March 10, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has launched Sri Lanka’s Fifth National Oral Health Survey today (10), marking the start of a comprehensive study aimed at assessing the dental health status of people across the country.
Health authorities said the survey will continue until the end of November 2026 and will be conducted in every district of the island. The initiative is expected to gather detailed information on common oral health issues, treatment needs and overall dental care practices among different age groups.
As part of the programme, trained medical teams will visit selected schools and households to collect data through examinations and questionnaires. Officials explained that the findings will help policymakers identify trends in dental diseases and improve future public health programmes related to oral care.
The study is also intended to provide updated national data on conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems, which health experts say remain common among both children and adults in Sri Lanka.
Specialist Dr. Nilantha Ratnayake, the Principal Investigator of the survey, urged members of the public to cooperate with the doctors and health workers involved in the fieldwork. He emphasised that participation from students, parents and households is essential for obtaining accurate results that truly reflect the country’s oral health situation.
According to the Health Ministry, the information gathered during the survey will play a key role in shaping future dental health policies, strengthening preventive programmes and improving access to oral healthcare services nationwide.