fostered integrated cooperation among public health agencies, educational institutions, and local administrative organizations, while strengthening the capabilities of healthcare personnel, childcare providers, and parents to jointly establish a sustainable and comprehensive oral healthcare system.

“The success of this initiative extends beyond increasing children's access to dental services. More importantly, it has helped cultivate knowledge, practical skills, and positive oral healthcare behaviours that will benefit children throughout their lives. The Department of Health remains committed to supporting this initiative on a continuous basis and firmly believes that expanding the Lion–Department of Health: Healthy Teeth for Thai Children Project into its second year will further strengthen the foundation of oral health among Thai children and contribute to our shared vision of a cavity-free future for Thailand's children” she said.

Mr. Chart Chanvijitr, President of Lion Corporation (Thailand) Limited, said that Lion's corporate purpose “Lion is not just a manufacturer of FMCG products, but a leading innovator that cares for the quality of life in people’s daily lives”. The company firmly believes that good oral health is one of the most important foundations of a good quality of life, particularly for children and young people who represent the future of the nation.

“The success of the Healthy Teeth Province Sandbox Model and the LION Smile Express project have proven that collaboration between the public and private sectors, together with our network partners, delivers tangible and lasting benefits to Thai society. Lion is committed to leveraging its innovations and expertise in oral healthcare to expand access to quality dental care for children across the country, ensuring they grow up healthier and stronger.” he said.

Over the past year, the Lion–Department of Health: Healthy Teeth for Thai Children Project has implemented the Healthy Teeth Province Sandbox Model as a prototype for integrated community-based oral healthcare. The initiative has brought together government agencies, educational institutions, local administrative organizations, and partner networks to ensure that Thai children have equitable access to quality oral healthcare services.

The programme has also been strengthened through the LION Smile Express, now entering its third consecutive year. The mobile dental clinic delivers preventive dental services directly to communities and schools, helping overcome barriers to accessing oral healthcare for children and residents in underserved areas throughout the country. Over the past two years, the LION Smile Express Mobile Dental Clinic has provided services at 53 locations, benefiting 4,474 people nationwide.

In its second year, the Lion–Department of Health: Healthy Teeth for Thai Children Project will build upon its previous achievements while further expanding efforts to establish a stronger and more sustainable oral health promotion system. The project aims to ensure that Thai children enjoy brighter smiles, better overall health, and an improved quality of life for years to come.