The Royal Dental Unit under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King

Background and Significance

The Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, received royal permission to establish the Royal Dental Unit under His Majesty the King's Patronage on February 10, 1999. The unit was founded to carry forward His Majesty's vision and commitment to improving the oral health of the Thai people, particularly children with disabilities, Buddhist monks, students, and underserved populations living in remote and hard-to-reach communities.

His Majesty expressed deep concern for individuals suffering from oral health problems, especially those experiencing dental pain but lacking access to treatment due to geographical barriers and limited healthcare resources. In response to this concern, the Royal Dental Unit was established to provide dental services and promote oral health among vulnerable populations throughout Thailand.

The Royal Dental Unit conducts outreach missions twice annually within the university’s service area and an additional 6–10 missions each year in remote and underserved communities. These activities are financially supported by the Dental Innovation Foundation under Royal Patronage through the Royal Dental Fund in Honor of His Majesty the King.

History and Development

During its initial years, the Royal Dental Unit focused on providing preventive and restorative dental care using the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) technique. The primary target groups included preschool children, children with disabilities attending remote schools, and individuals with limited access to dental services.

The unit's first dental outreach mission was conducted on October 21, 1999, at Ban Laem Hospital, Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi Province. The mission was organized in collaboration with the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation (PMMV) to commemorate National Dental Public Health Day.

Since then, the Royal Dental Unit has continuously expanded its outreach activities. Recognizing the importance of community oral health and the widespread burden of dental disease, the unit has organized numerous outreach programs both within and beyond the university’s service area. The number of patients receiving dental examinations and treatment has steadily increased over the years.

Achievements and Impact

Patient satisfaction with services provided by the Royal Dental Unit has consistently exceeded 80% across all outreach programs. Annual satisfaction surveys indicate that overall service quality remains at a very high level. Many communities have repeatedly requested the unit's return to provide continuing dental outreach services.

The number of patients receiving dental examinations, preventive care, and treatment continues to increase each year, reflecting the growing impact and importance of the Royal Dental Unit's activities in improving oral health among underserved populations

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its success, the Royal Dental Unit continues to face several operational challenges. These include a limited number of participating dentists, shortages of chairside assistants and support personnel, difficulties in coordinating with local stakeholders prior to mission deployment, and insufficient personnel responsible for preparing, sterilizing, and managing instruments and equipment required for comprehensive dental care delivery.

The Faculty of Dentistry remains committed to strengthening the Royal Dental Unit’s capacity and expanding its outreach activities to ensure that quality dental care remains accessible to underserved populations throughout Thailand.

Objectives of the Establishment of the Dental Innovation Foundation under Royal Patronage

The objectives of the Foundation are as follows:

1. To carry forward the royal initiatives, aspirations, and benevolence of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great in promoting the oral health and well-being of the Thai people.

2. To honor and preserve the legacy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great by promoting awareness of His lifelong dedication and contributions to improving the oral health of the Thai population.

3. To support and strengthen the operations of the Royal Dental Unit under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King.

4. To conduct and support research, development, and production of dental instruments, materials, equipment, medicines, and health-related products for public benefit, as well as facilitate technology transfer for the production and dissemination of such innovations.

5. To promote the professional and academic development of the Foundation’s personnel through the appropriate application of technology and innovation in education, research, and community service related to oral health.

6. To encourage and support individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions in the development of dental inventions and innovations, including those derived from Thai wisdom and local knowledge.

7. To undertake and support public oral health initiatives that contribute to the well-being of society and the nation.

8. To collaborate with government agencies, private organizations, and charitable institutions in activities that promote public welfare and social benefit.

9. To remain politically neutral and refrain from involvement in political activities.